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AFR STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS

Safe and reliable alternative fuels and raw materials (AFR) storage systems designed to buffer material flow, protect fuel quality and support continuous operation in cement and lime production, waste processing and energy facilities.

CONTROLLED STORAGE OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS AND RAW MATERIALS

AFR storage serves as a buffer between raw materials reception and downstream processing, ensuring continuous fuel availability while maintaining stable, controlled storage conditions.

Across cement plants, waste-to-energy facilities and other energy-intensive industries, the storage of AFR must accommodate significant variability in moisture, particle size, bulk density and calorific value. Without controlled storage systems, material segregation, compaction or degradation can adversely affect downstream handling and combustion stability.

BEUMER Group delivers AFR storage systems that stabilise fuel streams, optimise buffer capacity and support reliable downstream conveying and feeding operations.

KEY CHALLENGES IN AFR STORAGE

Alternative fuels present unique challenges during reception and unloading due to their high variability and environmental sensitivity.

  • Unpredictable discharge behaviour

    Bridging, compaction and inconsistent flow can disrupt downstream feeding and affect process stability.

  • Fuel quality degradation

    Segregation, moisture migration and uneven blending can reduce material consistency.

  • Self-heating and explosion risk

    Stored alternative fuels require controlled environments and continuous monitoring to mitigate safety hazards.

  • Space and capacity issues

    Sufficient storage volume must be achieved without excessive civil works or layout constraints.

  • Ensuring uninterrupted operation

    Storage systems must support continuous plant operation without becoming a bottleneck.

ACHIEVING PREDICTABLE DISCHARGE AND CONTINUOUS OPERATION

This requires controlled material flow across the entire storage volume. Storage concepts must prevent the formation of dead zones, minimise compaction and enable uniform reclaim conditions, ensuring that discharge behaviour remains stable even with variable fuel properties.

Storage must also preserve material integrity over time. This means limiting segregation, managing moisture effects and enabling controlled blending where required to maintain consistent fuel characteristics.

Finally, storage systems must combine safety and operational continuity. Enclosed designs, monitoring and automation ensure that risks such as self-heating and dust accumulation are mitigated, while maintaining uninterrupted operation within the available plant footprint.

BEUMER STORAGE SYSTEMS: ENGINEERED FOR STABILITY AND SAFETY

BEUMER Group delivers alternative fuels storage solutions designed to meet demanding operational requirements in continuous material handling systems across multiple industrial environments.

For various fuel streams, enclosed storage areas equipped with automated crane systems provide flexible and controlled material handling. The BG OptiMac overhead crane for large storage halls enables full-area stacking, blending and reclaiming of material to ensure uniform distribution and consistent discharge behaviour. For more compact or linear layouts, the BG OptiMac Mono monorail crane offers a space-efficient alternative, delivering precise, automated material movement with reduced structural complexity. In both configurations, pre-programmed handling cycles and level sensor inputs support controlled material distribution and reliable downstream supply.

For defined or homogeneous fractions, Silos provide compact and protected storage with optimised flow geometry and controlled extraction. Integrated monitoring systems, including temperature surveillance and explosion protection measures, enhance safety and compliance.

By combining mechanical robustness, automated handling and system integration, BEUMER Group delivers integrated AFR storage systems that stabilise fuel supply, protect material quality and support reliable industrial operation.

BENEFITS OF BEUMER AFR STORAGE SOLUTIONS


  • Predictable discharge performance



    Engineered storage systems reduce bridging, compaction and irregular flow, protecting downstream feeding stability.



  • Stable fuel quality over time



    Automated stacking and blending help minimise segregation and support consistent combustion conditions.


  • Operational flexibility



    Adaptable to different truck types, delivery conditions and fuel compositions.


  • Reduced fire and safety risk



    Enclosed designs, temperature monitoring and integral explosion protection enhance operational safety.


  • Optimised buffer capacity



    Flexible hall and silo configurations maximise storage volume within the available footprint.


  • Uninterrupted 24/7 operation



    Automated handling and robust design minimise manual intervention and reduce downtime risk.


  • Lower lifecycle cost



    Durable construction and planned maintenance strategies support long-term availability and cost control.

EXPLORE OUR AFR STORAGE SYSTEMS

  • Automated overhead crane

    Design description:

    • Fully automated double-girder crane with completely independent control system
    • Advanced grab stabilisation in upper position allows for faster acceleration and deceleration
    • Continuous live monitoring and tracking of stock for quantity and temperature

    Features:

    • Bridge span: < 30 m (rail-to-rail)
    • Lifting height: < 35 m
    • Crane load capacity: 8 – 12.5 metric tons
    • Manipulator travel: 60 – 100 m/min
    • Trolley travel: 50 – 80 m/min
    • Lift travel: 40 – 60 m/min
    • Bucket grab: 6 – 12 m³
    • Polyp grab: 6 – 10 m³

Ready to optimise your raw materials and alternative fuels storage?

Whether you are upgrading existing storage or planning a new facility, BEUMER Group supports the design of reliable, safe and efficient storage systems tailored to your operation.
Claus Weyhofen - Head of Sales Cement

Do you have any questions?

Your Contact Person

Claus Weyhofen

Head of Sales Cement

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Phone

+49 (2521) 24 3976