In 2009, UNIDENSE® Technology GmbH introduces a new loading system which automates the conventional UNIDENSE® method. The UNILOADER® with its innovative features including automatic rope winch, catalyst conveyor belt and both being synchronized to achieve desired density. It has also built-in active dust removal mechanism. In summary, the UNILOADER® is a machine to automatically load reformer tubes with catalyst using the UNIDENSE® principle.
The UNILOADER® brings new benefits to the UNIDENSE® technology. The possibility for human error is eliminated as all tubes are loaded consistently, resulting in higher uniformity and reducing the pressure drop variation to +/- 3% (For new reformers, = +/- 2% is possible). Attached vacuum cleaner and carefully designed air flow ensures dust-free loading.
Extra UNILOADER® benefits:
- Human failure eliminated
- Improved uniform pressure drop variation +/- 3%
- Faster reformer loading (up to 20% faster as manuell)
- Highly uniform loading
- Dust-free loading
Comparison: conventional UNIDENSE® vs. UNILOADER®
| UNIDENSE® | UNILOADER® |
| Two technicians required to operate the rope and loading funnel | Only one Supervisor can operate two UNILOADER® |
| dP guarantee +/- 5% | dP guarantee +/- 3% |
| Batch loading as the activity pauses when changing buckets | Continuous catalyst loading |
| Dust removal passively | Active de-dusting capability |
| High human error possibility | Eliminates human error |