How gates are used at the Vopak Terminal BV Limited in West Thurrock, Essex.
Vopak Terminal BV Limited in West Thurrock, Essex is a Thames-side terminal with about 125 tanks storing petroleum products and chemicals. With hazardous products on site, safety and security are a top priority, and access control is vital to manage and monitor the safe flow of around 300 vehicles through the terminal every day, including road tankers using the loading facilities. Electro-hydraulic barriers from FAAC are part of a fully integrated security system. Barriers from FAAC?s 640 series provide access control at two entrances to the 53-acre storage facility. Long-standing FAAC installer R & D Security Manufacturing of Hornchurch is installing the new system, including CCTV and proximity devices. The 640?s automation system consists of an aluminium beam with red reflectors and anti-corrosion treated steel housing with polyester finish. At West Thurrock, the barriers are linked into an electronic access control system. Metal detecting safety loops located underground, one metre either side of the barrier, ensure that the barrier does not descend until the vehicle has passed safely through. Mike Topping, Managing Director of R & D, says: ?We’ve been working with FAAC gate and barrier automation systems for over 15 years and have always found them to be highly reliable with low maintenance demand, and that?s essential for the heavy traffic management contracts we handle.? The barriers installed at the terminal are fitted with top and bottom skirts as an additional security measure. R & D Security Manufacturing has also installed a FAAC anti-vandalism valve in case a barrier is forced up manually. In that case the valve permits a small amount of oil to pass through the system, preventing any damage. FAAC report that their 640 barriers are suitable for this type of demanding commercial application, as they are robust and hardwearing, and yet have a neat, slim appearance. 100 per cent duty rated, they have an integral fan that automatically activates to cool the system during constant use. The range also provides the reassurance of an anti-crush system. There is a secure locking system to ensure the beam retains its open and closed positions, and manual release with a customised key in the event of a power failure. The 640?s automation system consists of an aluminium beam with red reflectors and anti-corrosion treated steel housing with polyester finish. The housing contains the operator, which comprises a hydraulic power unit and two pistons. The latter activate the rotation of the beam by means of a rocker arm, while a spring mounted on one of the pistons balances the beam. The housing also contains the electronic control unit in a weatherproof container. FAAC?s 624 MPS control unit offers a selection of control logics to suit individual site requirements.
