Multidirectional Sideloader SSF
for BGE
The SSF is a battery-electric multidirectional sideloader manufactured by HUBTEX for the Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE). It will be used at the Konrad repository, Germany’s first repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste to be licensed under nuclear law. The vehicle is intended for above-ground operation in the buffer hall.
The buffer hall serves as an interim storage and transfer area for transport units with waste packages containing radioactive waste. There, the SSF multidirectional sideloader picks up the transport units, moves them within the designated area and sets them down at defined positions. In this way, the vehicle supports a clearly defined material flow in a safety-critical operating environment.
Use at BGE
At BGE, the SSF multidirectional sideloader will be used in the buffer hall and in the reloading hall on track 10. In this area, transport units are transferred between platform wagons and the buffer hall. The vehicle performs controlled storage and retrieval operations and prepares the transport units for subsequent storage or transfer.
The requirements result from the safety-critical environment and the defined workflows at the Konrad repository. Key factors include precise load pick-up, safe vehicle guidance and traceable assignment of the transport units.
Precise load handling with a container spreader
Load handling is carried out using a container spreader. This allows the SSF multidirectional sideloader to be adjusted to the attachment dimensions of the transport units. The container spreader supports secure pick-up, precise positioning and controlled transfer within the intended process.
Protective and safety equipment for operation
For use in the safety-critical environment, the SSF multidirectional sideloader is equipped with a radiation protection cab with lead glass, a door-opening assist system, an emergency exit and air conditioning with protective ventilation. In addition, a fire suppression system, optical lane guidance, position detection and package tracking systems are integrated into the vehicle concept.
Controlled process management
The vehicle’s equipment supports operators in precisely positioning and monitoring travel and lifting movements. Camera systems, rail guidance and monitoring equipment help ensure that the intended workflows are carried out safely and traceably.
Features
The SSF multidirectional sideloader is battery-electric. The electrical power supply is specifically matched to the vehicle’s drives and electrical consumers. During operating breaks, the battery can be charged via a plug-in connection.
Alternatively, a battery charging station is available where a second battery set can be charged while the vehicle is in operation. A pillar jib crane supports battery replacement at this point by removing discharged batteries from the vehicle and installing charged batteries.
The operator’s compartment is designed as a radiation protection cab and is intended for use in a safety-critical environment. The equipment includes lead glass, a door-opening assist system, an emergency exit and air conditioning with protective ventilation. This means the cab is designed to meet the special requirements associated with handling radioactive waste.
For operation in the buffer hall and in the reloading hall on track 10, the SSF multidirectional sideloader is equipped with systems for guidance, position detection and package tracking. These support the integration of the vehicle into the defined workflows between the platform wagon, buffer hall and subsequent transfer points.
Technical specifications
Vehicle weight: 99,208 lb
Load capacity up to 44,092 lb
Length: 133.9 in
Width: 222.4 in
Height: 173.5 in
Load handling: container spreader
HUBTEX multidirectional system for precise load handling
Radiation protection cab with lead glass
Lowerable rail wheels for mechanical rail guidance
Optical lane guidance
Drive: battery-electric