Category Archives: Production & Profit
SMART Floors: Automating Metered Reclaim
When it comes to automating material processing and storage, moving floors are a compelling option. There are several designs to consider, but it is important to understand the differences. Several companies offer moving aluminum slat floor systems that can quickly move the entire pile using friction. However, SMART Floors from BE&E have many unique advantages, […]
Ancillary Conveyor Costs in Installation Projects
In any capital project, the project team prioritizes costs. They must. Management has given them a budget, and with it, incentives to spend as little money as possible while still meeting the project’s benchmarks. However, project managers sometimes unintentionally overspend on bulk handling systems, particularly conveyors. This happens not because they fail to identify the […]
Bid Processes Can Deter Innovation
During the height of the pandemic, we were presented the opportunity to bid on a conveyor for handling OSB strands. The prospective customer had formerly used a rake conveyor to handle the material, and we were excited they were willing to consider our SMART Conveyors™ as an alternative. Before we could issue a quote, however, […]
Bulk Handling Automation from BE&E
Manufacturers who process biomass often rely on wheel loaders to move and feed the material. It’s a laborious process that’s intensive not only in terms of employee time but in cost, especially since the price of diesel has skyrocketed. (The average cost of diesel in the US was $3.61 on January 3, 2022. By June […]
Conveyors & Material Handling, Vol. 3
After a yearlong hiatus, we’ve put together a third edition of our popular Conveyors & Material Handling eBook. This eBook consists of our best content from 2021-2022 featuring articles on conveyor safety, conveyor design, conveyor procurement, conveyer maintenance, and considerations on production and profits as they relate to material handling. Also included are articles on feeder […]
SMART Conveyors™ Decrease Operational Costs
We understand what it’s like to work in operations. Our founder, Dane Floyd, came from such a background. You’re constantly analyzing how you can decrease costs, increase efficiency, and eliminate downtime. You understand that an investment here or there can pay dividends, and you’re not interested in quick fixes so much as strategic, long-term solutions. It’s with […]
Energy Efficiency Incentives: Energy Trust of Oregon
Oregon hosts many programs to reduce energy consumption and increase renewable energy production in its industrial sector. One of these programs, the Energy Trust of Oregon, currently offers to pay up to half a project’s development cost, up to $200,000.00. The energy trust funds projects involving efficiency enhancements and renewable energy production up to 20 […]
State Energy Savings and Rebate Programs
“Hold that order! And cancel the check!” A customer recently learned of a rebate program in his state for capital improvements that decreased energy consumption, which the equipment he had ordered from Biomass Engineering & Equipment achieved. The rebate would pay up to 75 percent of the project cost. To qualify, however, he couldn’t have […]
Quality Conveyors Can Reduce Labor Demands
It’s no secret that the pool of qualified maintenance professionals in the United States is shrinking, a situation that has worsened during the past two years due to a high number of unemployment claims and a rash of retirements. And the near future doesn’t hold any promises that things will get better, as the shift […]
U.S. or European Conveyors?
The past two years have served as a stark reminder that disruptions to supply chains are bound to occur from time to time: the status-quo of isn’t a fixed reality; it’s merely the calm between disruptions. COVID-19 has been one of those events that have brought disruption about by exposing weaknesses in our global supply […]
