New world record:
Sunkid Wonder Carpet with length of 400m
The Sunkid world record project in Bottrop tops all previous ski conveyor systems in length, strength, and speed. At 400m, with a speed of 1.2 m/s and a 60kW drive motor, Sunkid has set another milestone in the history of ski conveyor systems. Already before the project began, Sunkid was incorporated in the planning and preparation, and stood beside the Bottrop Alpine Centre as a competent partner from the beginning.
The Sunkid world record project began with a pilot study, including a safety analysis in cooperation with the German TÜV and Mr. Huber, engineer, from MH-Fördertechnik, wherein guidelines and safety precautions were carefully defined for this unique project. Using these specifications, Sunkid built the world record Wonder Carpet according to the new future European norm for ski conveyor belts prEN 15700. Over 17,000 individual parts were delivered by 16 tractor-trailers, at an overall weight of over 110 tons. Numerous components were brought in according to a precise schedule, requiring flawless organization. In cooperation with the Bottrop Alpine Centre, an exact work schedule for the installation of the new ascent aide was worked out. The installation of the new world record Wonder Carpet was carried out in just three weeks during the 2008 European Football Championship and was directed by two Sunkid expert technicians, completed on schedule and approved by the German TÜV.
For the opening of the Bottrop Alpine Centre, two conveyor systems were already installed by a different company. The installation at that time represented the technology employed for industrial conveyor belts, such that 77% of visitors were unsatisfied due to the noise, the belt surface, and the insufficient entrances and exits. For these reasons, Sunkid was given the task of installing two modern conveyor systems with all possible safety features.
Because the Sunkid Wonder Carpet is the primary ascent aid, safety is a very important requirement for the operator. Supervision is carried out by an external operation centre, from which the entire conveyor system can be observed by cameras. An entrance gate provides an orderly system for accessing the 1.2 m/s conveyor belt. The approach to the start of the conveyor is gently sloped so that skiers can slowly glide onto the conveyor. Despite the high speed, getting onto the conveyor presents no problems for skiers, snowboarders, and even pedestrians. At the end of the conveyor is a sloped section which is covered with plastic matting. The exit of the 400m-long Wonder Carpet is substantially simplified by the fact that there is no ice or snow at the exit of the conveyor, so that skiers must not deal with varying conditions. The user-friendly design of the exit minimizes shut-downs and further increases safety.
2008-09-17
Technical Masterwork
Technical Masterwork
The fascinating Sunkid world record project is full of special technical highlights. In addition to the features already mentioned, such as the 400m length, 60 kW drive system, and 1.2 m/s operation speed, Sunkid has also worked out other special design features. The Bottrop Alpine Centre decided on a 900mm-wide conveyor to enhance passenger comfort during ascent. The 4-layer rubber transport belt used in the design was sealed into a closed loop on location by vulcanization. The necessary tension on the belt is provided by a five-meter deep tensioning tower in the upper third of the conveyor system. Over 5 tons of weight per conveyor belt ensure the necessary tension on each belt. A handrail in the middle of the conveyor system gives passengers more traction and divides the two world record Wonder Carpets from each other.
With a capacity of 2400 persons/h, the Sunkid world record installations in Bottrop deliver the necessary power and capacity for the primary ascent aide. Early reactions indicate that both the Bottrop Alpine Centre and its visitors are excited about the new conveyor belts and the entire renovation. Sunkid has again displayed competence and quality with this fascinating project, using special knowledge and experience, and is as excited as the operator, the Bottrop Alpine Centre, about the successful installation of the longest, fastest, and strongest Sunkid Wonder Carpet in the world.
Projectteam
Projectteam v.l.:
Klaus Schmalnauer (Sunkid Montageleiter Alpincenter), Wolfgang Langmeier (Kaufmännischer Leiter Alpincenter),
Sebastian Stolarski (Technischer Leiter Alpincenter), Ing. Herbert Zopf (Technischer Leiter Sunkid),
Manfred Schmaranzer (Sunkid Monteur), Manuel Kammerer (Sunkid Elektrotechnik)
The Sunkid world record
The Sunkid world record in Bottrop –
the longest, fastest, and strongest Wonder Carpet