VK Logic Utilises Rockwell Automation Technology to Power Unique Mobile Grain Handling Solution

A VK Logic solution, powered by Rockwell Automation technology, is helping to enhance uptime and increase capacity for professional mobile seed grading business, Klean A Seed.

Major benefits of the new solution include an increase in capacity to 36 tonnes, quality assurance, better contamination control, and more efficient cleaning.

The technology involved recognises that grain handling is a complex process that requires dedication to quality, hygiene, and uptime. To produce a clean, graded final product suitable for vendors or re-sowing, grains are typically taken offsite to a processing facility.

Taking mobile seed grading to the next level

After thorough research, Cummins engaged VK Logic, a specialist design, build, and automation company based in North Albury, to build a new truck utilising the latest technology.

“There were a number of challenges in developing the Klean A Seed solution. Pat had a great vision for what he wanted to achieve, but there were restrictions in what could fit in the size and dimensions of the truck, while still keeping it roadworthy and safe for on-road and off-road use,” said Justin Van Klaveren, managing director, VK Logic.

VK Logic provides total end-to-end engineering solutions, including in-house engineering and fabrication, with a combination of mechanical, electrical, and automation expertise. Having design, building, and maintenance capabilities under one roof means projects can be completed more efficiently compared to engaging two or three separate companies.

“To keep the truck within certain dimensions and weight distributions, but to add such advanced technologies and processes, was one of the largest challenges of the project. We found Rockwell Automation’s technologies gave us the greatest flexibility to achieve these complex requirements,” added Van Klaveren.

VK Logic identified key areas that could be improved in the new truck build, including making it more user-friendly, giving the operator greater control over machines and processes, increasing capacity, and reducing maintenance downtime.

Increased capacity and uptime

With the new truck now in operation, Cummins is experiencing a broad range of benefits in relation to capacity, user-friendliness, and maintenance.

“One of the major objectives of the project was to increase capacity. We nominated 32 tonnes per hour from the outset, and now that the truck is fully built, it is comfortably achieving 36 tonnes per hour, which is a great result,” added Van Klaveren.

Maintenance was another major consideration in the new truck’s design. To avoid contamination, and to provide quality assurance to customers, Klean A Seed needs to clean out the entire machine between customers.

VK Logic designed the truck so that the machinery tilts out, which makes access for cleaning significantly easier, thereby reducing downtime. “We estimate that a 30-minute cleaning task has now been reduced to 5 or 6 minutes each time. When you consider how many customers Pat is serving, that time saving really adds up,” said Van Klaveren.

“We are proud of this solution, and the ongoing benefits it will deliver to Klean A Seed. Rockwell Automation gave us the technology features, the flexibility, and the service to recommend a robust solution to our customer, so it was an ideal partnership,” he concluded.