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How it works
The Schaefer mobile racking system is extremely feature rich and is the norm for tall freezer chambers worldwide. It is composed of pallet racking that run on motor driven mobile bases. The mobile bases run on load bearing rails that are buried into the floor of the building. Because of this the system is designed to take into account only 1 aisle so that maximum density of storage can be achieved, with 100% selectivity.
After the user presses the desired aisle to open via the simple to operate remote control, the bases start to move and within 30 seconds the full aisle is accessible for pallet storage or retrieval. Any aisle can be opened with one click, i.e. all bases move concurrently to opened the desired aisle.
Safety systems
An intricate network of sensors and light barriers ensure that the system operates with the maximum safety available:
- Global pedestrian light barrier - this is installed on the perimeter of the system and stops unauthorised access into the aisles at the time the bases are moving. Any movement detected stops the bases immediately, and the system has to be reset at the main control panel
- Foot barrier - these are installed along the length of the base to stop the base from moving is personnel are detected in the aisle before a new command is given for a new aisle opening. These sensors also detect any small objects on the ground when the bases are moving
- Forklift barrier - situated above the pedestrian barrier, the forklift light barriers monitor whether there is a forklift in the working aisle. Once a forklift enters the aisle, the system awaits for it to exit (pass the light barrier in the other direction) before it allows again the bases to move.
Options
- Pre-activation of aisle lighting - the lights above the aisles can be connected to the mobile racking's main control cabinet so that the relevant lights switch on or off according to the direction of the base's movement. This helps save energy.
- Order picking system - the control panel can be configured to open multiple aisles (instead of the standard 1) for picking; so if for example the 1 aisle is 4000mm you can set the system to open 2X2000mm aisles or 3X1333mm for picking.
- Fan function - the system at the end of the shift can be set to "fan function" or "night parking" which allows the opening of all aisles equidistantly to aid the uniform circulation of air throughout all products.
- Interface for WMS - the control panel can interface with the client's WMS