In industries such as power generation, metallurgy, cement, ports, and mining, the efficient handling and reclaiming of bulk materials is critical to maintaining smooth and cost-effective operations. Among the many solutions engineered for this purpose, the semi-portal scraper reclaimer stands out for its efficiency, adaptability, and reliability in handling various bulk materials, especially in longitudinal stockyards.
This article offers a comprehensive look into the design, working principles, and benefits of semi-portal scraper reclaimers—and highlights how Dadi, a specialized manufacturer of bulk material handling and high-end metallurgical equipment, plays a pivotal role in supplying robust, tailored solutions for global industries.
What Is a Semi-Portal Scraper Reclaimer?
A semi-portal scraper reclaimer is a type of reclaiming equipment used to recover bulk materials stored in stockpiles. It operates on one side of a stockyard pile, combining the structural simplicity of portal reclaimers with space-saving efficiency, making it ideal for indoor or enclosed environments.
Unlike full portal reclaimers that span across the entire width of a stockpile, semi-portal reclaimers are asymmetrical in design—featuring a vertical support column on one side and a reclaimer arm extending horizontally across the material pile.
Core Components and Design Features
Scraper Arm and Chain System
The heart of the reclaimer, this arm includes a scraper chain conveyor that pulls material from the pile and feeds it to a central discharge point. The movement is smooth and continuous, ensuring consistent material flow.
Support Column and Traveling Mechanism
The reclaimer is mounted on a single-track rail system, with one side supported by a fixed column and the other by a traveling trolley. This design ensures stable movement along the stockyard.
Hydraulic or Electric Drives
The scraper mechanism and trolley are typically powered by electric motors or hydraulic drives, offering high control precision and energy efficiency.
Control System and Automation
Modern reclaimers are equipped with PLC or DCS-based automation systems that allow for remote control, real-time monitoring, and integration with broader plant operations.
Dust Suppression and Safety Features
For applications involving fine or hazardous materials, systems may include dust covers, mist sprays, and emergency stop functions to ensure safe and environmentally friendly operation.
How It Works: Operational Flow
The reclaimer is positioned alongside a longitudinal material pile in a storage yard.
As the machine moves along the pile, the scraper arm cuts through the material, reclaiming it layer by layer from the bottom upward.
The material is conveyed via the scraper chain to a belt conveyor or chute system for onward transport to processing or shipping.
The automated system controls speed, depth of reclaiming, and alignment, ensuring uniform reclaiming and minimizing pile degradation.
Advantages of Semi-Portal Scraper Reclaimers
Space Efficiency
Because the system operates from one side only, it is ideal for narrow or indoor stockyards, saving on construction costs and space requirements.
Consistent Material Flow
It provides uniform reclaiming, which is essential for downstream processes such as blending, dosing, or feeding into kilns and furnaces.
Low Maintenance
With fewer moving parts than full-portal systems, semi-portal reclaimers are easier to maintain, with lower downtime and operational costs.
Customizable Design
The system can be engineered to handle a variety of materials—from coal and limestone to iron ore and gypsum—and adapted to site-specific layouts and material properties.
Improved Safety and Automation
Advanced automation and remote monitoring reduce the need for on-site personnel, enhancing workplace safety and operational oversight.
