VIGAN offers wide portfolio for handling of agricultural products

In the heart of Nivelles, Belgium, a company with over 55 years of experience has been revolutionizing the way bulk products are handled in ports across the globe. VIGAN Engineering S.A., a true pioneer in its field, has risen to become one of the world leaders in designing, manufacturing, and assembling on-site handling equipment for dry bulk products, with a primary focus on agricultural commodities, particularly cereals.

Driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation, VIGAN has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of port equipment handling. With a robust history spanning more than half a century, VIGAN has solidified its reputation as a reliable partner for grain handling system or turnkey projects, delivering cutting-edge solutions to create efficient and effective port terminals.

With a staggering 99% of its business exported worldwide, VIGAN’s footprint extends across continents and oceans. Boasting a vast installation base of more than 1,500 machines globally, the company’s equipment can be found in ports scattered across every corner of the world. From Europe to Asia, the Americas to Africa, VIGAN’s impact on the bulk handling industry is both extensive and profound.

VIGAN’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its diverse range of offerings tailored to meet the unique demands of bulk loading and unloading in ports. The company’s portfolio includes:

1. Grain pumps: VIGAN’s compact and mobile grain pumps are designed for swift deployment across different sites. Evolving over the years, these machines have grown increasingly efficient, achieving peak outputs of up to an impressive 250tph (tonnes per hour). These pumps provide an ingenious solution that enables rapid implementation without the need for heavy mechanical investments.

2. Pneumatic and mechanical shipunloaders: a hallmark of VIGAN’s equipment range, unloaders are a common sight in port environments. Available in both fixed and mobile variants, these gantries exhibit a remarkable degree of autonomy, powered by diesel generators or cable reels. Capacities can soar to a staggering 800tph, with mechanical unloaders pushing the boundaries even further, achieving throughputs of up to 1,500tph.

3. Loaders: VIGAN loaders offer a versatile solution for almost any kind of bulk products. Whether dealing with large or small barges, as well as vessels, VIGAN’s loaders are tailored to fit. The loading is mechanical: cargo can be for instance transported into the loading boom by integrated belt or chain conveyor and discharged by gravity into the ship hold thanks to a telescopic loading chute.

VIGAN designs loaders for high volumes. Its primary objective is to minimize the need for equipment and part replacements due to wear. The company’s shiploaders boast capacities of up to 2,000tph for various products. Many layouts are possible, such as fixed/on tyres/on rails gantries, with varying height and width, customized boom length, loading spout type, dust control system, control cabin, static or rotating thrower, and so forth.

4. Terminals: VIGAN capabilities include also complete turnkey projects for port terminal including ship unloading and loading, storage facilities and bagging operations.

Throughout the project’s lifecycle, VIGAN upholds a strict, multidisciplinary approach, ensuring seamless coordination and control of all activities to achieve the highest level of customer satisfaction.

VIGAN’s unwavering dedication to customer contentment is reflected in its continuous pursuit of addressing evolving requirements. As customer expectations evolve, encompassing enhanced performance, energy efficiency, noise reduction, and simplified maintenance, VIGAN remains steadfast in embracing these challenges and delivering optimal solutions.

Strengths That Set Vigan Apart

VIGAN’s tremendous success is built on a foundation of strengths that truly set the company apart: Vertical integration: unlike competi- v tors reliant on a web of subcontractors, VIGAN takes pride in its vertical integration. The company handles everything from complete machine design to manufacturing, assembly, and installation. This level of control ensures impeccable quality and adherence to strict timelines. The same specialized team that assembles and commissions machines overseas also meticulously pre-assembles and tests them in the factory.

Handle bulk with efficiency and reliability

Pneumatic and mechanical ship (un)loaders

Up to 2500 tph for loaders and up to 1200 tph for unloaders.

Low noise & no dust emission

Turnkey solutions for cereals, soy flour, fertilizer, pellets and more...

Robust technology: VIGAN’s v commitment to reliability shines through in its use of robust and proven technology. By selecting standardized components, high-quality materials, and wear-resistant materials, the company ensures longevity and consistent performance, even in the harshest conditions.

Engineering and development: at the v forefront of innovation, VIGAN continuously develops cutting-edge solutions that push the boundaries of bulk handling. From multi-stage turbines to turbulence-free round bends, the company’s technological leadership is evident. The incorporation of variable speed drive technology for suction units highlights VIGAN’s dedication to energy efficiency.

Customer services: VIGAN’s commit- v ment to customer satisfaction extends beyond equipment delivery. The company’s after-sales service, seamlessly integrated with spare parts sales, provides flexible solutions. Longlasting components, preventative maintenance programmes, and strategic spare part stocks ensure clients can harness their equipment’s full potential.

Recent innovations: in an era of v heightened environmental awareness, VIGAN’s expertise in noise protection is particularly noteworthy. With advanced calculations, studies, and onsite measurements, the company has pioneered noise protection solutions for turbo sets, machine rooms, and suction pipes. This commitment to minimizing noise pollution further solidifies VIGAN’s reputation as an industry leader in sustainable bulk handling.

While energy efficiency and high performance are integral factors, VIGAN also recognized the need to reduce dust emissions. In an era where industrial estates neighbour residential areas, the company’s adoption of pneumatic suction technology has been a game-changer. The innovative closedcircuit system, featuring overpressure filters, minimizes dust emissions, ensuring a cleaner environment. With emissions often as low as 3mg/m3, VIGAN’s solutions are both effective and environmentally responsible.

Conclusion

VIGAN Engineering S.A. stands as a beacon of innovation, quality, and reliability in the bulk handling industry. From humble beginnings to a global force, the company’s journey has been characterized by its unwavering commitment to excellence. Through cutting-edge technology, meticulous engineering, and a dedication to meeting customer demands, VIGAN continues to reshape the landscape of port handling. As the world moves toward more sustainable and efficient practices, VIGAN’s role as a pioneer in noise reduction solutions further cements its position as a partner for a greener future in the bulk goods industry.