RESEARCH OF OPERATIONAL RELIABILITY OF HIGH-PRESSURE HOSES OF TERMINAL TRACTORS OF PORT CONTAINER TERMINALS

Abstract

Terminal tractors are an integral part of modern port infrastructure and an indispensable tool for port transshipment operations, where every hour counts and efficiency is the key to success. Each terminal tractor is not just a machine, but a sophisticated engineering solution designed to meet the specific requirements of port operations. Its strength and maneuverability allow it to move bulky containers with precision in confined spaces, from berths to storage terminals and then to transfer points for other modes of transportation, optimizing the entire logistics process. Integrated navigation and telemetry systems allow you to track the position of the tractor and container in real time, ensuring the smooth operation of the entire logistics complex.

Their short wheelbase and powerful engine provide drivers with exceptional control, allowing them to maneuver through the maze of container piles and other heavy equipment. The driver's cabin, located high above the ground, offers excellent visibility, which is crucial for safe and efficient task execution. In the high-traffic environments of port areas, where time is of the essence, these trucks demonstrate their value. The standardization of containers plays a significant role, as their uniform dimensions facilitate loading, unloading, and stacking, maximizing the productivity of the truck. The basis of its functionality is a powerful hydraulic system that allows containers to be lifted and moved with high precision.

The speed of processing ships, the timeliness of deliveries and the overall efficiency of the port depend on the reliability and performance of these machines.

The paper analyzes the causes of failure of the high-pressure hoses of terminal tractors in the Black Sea ports.  A study of the causes of high-pressure hose failures revealed that more than 50% of incidents are related to the effects of impulse loads and mechanical damage. The most common type of defect is the rupture of the hose itself. The majority of hose failures are caused by factors related to their operating conditions.  It has been established that high-pressure hoses on terminal tractors fail much more often in winter. This is due to a combination of factors: frost, thick working fluid, sudden pressure fluctuations, corrosive effects of salt, and increased abrasive wear. All of these winter conditions significantly accelerate the deterioration of the high-pressure hose, so even minor installation or usage issues that are not critical in summer can lead to rapid breakdowns and accidents in winter. A study of damaged areas of the sleeves using electron microscopy revealed that the wires that make up the reinforcement layer are breaking down due to fatigue.