Simulation Modeling of Coal Terminals

Abstract

Coal terminals justify the effort and expense of simulation modeling because they are critical connectors between coal transport modes and have a strong influence on the end cost of coal. Three major factors to be considered by the modelers are: coal terminals have special characteristics in terms of queuing theory; they require modeling of commodity storage; and they have complex materials handling facilities. As a case study, Richards Bay Coal Terminals in South Africa illustrates a complex operational and corporate problem which presented a challenge to the simulation method of modeling.