This Tub's A Flyer

Early this year 100 percent of in-hold baggage will be carried by conveyors through security screening x-ray and other detection technology at ’the back of house’ rather than as part of the check-in process.

Currently luggage tubs supplied to the airport by Viscount Plastics are used primarily to prevent unusual or round shaped luggage falling from conveyors during their high-speed dash to waiting aircraft. However, when security is incorporated into the conveyor systems, the tubs will have the added requirement of keeping luggage steady during screening. This will mean a big increase in usage, and focus even greater reliance on the design features of the luggage tub.

Around 11 million air travellers pass through Auckland Airport annually. To handle this number, the Glidepath conveyor system must identify, sort and distribute 100 checked-in items every minute. Should there be any sort of problem with luggage tubs on conveyors, the potential for disrupted flight schedules and irate passengers is enormous.

In New Zealand, the high-impact grade polypropylene luggage tub is recognised as the industry standard. Simple, yet robust, the high strength to weight ratio contributes to ease of handling while resisting the rigours of moving on high-speed conveyors.

Rounded corners ensure the tubs will not catch on any part of the conveyor system at intersections. Underneath, a special grid pattern contributes to grip on conveyor belts while maintaining ’slideability’ of the tubs on steel chutes. Nesting efficiency is an important design parameter. When empty the tubs nest to only 18% of their height, giving a nesting efficiency of 82%.