Innovative dock shelter improves supply chain integrity, security
Rite-Hite has introduced an extension of its industry leading Eclipse dock shelter system. Called the Eclipse NH, the new shelter is designed to provide the tightest seal possible at docks that serve liftgate trailers or require trailer doors to be opened inside the building (in a “drive-through” application) for maximum supply chain integrity and security.
“Eliminating gaps at the dock prevents contaminants from getting in and precious energy from flowing out,” says Mary Blaser, director of marketing. “This shelter, together with the PitMaster sealing system, provides a tight, consistent seal on all four sides of the dock opening, while facilitating the drive-through trailer access that is becoming increasingly popular with many of our customers.”
Special design features ensure tight sealing against trailer sides, across the full width of the trailer top and at the corners, without interfering with trailer doors being opened and closed after the trailer has been parked at the dock. This shelter design complements the vertical storing dock leveler design to enhance security at the dock, prevent contaminants from entering the facility, and reduce energy costs by preventing energy loss at the loading dock.
Sealing the Sides
The Eclipse NH features an exclusive double-seal technology along the sides of the trailer, which produces a tighter, more consistent seal along trailer sides than ordinary shelters. Side curtains are built with high-strength Durathon fabric, which features a friction-resistant surface that resists wear.
Sealing the Top
Along the top of the trailer, an exclusive weighted head curtain applies more than 100 pounds of pressure across the full width of the trailer top. This gravity-based system keeps the curtain in constant contact with the trailer during loading and unloading, providing a consistent seal despite trailer bounce. This weighted curtain automatically adjusts to all trailer heights, with no manual activation required, and also eliminates the need for an additional overhead rain-diversion device.
Sealing the Corners
At the top corners, the Eclipse side curtains and weighted header work together to seal gaps that ordinary shelters can’t address. Innovative fabric corner pockets connect the sides to the top, providing a dark, complete seal when trailers back into place.
Sealing the Bottom
Below and around the dock leveler, Rite-Hite’s exclusive PitMaster under-leveler sealing system provides a barrier against environmental infiltration on the exterior of the dock. Meanwhile, lip corner seals, filler pads and other components block gaps on the inside of the dock. Working together, the Eclipse NH shelter and PitMaster system provide the industry’s only complete, four-sided seal at the loading dock.
“Creating this level of environmental control can save thousands of dollars a year in energy costs,” said Paul Rowlett, president of Rite-Hite Environmental Enclosures. “It improves employee comfort and safety. It protects products and equipment from weather-related damage and it keeps contaminants from entering your facility. Plus, the Eclipse NH is the ideal shelter for drive-through applications when security is a priority.”
For more information about the Eclipse NH, visit http://www.ritehite.com/en/AM/Products/Dock-Seals-and-Shelters/Dock-Shelters/Eclipse-NH.
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