b'BAGGAGESLC 21Many of those tweaks, he adds, can be handled by additionalLengdorfer notes that layout and detection in the redesigned programming on the PLC (programmable logic controller) side andarea will be heavily focused on accommodating oversized additional layout-specific adjustments to the location of photo eyesbaggage, but will also be fully functional for normal sized baggage, to provide constant detection of where baggage is in the system. helping balance baggage flow routes before and after the check One of the more significant changes in the redesign to helpbaggage inspection area. manage peak volume is an early bag storage system. It is already being installed and commissioned in an area of Concourse A EastUndetermined Timelinewhere make-up carousels used to reside. The early bag storageLang estimates that SLCs baggage handling system updates wont system will give an incredible amount of upgraded operationalbe fully operational for another two and a half to three years. TSA ability to the airport, Thompson says. It substantially increasesfelt the new design has a lot of merit to handle both current and their ability to navigate through irregular operations, and its afuture capacity for oversized items, but the agency blacked out the significant upgrade to what they were planning on installing. peak travel periods for making any major changes, he explains. Thompson adds that this update also was beneficial from aWhile the implementation schedule, design details and budget cost perspective because some of the equipment was alreadyare still in flux, keeping the current system operational in the accounted for but not installed; so the team was able to reuse it inmeantime is the highest priority.a different way to provide added functionality.As with every system, were constantly fine-tuning it, Lang The early bag storage was a fast-track operation, Josephrelates. On the control side, were making sure the belts are adds. It was just about a year from the start of design until fullproper speeds, spacings between the bags are proper and things implementation, and the airport was extremely proud of the effortlike that, because it will get out of tune occasionally. that all the contractors and subcontractors did in getting that portion of it done.AirportImprovement.comJanuary | February 2024'