How asset optimization can contribute to safe and optimized crane operations

 

Whether in a port for ship-to-shore container operations, at a bulk handling facility for barge loading or in an off-shore or subsea application; cranes are everywhere and they are essential in any logistical process. They often operate in difficult environments, and are subjected to short and intense duty cycles, and dynamic loads often in two directions. For these reasons crane drive applications are designed in under strict guidelines such as FEM and with the highest regard for safety and reliability.

 

A predictive maintenance strategy contributes to operational reliability and so for most crane applications an investment in sensor technology is warranted, especially given the asset value. Not all technology however is ready yet to present reliable and accurate data, due to the before mentioned unique operational behavior. To establish a trend in an effort to analyze progressing wear and tear, for now still relatively steady duty cycles and stable load conditions are needed. One way to do this, is to take and record reference readings once per ‘x’ interval with a ‘y’ load and a ‘z’ cycle. This however is not always feasible as it interferes with the regular schedule and so it is time consuming and costly. Therefore, while technology is being further developed – and great strides are being made - GBS in general recommends optimization visits once or twice year to visually asses the condition of critical drives (main hoist and trolley). Lesser valued assets, or those used infrequently (boom hoist) or with some redundancy (travel drives) can be inspected once a year or on an as-needed basis. Once technology is ready to partially eliminate the need for manual readings, GBS will be one of the first to know and to tell you.

 

Being independent and therefore knowledgeable on all brands and types, only one number needs to be on speed dial. Due to our uniformity in reporting technique and familiarity with your industry, with GBS you can expect the same – quality  - result every time.

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