Feature Materials handling & conveyors Pin points to conveyor safety
While electronic load monitoring systems have helped to reduce conveyor malfunctions, unplanned and costly conveyor downtime is still an issue that plant engineers have to contend with on a regular basis. Peter Church, managing director of FB Chain talks about the benefits of shear pin sprockets in conveyor chains
oad monitoring systems are a useful safety feature but they should not be seen as a panacea for conveyor breakdown issues alone, according to Church.
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“Electronic sensing is ideal where there is a slow increase in the con- veyed load- as a result of damaged bearings or dirt contamination, for example. In such cases there is usually time to stop the drive system before any serious damage occurs. “However, in instances where a mis- feed or some other form of mechanical breakage occurs and the load increase is sudden, the electronic sensor will not automatically break the connec- tion between the motor and the driven
load. In such cases, the damage to the conveyor chain and any attachments is likely to be extensive.” To help eliminate, or at least reduce, the damage that will be caused by a sudden increase in load, Church advises that conveyor chains should be driven by shear pin sprockets. If a conveyor becomes overloaded – and, therefore, potentially hazardous – a shear pin sprocket will automatically break and stop the conveyor. The load or obstruction that caused the over- loading problem can then be cleared and only the shear pin needs to be replaced before the conveyor can start working again.
“Shear pin sprockets may be more
Peter Church, managing director of FB Chain
expensive than standard sprockets but their use limits downtime and reduces the number of more costly conveyor parts that will need to be replaced in the event of a serious problem. “Specifying shear pin sprockets is a simple way of ‘designing in’ conveyor efficiency and the return on invest- ment makes a compelling argument for using them,” he adds.
FB Chain T: 01462 670844
www.conveyorchain.co.uk www.fbchain.com
Enter 361
Smaller crane is versatile solution for bulk handling G
ottwald Port Technology, a subsidiary of Demag Cranes, has launched its new Model 2 Harbour Crane, designed to meet the needs of smaller terminals in maritime and river ports. The new model has a maxi- mum lifting capacity of 80t, a radius of up to 40m and hoisting speeds of up to 120m/min. Model 2 is the first member of Gottwald's Small Crane Family, which has now extended Gottwald's Generation 5 Harbour Cranes into the realms of smaller cargo handling applications. As part of the launch of the Model 2 range, Gottwald
has introduced a new crane type, the G HRK Rubber Tyred Portal Harbour Crane. This crane type combines the mobility of the classic rubber tyred G HMK Mobile Harbour Crane with the benefits associated with a drive under portal solution, such as the G HSK Portal Harbour Crane. In addition, Gottwald is also offering the new Model 2 as a Floating Crane, G HPK Harbour Pontoon Crane, as a G HSK Portal Harbour Crane on a barge, with individually tailored barges, or as a fixed G HPK Pedestal Mounted Harbour Crane. “Our Model 2 fully meets the demand for a versa- tile handling machine, constructed specially for small- er maritime and river ports. At the same time, the launch of the new G HRK crane type further cements our pioneering reputation in harbour cranes, based on proven Mobile Harbour Crane technology,” says Giuseppe Di Lisa, head of port and intermodal cranes at Demag Cranes. “By combining the diversity of crane types and variants on one hand with our Advance Order Programme on the other, we are able to offer
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customers tailored solutions and short delivery lead times. This is a concept from which terminal operators all over the world are benefiting,” adds Di Lisa. Model 2 offers considerably higher lifting capacity, an extension of the working radius by two metres and faster working speeds compared with its predecessor, the 63t HMK 170 Mobile Harbour Crane. These enhanced features facilitate much improved handling rates. In comparison with its predecessor, there have been many changes in design and drive technology,
such as AC powered hoists and slewing gear units. Potential customers interested in Model 2 can take advantage of a broad range of options to enhance ergonomics, productivity and environmental compatibility. These options include a particularly energy efficient hybrid drive and equipment for hooking up to a quayside power supply. Demag Cranes & Components T: 01295 676125
www.demagcranes.com
Enter 362 JULY/AUGUST 2012 Materials Handling & Logistics
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