Construction equipment |


Enhancing safety and delivery efficiency


LCS pioneers the QXcrane system, ensuring secure access in challenging environments, while Collett celebrates a milestone in efficient deliveries with the successful transport of vital equipment to the Dinorwig Hydro-Power Station


Development of QXcrane QXcrane has been described as a groundbreaking


solution designed for situations where unstable terrain or entering a work area poses life-threatening risks, demanding a safe and efficient access method for workers. In scenarios such as maintenance and monitoring tasks on tailings dams or conventional mining dams, the work area can be perilous for maintenance personnel due to potential dam breaches or earth movements. The QXcrane system provides the ideal answer by allowing safe movement within the work area while ensuring immediate personnel evacuation in case of danger. This system meets the critical need for a personnel safety solution that grants secure access without being situated or supported within the hazardous zone, addressing the challenges of unstable terrains and life-threatening work environments. The deployment of two QXcrane systems has


Above: The QXcrane system has been developed by LCS Cable Cranes as a solution for maintenance and monitoring activities on tailings ponds or a conventional dam in mining


FOR A SIGNIFICANT UNDERTAKING in South America, LCS was tasked with developing a cutting-edge personnel safety system utilizing winch technology to facilitate secure access to tailings dams surrounding an ore mining area. To ensure the stability of these earth dams and


mitigate the risk of dam failures, routine maintenance and monitoring activities are imperative. Access for personnel to conduct various measurements and repair work at different points is essential. Given the inherent danger of walking in these basins due to the potential for a dam burst, LCS sought a solution allowing individuals to work freely in the danger zone while ensuring immediate evacuation in case of an emergency. In response to these requirements and leveraging


available technologies, LCS pioneered the QXcrane system. This groundbreaking system integrates a cable crane with “SpiderCams,” commonly employed in sports stadiums to capture high-definition video or television footage without ground contact. Spanning an overall length of 1156 x 556 x 644 x 799m, the system accommodates a payload of three individuals weighing 125kg each or material transport of up to 500kg. Its primary functions include transporting people, ensuring personnel safety, and facilitating the movement of maintenance materials. Comprising four towers standing at approximately 90 to 100m in height, four winches, and operated by a skilled professional, this state-of-the-art system is currently deployed at VALE S.A., with ongoing support from LCS Brazil.


18 | December 2023 | www.waterpowermagazine.com


revolutionized access to previously inaccessible or highly perilous terrains, ensuring the safety of workers in environments deemed life-threatening until now. Operated by an individual in the operator’s basket, workers entering the danger zone are secured with personal safety winches. Connected to towers positioned outside the danger zone by steel ropes, the operator’s basket allows safe navigation and work within the defined area. The system facilitates rapid evacuation in emergencies, such as dam failures or earth movements, with the operator monitoring the entire working area. Maintenance personnel and materials can be efficiently dropped off at any point within the designated terrain, enabling safe execution of repairs, inspections, and remediation work. Key facts of QXcrane Systems include: Access and monitoring of a defined route/area “from above”.


Personnel secured by personal safety winches on the operator’s basket. Swift evacuation of ground personnel in emergencies.


Lowering of loads or persons at any point using winches.


Suitable for transporting materials, in addition to personnel safety.


Single-person operation in the operator’s basket. No personnel in the danger zone during system operation.


Operational continuity even if winches fail. Delivery of an independent recovery system. Modular design adaptable to site-specific requirements.


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