HANDLING CHALLENGES IN THE GLASS INDUSTRY
Overhead crane producer, Street Crane Company, are used to solving problems. Glass is a particularly difficult material to handle, both in bulk packs and as single sheets. An installation for Romag Glass shows Street can rise to the challenge with special handling devices and precise drive systems perfect load placement.
Overhead crane producer, Street Crane Company, are used to solving problems. Glass is a particularly difficult material to handle, both in bulk packs and as single sheets. An installation for Romag Glass shows Street can rise to the challenge with special handling devices and precise drive systems perfect load placement.
There is a range of options available to meet special handling needs. Vacuum systems are commonly used for plate glass and steel and other sheet material. Special turntable systems are fitted to Street cranes where loads need to be carefully aligned - for placement in racks or on machines for example.
A recent innovation from Street is their, PLC based, load sway prevention system (LSPS). This works in much the same way as ABS or traction control on a car. There are two sources of data input, the total rope and sling length and the operator speed command. Given this data the system calculates the required speed profile for each load to achieve zero swing. It delivers precise movement without the need for the operator to compensate.
LSPS is very user friendly because it responds to the user's commands, so they retain control, but the system optimises the resulting action. This means the operator concentrates on delivering the load without the burden of controlling sway. This makes crane movements quicker and less stressful. More benefits arise as differences between operators are removed and the time to learn the job is greatly reduced.
A special division has been set up within Street to meet non-standard handling needs using special adaptations to standard cranes so that users obtain a customised, but competitive handling solution.
A high resolution picture for this text is on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/st165/3317st1a.htm
April 24, 2002
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