Cranes work in hazardous environments

Cranes designed for safe operation, in the chemical industry or wherever the lifting or transportation of loads in hazardous atmospheres are envisaged, can be supplied by J D Neuhaus.

Cranes designed for safe operation, in the chemical industry or wherever the lifting or transportation of loads in hazardous atmospheres are envisaged, can be supplied by J D Neuhaus.

Slewing jib cranes for work handling on a few metres radius can be supplied, together with overhead travelling cranes.

These can be supplied to cover up to 30 metre spans, suitable for loads up to 10 tonnes accommodated with single girder designs, and up to 50 tonnes possible on double girder cranes.

Where required, suspension cranes can also be supplied.

As for standard overhead cranes these can be fitted with double hoists and are suitable for loads up to 10 tonnes and spans of 12m.

The pneumatic drives utilised by these cranes are fed with compressed air which is processed in a non-hazardous area remote from the operating site.

This ensures that hoists, trolleys and complete crane installations in standard form can be used in hazardous areas (Zones 1 and 2 as well as Zones 21 and 22), corresponding to classification EXGD 11B T4.

In conditions of increased explosion hazard (Zone 1), then 'spark proof' variations can also be supplied corresponding to EX2GD 11C T6.

Any components at risk of friction and contact are manufactured from suitably inert materials which include the prevention of dangerous sparking from electrostatic discharge.

The design is such that even in the event of operating defects, temperatures would remain below 85degC, cold enough for class T6 deployment.

As distinct from electric motor operation no additional protective measures are required for hazardous area operation.

High duty cycling also poses no problems as overheating is eliminated by the automatic cooling effect of expanding compressed air from the air motors.

The pneumatic drives can also be safely used in hazardous and wet areas, at temperatures from -20deg to +70degC in conditions of high humidity, steam or fumes as well as dusty and corrosive atmospheres.

Optional drive controls can be supplied including single or two speed together with infinitely variable speeds for sensitive or precise load handling.

For remote handling, explosion proof remote radio controls are available to complement the in-built pneumatic system controls.

All cranes are fitted with pendant controls for three axis movement, together with a wide range of safety devices for overtravel, emergency shut-off, overloading, collision control etc.

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