Heavy-lifting system
One of the world’s most advanced heavy lifting systems is to be deployed in Queensland following its purchase by G & S Engineering Services of Mackay.
The PLC-controlled Enerpac synchronous hydraulic lifting system - which simultaneously controls 96 x 100t capacity hydraulic cylinders - will be used initially in the Bowen Basin to lift gigantic mining shovels, or draglines, for maintenance.
Easily capable of safely lifting the largest Draglines in Australia, which typically range between 2500-6500t, the Enerpac system uses digital synchronisation to provide minutely accurate control of different types of lifts being undertaken by G & S Engineering Services.
“We believe that this is one of the world’s largest systems to be used on mining applications,” says Anders Mangen, Enerpac Australasia business unit manager. “The system provides pinpoint accuracy by minimising the difference between leading and lagging lifting points, ensuring optimum safety and stability through the entire lift.
“In addition to great safety and stability, the high pressure cylinders employed offer great weight and space savings compared with the much larger lower-pressure types of hydraulic cylinders previously used.
“On-site the benefits of these smaller and lighter but more powerful cylinders translate into more space under and around the job, permitting g G & S Engineering Services to employ the latest laser-guided machining systems when they are machining the huge rings on which the draglines rotate.”
Source: Building Products News.
29-Jun-2004