Crane custom system for wet rooms

Table of Contents

If you have a wet working environment and need to use lifting equipment, will you worry? For us experienced crane manufacturers, this is not a very complicated matter. Our suggestion is to leave professional things to professionals. You only need to submit your working conditions to us, and we can design a customized crane system for you. Today's case is from a UK plant rental company who needed to raise and lower large vinyl type panels in a purpose built "wet area".

How customized crane systems improve work efficiency

Each winch raises and lowers one of the 12m-long spreader beams, which attach to the vinyl sheet via load-bearing karabiner clips. Each vinyl sheet weighs approximately 60kg. The winch system raises the vinyl sheets in a level position – this capability permits easy drying of the vinyl sheets after pressure washing, a process that removes any unwanted residual substances from the most recent hire job.

The customer can operate all four winches individually via its own wall-mounted, low-voltage pendant controls, allowing the lifting of a single vinyl sheet as required at any time. Each winch sits in purpose-manufactured mounting frames secured to the floor using four Hilti expansion anchors.

The system facilitates a quicker and less labour-intensive turnaround of the vinyl sheets during busy periods of hire.

The scope of supply for Hoist & Winch included all pre-installation survey work to ensure correct the alignment and positioning of each winch, diverter pulley and all associated equipment, including top and bottom hook geared limit switches. Upon customer request, we also offer a 7-day installation and subsequent commissioning. Further responsibilities included all wiring and load testing of the whole system. Once complete, Hoist & Winch issued a Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (Loler) Thorough Examination report.

The room in which the washing, lifting, drying and lowering of vinyl sheets takes place is a purpose-built and enclosed ‘wet area’ with a cambered floor and drainage around the perimeter to support the removal of excess water during cleaning. We provided PVC weather covers for the winch control panels to ensure safety at all times.

Summary of the process of making a customized crane system for wet rooms

1. Need analysis

Environmental Assessment: First, conduct a comprehensive assessment of wet room humidity, temperature, corrosive gases, and other factors to determine the specific challenges that the crane system needs to address.
Functional requirements: Clarify the functions that the crane system needs to achieve, such as lifting capacity, movement range, operating accuracy, etc.
Safety standards: Determine the safety standards and regulatory requirements that must be met, especially electrical safety and corrosion protection standards in wet environments.

2. Design stage

Structural design: Based on the demand analysis results, design the overall structure of the crane to ensure its stability and durability in humid environments.
Electrical design: Select electrical components and materials suitable for humid environments, such as waterproof cables, sealed joints, etc., and conduct layout design of the electrical system.
Anti-corrosion treatment: Consider anti-corrosion measures in the design, such as using corrosion-resistant materials, increasing coating thickness, etc.

3. Material selection and manufacturing

Material selection: According to the design requirements, select materials that can work stably in a humid environment for a long time, such as stainless steel, special alloys, etc.
Manufacturing process: Use appropriate manufacturing processes to ensure that each component of the crane has the required moisture-proof and anti-corrosion properties during the manufacturing process.

4. Assembly and testing

Assembly: Assembly of the crane is performed in a controlled environment to ensure that all components are installed correctly and meet design requirements.
Functional test: Conduct a comprehensive functional test on the assembled crane to ensure that it can work properly in a wet environment.
Durability testing: Simulating long-term use in a wet environment, the crane is subjected to durability testing to verify its performance and longevity.

5. Installation and debugging

On-site installation: Install the crane system in the wet room, ensuring that all installation procedures comply with safety standards and operating specifications.
System debugging: Conduct on-site debugging of the installed crane system to ensure that it can operate stably and accurately in the actual working environment.

6. Maintenance and maintenance

Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect the crane system, especially components that are easily damaged in wet environments.
Maintenance: Carry out necessary maintenance and upkeep work according to the inspection results, such as replacing damaged parts, re-applying anti-corrosion coating, etc.

7. Documentation and Training

Technical documentation: Prepare detailed technical documentation, including information on the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of the crane.
Operational training: Professional training for operators to ensure they understand how to properly and safely operate and maintain crane systems in wet environments.