PIAB Dynamometer Use in Broadcasting Antenna Masts & Towers - Case Study
Monitoring winch overload with PIAB Dynamometer for smooth and effective technology updates to broadcasting transmission lines
As technology advances in satellite broadcasting, the systems of transmission via antenna masts and towers must continually evolve as well. Updating masts and transmission towers to be able to transmit effectively can be a feat of engineering as sections are hoisted by winch onto towers. When a section is hoisted it may catch or snag and can cause damage to the tower. Maintenance of masts and antennas can also involve lowering sections to the ground, and this also can potentially result in snags on wires. A system in which lowering can be stopped is vital to prevent further damage.
Product: PIAB Dynamometer Type S, of 10 ton capacity, with built-in potentiometer, connected to PIAB Readout Instrument 6:64 with two relay functions: Relay No. 1 set to operate at Overload, and Relay No. 2 set for Slack Rope conditions.
Customer: Imatra-Voima OY, Finland, the contractor for erecting high masts for OY Yliesradio AB, (Finnish Broadcasting Company).
PIAB Dynamometer Solution:
Because the same winch is used for various masts and towers, and it will have different positions at each mast, it is unlikely that the winch will be placed level with the base of the mast. As such, hoisting a rope will require varying load angles for various installations, with the consequence of varying force on the pulley wheel. To allow for this, it must be easy to adjust the switch value of the overload guard system.
The process to set the relay trip-levels is straightforward:
• Lift the load just clear off the ground and note the value shown on the Readout Instrument 6:64.
• The overload relay is now adjusted to a value slightly higher than the noted reading, by means of the adjustment knob on the PIAB 6:64 instrument and further hoisting can take place.
• This process also works for the low level relay, with the only difference being that the overload relay is now set when the load is suspended at its highest point, and at a value that is slightly under the weight displayed on the PIAB 6:64 instrument.
Result: After working with the PIAB equipment over time, the customer was satisfied with results and has submitted additional orders for other winches of various sizes.
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