Crane Load Monitoring and Overload Protection at CATERPILLAR - Case Study
Overload protection and variable crane load monitoring
CATERPILLAR needed specific capabilities for measuring combined loads in its welding repair plant at its service depot located in Upplands Väsby, Sweden. The electrical overhead traveling crane had two hoists, one with 5-ton capacity, the other with 10-ton capacity. The crane in turn had the capacity to handle a combined load of no more than 10 tons, whether the two hoists were used independently or in tandem, and required overload protection in either situation. CATERPILLAR also required an overload protection system with individual visual load indications for establishing the approximate weight of assemblies.
Product: The PIAB LKVE Electronic force transmitter with the PIAB Electronic Unit 8:300 prepared for load indication.
Customer: Engson (Sales and Service of CATERPILLAR machinery), Upplands Väsby Sweden.
Solution: Engson selected the PIAB System for its unique advantages:
- Installation did not require any changes to the design of the traveling crane, and required minimal downtime, as the PIAB equipment is delivered with pre-set switch values that are adjusted so that test loading is not required.
- The PIAB system also uses an output of 4-20 mA, which is resistant to interference, so use of standard non-shielded cables is acceptable. In most cases, the Overload Protection System cables can be installed with the other electrical cables of the traveling crane without resulting in issues with interference.
- In a situation where faulty operation occurs, the PIAB LKVE displays an overload condition for all combinations of cable faults and/or short circuits. The load cell can be overloaded mechanically by 100% of the nominal load without affecting its capacity for accurate measurements.
- The working range and capacity of the crane are maintained.
Result: Maintenance costs have been significantly reduced in the years that the PIAB System has been operating, and with the overload protection system in place, standstills and damages due to overload have been eliminated.
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