The ELiTE 5TD/CD2 vacuum pipe lifter stepped into the lower range of vacuum pipe lifters manufactured for the oil, water and gas industries in July this year.

Currently operating in Qatar for Qatar Gas Transport Company Ltd and in Poland for Izostal, this new design is already being acknowledged as the way forward in vacuum-based lifting technology. Signals received due to impressive customer feedback already pave the way for larger Schoenbeck lifters to follow suit with this new concept in the near future.

Listed below are seven reasons why the ELiTE 5TD/CD2 is ideal for all your pipe lifting purposes.

1. It is designed for the gas industry The original concept design was to develop a smaller vacuum pipe lifter for low-weighted polyethylene (PE) pipe. The ELITE 5TD/CD2 can be equipped with an intermediate spreader bar for longer 18–24 m PE pipe lengths permitting a stable lift. Although the current ELiTE 12TD would also easily do the same job, the advantages of a lighter and more compact lifter are obvious for lighter loads.

2. It is perfect for small-sized excavators Due to the light, compact design, customers with a small-sized excavator (30 tonne or less) can now take advantage of Schoenbeck’s equipment without having to upgrade their excavator tonnage.

3. It can be used with cranes Naturally with all Schoenbeck vacuum pipe lifters, the ELiTE 5TD/CD2 can be utilised for single or twin crane hook lifts.

4. Schoenbeck provides state-of-the-art safety The ELiTE models are traditionally acknowledged as one of the safest pipe handlers available globally, and this has now been underlined with the introduction of a new, innovative, smart and safe-lift system called the anti-object drop (AoD).

The AoD is a mechanical action that automatically activates once a load has been taken. An electronic signal is sent to the lifter, which shuts down the function of suction- release mode (pipe release) until the load is safely situated on the ground/stacked.

Once the lifter recognises the load is no longer given, it automatically activates all modes for further pipe deployment. Although all ELiTE vacuum pipe lifter commands require twin-button, simultaneous actions for safety reasons, this new safety feature really is an extra in pipe lifting.

All standard safety features, such as flash lights for both insufficient vacuum and engine power failure accompanied by sirens are included, as are check/none-release valves and heavy-duty magnetic solenoids for ambient temperatures as low as -40°C.

5. The ELiTE 5TD/CD2 is environmentally friendly During market research, Schoenbeck’s team were approached by many communal contractors with valid input and technical requests. Many stressed the importance of vacuum pipe lifting technology being able to be used in populated urban areas while respecting the natural environment in rural areas. The fundamental requirement and challenge was to achieve the lowest possible sound pressure level, while maintaining diesel power. Although silent canopies were an option, incorporating a two-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine was commercially more attractive to both manufacture and end customers alike. The final result with the two-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine is an exceptionally low sound pressure level of only 76 decibels at 1 m.

The onboard water-cooling system supplied is another plus for hot environments, with naturally cooling fluids environmentally acceptable today.

6. The ELiTE 5TD/CD2 provides powerful and vacuum supply The robust two-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine from Kubota is directly injected from a 20 litre capacity onboard tank built into the main body frame. Equipped with a full all-round engine surveillance system for oil and water level/temperature, the automatic engine cut-off will activate within three seconds if necessary. Fuel level, water and oil temperatures are shown via digital metres on the wiring cabinet panel.

The vacuum tank/reservoir provides a volume of 140 litres that, when combined with a suitable dry running vane vacuum pump (80 cubic metres per hour), can reach a vacuum suction speed within 1.5–2 seconds.

7. Schoenbeck provides UV radiation protection In some parts of the world, UV protection is underestimated in machinery manufacturing. Schoenbeck has acknowledged this requirement and applied UV protection where possible to ensure long-life durability wherever applicable.