The majority of bended pipe are difficult, if not impossible to lift with straight suction pads/cups. In such cases, portable cranes can be viewed as the sole solution. This allows for the costs of additional heavy lifting equipment, such as cranes and the highly trained operators, to be reduced. With input from practical onsite pipeline construction, the company created this technical lifting improvement.
The objective was very straightforward. The ELiTE 12TD vacuum pipe lifter was assigned for pipe handling on a German pipeline in 2012, and as such, cost and payback of the lifter had already been assessed in the initial planning phase of the project.
It became apparent to the customer that costs initially planned for the “˜cold pipe bending’ application could be reduced significantly, without any risk towards safety and handling efficiency. Schoenbeck was confronted with the question of feasibility and assisted in the upgrade and the mobile crane was deployed elsewhere for other tasks on the job.
Thanks to valid customer input, all heavier ELiTE models are now available with the option of a hook package. The hooks are situated two on each side of the sturdy main body and all new models are fitted with pre-welded base plates which allow for hook retrofitting later if and when required.
HDPE additional options and accessories
Apart from handling standard pipe, Schoenbeck also manufactures accessories for all of its units. In some countries, high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe handled in 24 m lengths. This can be difficult pending wall thickness and regional weather conditions. Schoenbeck has an additional adaptor tool to aide in the handling of pipe, the V-SB 4/5 spreader bar:
- V meaning vacuum;
- SB meaning spreader bar; and,
- 4/5 indicating the SWL options.
The V-SB-4/5 spreader bar is an all-round accessory which easily fits to all of Schoenbeck’s vacuum pipe lifters via various fixed and clearly marked connecting points.
HDPE climates/handling
Direct sun heat on high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe surfaces can result in the pipe surface bending or evening taking on a “˜snake’ type form. To assist with such a situation, mini suction pad lengths are required with single central oval cardin connecting points. This allows both suction pads to rotate a certain degree clockwise and anti-clock wise.
ADAP/ 3t
For those customers who have short mini suction pads in stock, Schoenbeck has developed the ADAP/3t which allows customers to utilise the mini pads directly below the standard lifters. This permits max payback and project flexibility when purchasing Schoenbeck vacuum pipe lifters with the brand name, “˜ELiTE’.
Located in Germany, Schoenbeck GmbH & Co. KG holds 38 years’ experience as an original equipment manufacturer or specialised handling equipment.
For more information visit www.schoenbeck-maschinen.de