MechChem Africa July 2018

⎪ Automation, process control and instrumentation ⎪

Complete solution for handling starter batteries

T heSchmalz vacuumtube lifter JumboFlexBattery, distributed in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa by Tectra Automa- tion, provides a complete solution for the ergonomic and safe handling of starter batteries. The solution ensures the reliable commissioning of starter batteries for system suppliers and distributors. Batteries that are shipped edge-to-edge on a pallet are difficult to remove, especially for models without handles. These batteries, weighing up to almost 30 kg each, have to be manually removed and transferred because they cannot be mechanically gripped. The new Schmalz JumboFlex Battery vacuum handling system grips, lifts and transports starter batteries of different shapes, sizes and weights without any physical exertion for the user. The system consists of a lifting unit, operator handle and gripper. The gripper is the extraordinary feature of this systemand is equippedwith a special sealing gasket with suction resistances. This enables the system to re- trieve batteries fromabove, regardless of whether they have different cover geometries or handles. There is noneed for tool conversionbetweendifferent battery sizes and geometries. The ergonomic operator handle can be operatedwith one hand and is easy to use. The lifting unit consists of a flexible hose that provides the required suction flow to securely hold the batteries and a responsive aluminium crane, which can be configured for use as a jib or overhead crane, completes the system. Tectra Automation, aHytec Group company, is a single source sup- plier of the entire rangeof Schmalz vacuumhandling solution for South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. q

Above: The Schmalz vacuum tube lifter, JumboFlex Battery, provides a complete solution for the ergonomic and safe handling of starter batteries. Right: The ergonomic operator handle can be operated with one hand and is easy to use.