TPi July 2009

Mater ials Handl ing can also be proactively identified using a simple, graphic interface that is available online. In order to help determine the customer’s competitive position, productivity and performance- based monitoring also benchmarks actual crane OEE performance with the customer’s other cranes or with industry standards. Optional productivity and performance- based services are available, including production and working cycle analysis. The historic and predictive production and working cycle analyses gained from remote monitoring services can be used to optimise production processes and achieve the highest lifecycle value of the equipment. With increased production efficiency, a more competitive pricing strategy can be offered. Remote monitoring services also offer optional remote support for start-up and commissioning phases.

Remote monitoring services

Konecranes is a group of lifting businesses, serving manufacturing and process industries, shipyards, ports and terminals. The group provides lifting solutions and services for lifting equipment and machine tools. Konecranes offers real-time remote monitoring services to capture critical production and crane usage data on demanding process cranes. Reliability and productivity services with remote monitoring can help to maximise uptime, increase safety, optimise performance, and achieve the highest lifecycle value of equipment. Remote monitoring allows for more accurate and in-depth analysis of crane usage that helps to reveal issues outside standard maintenance checklists, including emerging deficiencies in processes, capacity, usage and overall operating efficiency. The company’s remote monitoring packages include reliability-based monitoring for more efficient troubleshooting and a more proactive productivity, and a performance-based monitoring solution that ensures the highest level of crane availability with Global Technical Support (GTS). With more than 350,000 cranes under service contracts worldwide, Konecranes is able to apply its knowledge and resources to develop solutions that improve crane reliability and performance. The Konecranes remote monitoring system sends around-the-clock crane usage data via advanced connections to Konecranes GTS centres located in the USA, Finland and China. The main fixed connection and a secondary wireless connection (ie 3G, GPRS or satellite), attached to the crane, transfer information through a secure VPN on a redundant w24 router. In addition, some processed data can be integrated with the customer’s IT system. As maintenance issues arise, customers and service technicians can troubleshoot more efficiently with faster response times and resolutions. Maintenance services can be performed based on the actual usage data of cranes. Reliability monitoring tracks usage trends, including unsafe or improper crane usage, which might not

be detected during standard, periodic maintenance inspections. Downtime can be minimised or prevented using the fault histories generated through remote monitoring to predict emerging technical and mechanical problems. Optional improvement reports are also available for planning predictive maintenance. The advanced productivity remote monitoring services provide real- time data that is monitored online by skilled engineers to enable higher crane availability, optimal Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE), informed lifecycle planning and continual customer process improvement. Konecranes engineers use state-of-the- art technology and software at the GTS centres to locate and predict main- tenance needs and other critical issues, including production-related process problems. Recommended improve- ments can be put into action within the same work shift, if appropriate. Problems

Konecranes Service Ltd – UK james.bow@konecranes.com www.konecranes-uk.com

Hoist for safe lifting At 25 tonnes safe working load, the ZX88 is the largest model in Street Crane’s ZX6-8 range. The unit follows the same design principles as other hoists in the series, with unitary construction, open plan design and standardisation

of components. This ensures easy customisation to meet different end-user lifting needs.

The new hoist is suitable for appli- cations in basic metal production, metal and glass stockholding, general engineering, fabrication, machine building, automotive and aerospace industries. Advanced vibration analysis during develop- ment and intensive accelerated life testing have enabled Street Crane to produce a range of hoists that promise improved performance reliability and endurance. Launched in spring 2008 after an intensive £1.5 million three-year development programme, more than 500 ZX6-8 hoists have been shipped. Street Crane is continuing to develop the hoist range. Based on the same design and engineering principles of the ZX6-8, the ZX10 is well advanced, with a launch planned in 2009. This will take the capacity of the modular hoists to 50 tonnes SWL. Street Crane also produces and offers UK engineering industries the custom built VX Hoist – a heavy duty lifting model for use in arduous and extreme conditions, available in capacities up to 200 tonnes SWL. The ZX88 hoist has a lifting capacity of 25 S S tonnes safe working load

Street Crane Company – UK admin@streetcrane.co.uk • www.streetcrane.co.uk

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July 2009 Tube Products International