Materials handling specialists J D Neuhaus have recently supplied a BOP handling system comprising four of their air operated monorail hoists. This featured a centralised pneumatic system providing common sensitive controls for all the lift and traverse movements of the hoists either as individual or paired hoists, or with all four hoist units operating together in common.

The four hoists supplied were the EH 50 models each providing a 50 tonne lift capacity. Two hoists operate in tandem on one common overhead beam providing a collective synchronised lift of up to 100 tonnes, with two separate power supplies also provided for individual hoist operation when required. To accommodate the provision of separate energy chains in the limited space available, the fitment of individual energy chains on both the top and underside of the support beam was necessary. Each of the four individual hoists are also equipped with an emergency lowering device to handle the controlled and safe grounding of suspended loads in the event of any total loss or interruption of mains air power supply. As well as the centralised four-hoist control panel, optional pendant controls for use during equipment maintenance operations were also provided.

This handling system operates off a 6 bar mains air pressure and is suitable for working in hazardous areas where there is a potential risk of explosion. It incorporates compact, low headroom design hoists, fitted with instant-starting vane motors which have low maintenance requirements and are also insensitive to humidity and dust, with an operating temperature range from -20°C to +70°C. These reliable, robust hoists can be used on land installations, as well as on jack-up and semi-submersible drilling platforms. An offshore paint finish provides corrosion protection against tough weather conditions including salty, moist air on land as well as at sea.

The EH range of hoists cover individual lift capacities of 10, 16, 20, 25, 30, 37, 40, 50, 60, 75 and 100 tonnes. Hoists designed for operation where low headroom conditions exist can also be supplied. Multi-hoist assemblies and associated controls can be supplied to order providing a wide range of product lift requirements for general engineering from small workshop to major handling applications. Overload protection, two speed trolley controls with rack and pinion drives can also be provided as optional extras, to complement standard fail-safe braking systems, and both anti-climb and anti-drop devices. Optional hydraulic operation for the EH range of hoists can also be supplied for the 20, 25, 37 and 50 tonne lift capacities.