SERVING THE PULP & PAPER INDUSTRY

These issues can be addressed by using compacted wire rope strand, spooling bars, slack rope software and automated or semi-automated technology on reel cranes. We’ll help you determine if your equipment is safe by assessing its suitability for its role in production and by looking at its repair history. If there have been persistent issues or frequent wire rope changes, for example, we would conduct an analysis of previous breakdowns. For those parts that are remotely monitored or work with sensors, we might conduct a vibration analysis to pinpoint the source of issues, whether it be the hoist motor, the magnet on the bearing or in the controls.

Any house crane with a mechanical load brake is susceptible to becoming a maintenance issue. The work of some paper mill cranes carrying irregular sized loads, is often balanced by the use of a below the hook device. Units that maintain a below the hook apparatus attached to the crane continuously, even between shifts, may require a higher level of attention as the load brake will be left in an open position more often. An open gear box is vulnerable to the elements and dust. The gearboxes will need to be opened up and inspected yearly. Load brakes need to be specified properly, (one size does not fit all), and you should be consulted on what might be the best product for your particular application.

PAPER INDUSTRY MACHINES HAVE GOTTEN FASTER,
PAPER ROLLS HAVE GOTTEN HEAVIER AND THE
EQUIPMENT TRADITIONALLY USED TO SERVE THIS SECTOR
MAY NOT HAVE BEEN DESIGNED FOR THIS TYPE OF SERVICE.

Over time, paper industry machines have gotten faster, paper rolls have gotten heavier and the equipment traditionally used to serve this sector may not have been designed for this type of extra service. As mills grow, they increase production and outsize the capacity and lifting weight of their original crane. Without regular Preventative Maintenance and inspections to flag issues, accelerated wear and tear from overuse can more quickly degrade or damage your paper production cranes and hoists.

Improvements to older house cranes or modernizations can help increase their longevity. Installing a new hoist can offer improved performance and economy rather than trying to source potentially hard to find, expensive OEM parts on older or discontinued models. They would also eliminate concerns over future breakdowns. We often recommend installing connected devices such as a motorized wire rope and a control module that report back to a remote location to gain better data on usage and operations. This helpful data can be culled to make maintenance decisions. Overload controls and load limiters can monitor and temper the tendency to add too much weight to the crane.

Schedule a consultation with an Ace representative. To learn more, call (800) 733-2231 or email us at sales@aceindustries.com.