SUPPLIERS
June 2016
|
World Coal
|
59
A
dvanced CC3000 crane control systems from
MacGregor are being put through their paces by
German shipowner, Oldendorff Carriers, as part of
an order for three 50 t capacity K5036-4HD cranes.
The K4 cranes were fitted onboard the 94 000 DWT
transloading vessel
Alfred Oldendorff
, which entered service in
March 2015 and was followed by sistership
Antonie Oldendorff
,
which also has three CC3000-controlled K4-class cranes. Both
ships will be engaged in long-term transhipment contracts with
various clients in the Middle East Gulf, primarily involving
lightering of capesize bulkers.
CC3000 control is a microprocessor-based control system for
electric and hydraulic cranes. The system reduces the spare
parts burden, while interfacing with a wide variety of sensors to
support better monitoring and repair practices. Safety critical
functions are backed up through an extra safety processor.
The incorporation of CC3000 technology has enabled new
safety and productivity features to be installed on the K4 cranes.
Active pendulation control (APC), for example, minimises
unintentional movements of the grab, so the operator can
position the grab more easily and increase operational speeds.
This is particularly of benefit to less experienced drives, said
Per Strandberg, R&DManager for MacGregor Cranes.
APC also reduces unnecessary stress in the bearings, wires
and sheaves, reducing the risk of downtime and the need for
maintenance and repair.
The CC3000 units also incorporate an enhanced anti-collision
system that protects the bridge, other static obstacles on deck
and other cranes. “The system significantly reduces the risk of
severe damage to cranes and vessels due to collision,” noted
Strandberg. “Operational flexibility is still maintained because
the dynamic safety area moves with the crane and this
minimises the need to limit the operational area of the cranes.”
With the CC3000 control, the crane operator can access a
range of data through cabin display screens, providing the
information needed to improve performance and maintain high
levels of operational safety. The same information can be seen
online on the bridge via the ‘ship's office’ function. CC3000 can
be delivered with an optional power limitation function,
allowing the operator to set maximum genset outputs to
conserve energy, with crane speeds reduced once the limits are
reached.
CC3000 technology enhances safety and productivity on
MacGregor’s K4 cranes.
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