The Rise of Intelligent Measurement in Lifting Equipment
Advancements in lifting equipment are transforming industrial operations, enhancing both safety and efficiency. Integrating wireless components and cloud-based data through the Internet of Things (IoT) allows for real-time monitoring and analysis, providing valuable insights into equipment performance and maintenance needs. Sensors enable adaptation to changing environmental conditions like wind and temperature for improved safety and precision.
As technology progresses, lifting equipment becomes more compact and precise, facilitating operations in confined spaces and handling delicate payloads. This miniaturization trend goes hand-in-hand with increased automation and lifting frequency, boosting productivity. Continuous monitoring and sophisticated alarm systems, triggered by critical measurements like load weight, angle, and stability, contribute to a safer working environment.
Furthermore, precise control over individual component activation enhances safety, optimizes power consumption, and extends the lifespan of lifting equipment.
Sensors Commonly Used in Lifting Equipment
Interface provides integrated lifting measurement solutions, including load cells, miniature load cells, load pins, shackles, tension links, and wireless instruments that are flexible and adaptable to diverse needs. Our sensor technologies and instrumentation provide robust, accurate measurements for testing and continuous performance monitoring across various industries, from construction and manufacturing to healthcare and aerospace.
Modern lifting equipment relies heavily on a variety of sensors. Cranes utilize sensors for load measurement, boom angle, and wind speed. Lifting gantry systems employ similar sensors, with an added focus on position and anti-collision. Jib cranes, engine lifts, floor cranes, and hoisting equipment utilize load cells for precision measurement and safety alerts. Patient lifts prioritize safety through sensors that monitor weight, tilt, and sling tension. Rigging equipment incorporates tension sensors and accelerometers. Pallet movers rely on proximity sensors, while loaders and bulldozers employ sensors for bucket position, ground clearance, and load weight. Check out our examples of lifting applications and use cases here.
Tips From Engineering About Lifting Applications Using Force Measurement
Interface has a long history of designing sensors that fit our customers’ lifting requirements. Here are some questions to help you select the measurement device and instrumentation to support your lifting project or product.
- Does the load need to be upended, flipped, or rotated?
- Is there a required rigging arrangement?
- Are lifting points provided?
- What loads are involved, and how accurately are the weights known?
- What rigging gear is available, and is it rated adequately?
- Is the load strong enough to lift in the recommended arrangement?
- Are spreader bars required?
- Are there headroom restrictions?
Integrated Crane Lifting Solutions
A great example of integrated lifting solutions in real-world situations is how Interface supplied a complete sensor solution that helped to test and monitor a crane application. This heavy equipment manufacturer chose four Interface products to create an integrated solution for their industrial cranes.
This fully integrated measurement system allowed the customer to obtain data from various forces and on different axes to test each part of the lifting mechanism. This data helps improve product quality and ensure user safety in operation, multiple environments, and worldwide. The products involved included:
- Stainless Steel Load Pins
- Tension Load Links
- Load Shackles
- WTS Modular Telemetry System Wireless Handheld Display
Stainless Steel Load Pins
Interface load pins are designed to measure tensile and compressive forces for application uses, including crane and lifting, as well as industrial, marine, offshore, and civil engineering. Machined from high-tensile stainless steel, our load pins are suitable for exposed situations, including seawater. We offer standard load pins with ratings between 1.1K lbf and 3.3M lbf (500 kgs to 1500 MT). Most load pins are custom-manufactured to meet specific dimensional requirements.
LP Custom Stainless Steel Load Pin
WTSLP Wireless Custom Stainless Steel Load Pin
Load Shackles
Load shackles are made from high-tensile carbon steel and are designed for lifting and weighing in rugged or harsh environments. Depending on the load rating, our basic shackle is the renowned Crosby G2130, G2140, and G2150 series. An optional rotating bobbin can centralize the load and minimize any point-load effects. We also offer fully submersible and telemetry load shackles.
ISHK-B Bow Type Crosby™ Cabled Load Shackle
ISHK-D ‘D’ Type Crosby™ Cabled Load Shackle
Hazardous Environments ISHK-D ‘D’ Type Crosby™ Cabled Load Shackle
Flame Proof Bow Type Crosby™ Cabled Load Shackle
Hazardous Environments ISHK-B Bow Type Crosby™ Cabled Load Shackle
WTSSHK-B Wireless Crosby™ Bow Load Shackle
WTSSHK-B-HL Wireless Bow Load Shackle
WTSSHK-D Wireless Crosby™ Load Shackle
Tension Load Links
The Interface tension load link series is manufactured from high-tensile aluminum and stainless steel and is designed for lifting and weighing applications in harsh environments. Matched to shackle sizes, our load links come in ratings from 2.2K lbf to 1.1M lbf (1 to 500 MT) and are environmentally sealed to IP65, IP66, or IP67. Higher ratings are available upon request.
WTSTL Wireless Tension Load Link
WTSATL Lightweight Aluminum Wireless Tension Load Link
WTSATL-JR Aluminum Compact Wireless Tension Load Link
Hazardous Environments WTSTL Wireless Stainless Steel Tension Link Load Cell
Hazardous Environments ITL Stainless Steel Tension Link Load Cell
Wireless Handheld Displays
Interface offers a variety of wireless handheld displays that transmit data from single to unlimited wireless transmitter modules and form part of the WTS modular telemetry system. The data sent by transmitter modules can be utilized by multiple receivers such as displays, handheld readers, analog outputs, relay modules, and computer interfaces. Receivers support common industrial power supplies and are available in robust IP-rated enclosures with internal antennas optimized to give outstanding coverage.
WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display For Unlimited Transmitters
WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters
9325-NU Portable Sensor Display
Contact us to learn about measurement solutions and integration options using Interface sensors and instrumentation.
