Purchasing and overhead crane hoist, like from Wazee Crane, is a sizeable investment, so it's important to find one that will be reliable for years to come. While many hoists are well-built, they aren't all made to hold up in high temperatures. If you need an overhead crane in a factory that has a major heat source, work closely with your supplier to find a solution that will protect the hoist from the heat source. Here are a few of the problems you may want to discuss with your supplier, along with some solutions they might suggest.
Heat Damages Motors and Electronics
The metal bars, pulleys and cables in your overhead crane hoist will be able to withstand high temperatures, but heat could damage its motor and electronics. Specifically, your hoist trolley motor and all electronic components will need to be protected from high levels of heat.
According to Franklin Electric, 80 percent of failures in electrical motors, which are often used in overhead crane hoists, are related either to voltage issues or overheating. A few minutes of running too hot will not instantly destroy an engine, as long as it's either stopped or cooled quickly. Continuous operation at high temperatures will significantly shorten a motor's lifespan, though.
Even though your crane's electronic components may be rated for industrial use, this doesn't mean they'll be able to withstand the temperatures in your factory. Electronics Cooling notes that industrial electronic components are made for operation between -40 and 85°C (-40 and 185°F). If your overhead crane is located near a major heat source, it may be exposed to temperatures well above this range.
Factories Often Have High Temperatures
Many factories have areas that reach hundreds of degrees, even if the majority of the factory is kept at a reasonable temperature for workers. Look around where you're planning on installing the overhead crane hoist and see if there are:
All of these things produce hot spots that your crane should be shielded from. Even if other nearby equipment is shielded from them, an overhead crane may be especially susceptible to the heat they produce. For, the hot air that boilers, furnaces, welding and molten metal produces will rise to the ceiling of your factory -- where your overhead crane hoist's trolley motor and electronic components will be.
Ways You Can Protect Your Overhead Crane Hoist
As you discuss potential heat sources that will be near the overhead crane with your supplier, they might suggest four solutions:
The Engineering ToolBox's data shows that the final suggestion, using better insulation around the trolley motor, will increase the maximum operational temperature by as much as 50°C (90°F). Class B insulation is suitable in temperatures up to 130°C (266°F). Class F is rated for up to 155°C (311°F), and Class H is made to withstand temperatures as high as 180°C (356°F).
If you need a new overhead crane hoist in your factory that has a major heat source, you'll likely need to protect it from high temperatures. Work closely with your supplier to find a solution that will keep your hoist from being exposed to too much heat. You might end up spending a little more money on some upgrades, but those investments will ensure your new crane is reliable for many years to come.
Share3 June 2015
My family owns a thriving timber business. For over thirty years, they have been meeting their customers’ needs in my home state. One of the reasons for their success is their commitment to purchasing state-of-the-art heavy construction equipment to use in their business. After buying the most technologically advanced machinery available on the market, they also strive to maintain it for the safety of their employees. If you own a business, you need to regularly schedule a professional to check the safety of your heavy construction equipment. On this blog, you will discover how to protect your employees by hiring someone to regularly check the safety of your machinery.
