Periodically, users of indoor cranes are faced with the complex task of not only lifting and horizontally moving heavy components such as press tools, machine beds or special containers, but turning them, too.

To enhance safety during this process Demag has introduced a new standard function for its Universal Crane product range. Crane installations can now be equipped with a load-turning function that achieves maximum safety as an optional feature, eliminating the need for any additional engineering.

“The additional costs are modest, but the benefits are high,” Demag MD Emil Berning noted in a press release earlier this year. “This is made possible, in part, by monitoring the entire load turning process using the Demag SafeControl safety control unit.”

Demag noted that it had standardised the ‘load turning’ option to the extent that it now required significantly less individual engineering work for universal cranes with two hoists, without impairing the acknowledged high level of safety. The customer would benefit from operating at the highest level of safety and functionality – two critical components in crane operations, Berning commented.

The package of features enabling the ‘turning of loads’ function includes a more generous specification of the steel structure and equipment with additional sensors. Additionally, the Demag SafeControl system, which provides safety-orientated control and monitoring of all crane motions and functions, has been modified for the load turning process.

Depending on the requirements for the size of the rope hoists, an inclined angle of pull of up to 20º can be achieved. With the universal cranes modified in this way, loads weighing up to 50 t can be turned.

The user can choose between two safe versions. Precise measurement of the rope angle is achieved by combining the Demag SafeControl system with a two-channel, non-contact sensor system. With the basic version, an acoustic and visual warning is given as soon as the maximum deflection angle is reached.

In the safest configuration, the Demag SafeControl system monitors all motion sequences in terms of safety and automatically stops lifting and travel motions if the maximum permissible rope angle is exceeded. A high safety category is achieved: Performance Level d (lifting) or c (travelling) to European Standard 13849-1, Category 3.