Hydrauvision has built a large safety system for the Carlyss Spool Base. On this Spool Base, steel tubing is manufactured, which is then wound onto vertically positioned reels with a diameter of 24m. The tubes may have a length of up to 1km and a diameter between six inches and 16in. The reels are positioned on a floating vessel moored at the quay.
Upon winding up each new layer of tubing, manual actions need to be performed. This work takes place directly underneath the reels, at a height of up to 7m. This is possible thanks to the Spool Base Work Platform, SBWP, which is similar to a scissor lift. The platform was developed and built by Hydrauvision.
The work platform, which weighs 58mT, is brought onto the floating vessel via rails by means of a shore crane. By means of a transfer system with hydraulic winches, the work platform is moved directly underneath the reel, where it is seafastened. After this, the work platform is connected to the on-board generator. When the reel has been wound up, the work platform is taken from the vessel and placed onto the next one.
Hydrauvision’s Roland Picavet said: "Where ten people are working under such precarious circumstances, safety is our highest priority. That is why the platform can be moved downward very quickly when the maximum load is exceeded.
"Because the geometry of the scissors in the lower part of the vertical movement is rather unfavourable, the work platform is pushed upward one metre by means of telescopic support legs, after which the two main cylinders of the scissors take over the vertical movement.
"After the work platform has come to a standstill, the people present will be able to leave it quickly and safely."
Approximately ten people work on the platform simultaneously. The most critical location is the bottom of the reel, where the tubing starts winding up. Here, the tubing is deformed for the first time and if it breaks, this may cause a dangerous situation. In order to guarantee the safety of the people on the work platform directly underneath the reel, a safety function was built into the work platform, allowing it to be moved downward very quickly to avoid overloading.
Hydraulic pressure sensors, in combination with a position detector, monitor the load on the work platform. If this load is exceeded, the work platform is moved downward in a matter of seconds. When the upper part of the work platform has almost reached the bottom, it is slowed, increment by increment, by the support legs.
For more information, please contact HydrauRent.
