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Rigging Engineers Choose Interface Measurement Solutions

June 13, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Interface supports rigging engineers who design, plan, and oversee the rigging of heavy loads by providing high accuracy measurement solutions. Rigging is the process of using ropes, chains, and other lifting equipment to move and position large objects.

Rigging engineers typically work in maritime, construction, manufacturing, entertainment and energy industries. Interface is also seeing a growing demand for sensor technologies used by rigging engineers that work in aerospace, both for aircraft and space vehicle manufacturers.

The use of load cells to measure the weight of heavy loads, such as cranes, ships, rockets, theater equipment and machinery is on the rise. Rigging engineers use the data from load cells, load pins, load shackles, and tension links to ensure that the loads are not overloaded and that the rigging systems are properly designed for each use case. This often requires pairing the high accuracy sensor with instrumentation. For versatility wireless telemetry systems are useful for rigging engineers.

These vital engineering positions are responsible for rigging up and down cranes, loading and unloading ships, or moving heavy equipment around a factory floor. Rigging engineers that design and plan rigging systems for lifting and transporting heavy loads across various industries rely on accurate measurement data. They often oversee the rigging of heavy loads, ensuring that it is done safely and efficiently. They inspect rigging equipment for wear and tear, and make repairs as needed while maintaining records of rigging operations. Sensors and instrumentation play an important role.

Load cells are an important tool for rigging engineers. They provide valuable information that can be used to ensure the safety of rigging operations, whether they are for mooring tension tests in the maritime industry or for lifting an aircraft for wind tunnel testing. Load cells can be used in a variety of ways by rigging engineers. For example, they can be used to:

Monitor the weight of a load in real time. This information can be used to make sure that the load does not exceed the safe lifting capacity of the rigging system. Sensors are often integrated into conveyor systems, hoppers, and other equipment to measure the weight or force being exerted. These devices are often used in industries like mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Create a load map. A load map is a visual representation of the weight distribution of a load. This information can be used to ensure that the load is evenly distributed, and that the rigging system is properly designed no matter the size of structure or component.
Set overload limits. Overload limits are set to prevent the rigging system from being overloaded. If the weight of a load exceeds the overload limit, an alarm will sound, and the rigging system will be shut down.
Record load data. Load data can be recorded and used to track the weight of loads over time. This information can be used to identify trends and patterns that may indicate a need for maintenance or repairs.
Secure equipment. The information from force and weight sensors is critical when lifting and securing equipment, such as appartus used in the entertainment sector, from arial arts rigging to stage set-up.

Rigging engineers use load pins, load shackles, and tension links in a variety of applications to measure and monitor loads, weight and tensions in different lifting and rigging operations.

Crane and Hoist Monitoring: Load pins, load shackles, and tension links are commonly used in cranes and hoists to measure the load being lifted. These devices can be integrated into the lifting mechanism to provide real-time load monitoring, ensuring that the load remains within safe working limits. Application examples: Gantry Crane Weighing and Crane Force Regulation App Note
Heavy Lifting and Rigging: Load measurement technologies are used in heavy lifting and rigging operations to measure the tension in cables, ropes, and other lifting components. By monitoring the tension, rigging engineers can ensure that the load is evenly distributed, and that the lifting equipment is not overloaded. Application examples: Lifting Heavy Objects and Aircraft Lifting Equipment
Load Testing: Sensors are utilized in load testing scenarios to assess the strength and performance of lifting equipment, such as cranes, hoists, and winches. These devices provide accurate load measurements during the testing process, helping engineers determine if the equipment meets the required safety standards. Application examples: Rescue Helicopter Hoist Test and Harness Durability Testing
Offshore and Marine Applications: Due to the ruggedized designs of Interface load pins, load shackles, and tension links, we see extensive use in offshore and maritime operations. They are employed in various lifting and mooring applications, including lifting heavy equipment onto offshore platforms, measuring tension in mooring lines, and monitoring loads on anchor systems. Application examples: Mooring Line Tension Testing App Note and Maritime Measurement Solutions for Onshore and Submersible Applications
Infrastructure and Civil Engineering Projects: Load cells, load pins, load shackles, and tension links are actively used in construction and civil engineering projects for load monitoring purposes. They can be used in applications such as measuring loads on temporary structures, monitoring tension in cables and suspension systems, and ensuring safe load distribution during construction operations. Application examples: Power Line Tension Testing and Monitoring the Seismic Force of a Suspension Bridge

In all these applications, rigging engineers are using crucial data about loads, tensions, and forces, to ensure safety, optimize performance, and prevent equipment failures.

Load cells and measurement solutions can help to prevent overloading of rigging systems, which can lead to accidents and injuries. Accurate sensors help to improve the efficiency of rigging operations by providing real-time weight data. This information can be used to adjust the rigging system as needed, which can help to reduce the amount of time and effort required to lift and transport heavy loads.

Learn more about Interface’s Lifting Solutions and Weighing Solutions for Rigging Engineers with these resources:

Aerial Arts Rig

Theater Rigging System

WTS Yacht Rigging Inspection App Note

Bridge Construction Wind Monitoring

Aircraft Engine Hoist

Innovative Interface Lifting Solutions

Aerial Lift Overload Control

Weighing: Gantry Crane Weighing

Innovative Interface Lifting Solutions

May 11, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog, Infrastructure, Maritime /by Jamie Glass

Interface sensors are utilized in lifting applications to accurately measure the weight or force being exerted on the lifting equipment of all sizes. Our lifting solutions include load cells, load pins, tension links and shackles, wireless technologies, and instrumentation. It is common to see our sensors integrated into hoists, cranes, and lifting devices to provide precise load measurements.

Interface lifting solutions apply to a wide range of industries and settings, including construction sites, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, transportation, healthcare facilities, maritime docks, aircraft testing and assembly, and more. Lifting applications can vary, such as loading and unloading goods, positioning heavy equipment or machinery, transferring patients in healthcare settings, or lifting materials for construction purposes.

Our load cells, load pins and shackles assist in monitoring loads for heavy lifting equipment operators to remain within safe working limits and prevent overloading. Interface tension links and tension load cells are used for measuring lifting or pulling heavy loads with chains, cables, or ropes. The sensors measure the tension in the lifting element, providing feedback on the load being lifted and ensuring it remains within safe limits. Check out our Lifting Solutions Overview for complete details.

Top Interface Lifting Solutions

References of lifting equipment include cranes, hoists, forklifts, aerial work platforms, lifts, jacks, and various types of rigging and slings. These equipment types are designed to provide mechanical advantage, leverage, or power to lift, suspend, move, or position loads safely and efficiently. By leveraging sensor technologies, the benefits include increased safety for the operator, enhanced productivity, and efficiency optimization of load management. Additional benefits include predictive maintenance, plus smart and innovative utilization for modernization of projects and equipment.

Rigging engineers, whether working in testing environments from concert venues to rocket testing sites, use high-accuracy sensor technologies to ensure the safe and efficient movement of heavy equipment, machinery, and materials using cranes, hoists, pulleys, and other lifting devices. They are involved in the entire rigging process, from the initial assessment and design of rigging systems to overseeing the actual lifting operations.

Safety is of utmost importance in all lifting applications due to the potential risks associated with heavy loads, heights, and moving parts. The use of load monitoring devices such as load cells, tension links, load pins, or load shackles are critical to ensure the safe execution of lifting operations.

When Interface defines lifting applications, we are referring to the actions of objects, materials, or loads that are raised, lowered, or moved vertically or horizontally using lifting equipment or mechanisms. For use of our measurement solutions, these lifting applications involve the use of specialized equipment designed to safely and efficiently handle various types of loads.

In the construction industry, Interface load cells and load pins are integrated into smart cranes and construction equipment to provide real-time monitoring of the loads being lifted or carried. Lifting beams and spreader bars need high-accuracy measurement on the site. These sensors accurately measure the weight or force exerted on the equipment and provide data on the load’s status, ensuring safe operation within specified limits. This information can be used to prevent overloading, optimize load distribution, and enhance operational safety and prevent failure of any machinery.

Infrastructure demands durability, quality and accuracy of measurement. Interface load cells, tension links, load pins, and load shackles are employed in load testing applications to verify the strength and capacity of various lifting structures and equipment. They are used for a range of applications, including crane verification and safety monitoring, hoist monitoring, winch measurements, elevator suspension systems, lifting cables, overload alarms, and load testing. These tests measure the applied load and assess the structural integrity. Load cells or load shackles are often temporarily attached to lifting points or incorporated into the testing rig to capture accurate load data.

The maritime industry uses Interface measurement devices in crane systems, winches, and lifting equipment onboard ships, on offshore platforms, or vessels. These ruggedized and often submersible sensors ensure that loads are properly managed and controlled, enabling safe and efficient lifting operations in challenging marine environments. Check out this Boat Hoist application note.

Warehouses and logistics use load cells or load pins for shipping container handling, pallet weighing, conveyor systems and freight and cargo monitoring. The sensors can be easily integrated into forklifts to measure the weight of the lifted load, ensuring safe lifting, and preventing overloading.

Interface load cells and sensor technologies are also being used in applications for patient lifting and transfer. Load cells or load shackles can be integrated into patient lifting and transfer equipment, such as hoists or patient slings, hospital beds and therapy equipment. These sensors help monitor the load and ensure safe and comfortable transfers for patients and caregivers.

By integrating Interface solutions into lifting applications, the result is enhanced safety, improved efficiency, and optimization of load management. Real-time data from sensors allows for precise control, early detection of anomalies, and preventive maintenance, ensuring smooth and secure lifting operations, whether that is for a patient in a hospital or a cargo load moving from dock to ship.

Interface offers standard products for lifting, as well as custom and OEM lifting solutions. Contact our application engineers to learn more about what type of lifting solution is best for your requirements.

Lifting Solutions Brochure

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Aircraft Engine Hoist

Theater Rigging System

Patient Hoyer Lift

IoT Lifting Heavy Objects App Note

Interface Solutions for Lifting Applications

Cranes and Lifting

Aircraft Lifting Equipment App Note

Aerial Lift Overload Control

Benefits of Proof Loading Verification

February 22, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Proof loading is a critical test that is performed on sensors or load cells to verify their performance and accuracy under extreme conditions. Engineers may need to request proof loading verification to ensure that the sensors or other measuring devices being used in a particular application are accurate, reliable, and safe for use.

Upon request, Interface provides proof loading at the build phase of engineered-to-order load cells, as well as load pins, load shackles and tension links. By simple definition, proof loading is a safe overload rating for a sensor.

Load proofing is a special test that guarantees the sensor performs at maximum capacity before it’s released to the customer. If a manufacturer does proof loading, it will be documented in the sensors specifications that are shipped with the product. It is commonly requested for sensors that are used in lifting applications.

Additionally, quality engineers and testing professionals may request proof loading as part of quality control or compliance requirements. By ensuring that sensors and load cells are tested and validated before use, companies can ensure that they meet regulatory standards and maintain a high level of quality in their products and services.

The Proof Loading Process

By requesting proof loading, sensor users can verify the accuracy and reliability of sensors and load cells and ensure that they are functioning correctly and within their specified limits. Proof loading can also identify any issues or problems with sensors or load cells before they are put into service, allowing for repairs or replacements to be made if necessary.

Proof loading for sensors is a process of subjecting a sensor to a higher-than-normal load or stress to confirm that it can withstand that load or stress without any permanent damage or deviation from its calibration. The purpose of proof loading is to validate the accuracy and reliability of the sensor under extreme conditions, ensuring that it will perform correctly when it is in service.

During proof loading, the sensor is exposed to a controlled overload, typically between 150% to 200% of its maximum rated capacity. The sensor’s response to the load is monitored, and the output is compared to its expected behavior. If the sensor performs within acceptable limits and returns to its pre-loaded state after the load is removed, it is considered to have passed the proof load test.

When should you request proof loading for a load cell?

Proof loading for a load cell should be requested when there is a need to verify its calibration and ensure its accuracy and reliability under extreme conditions. This is particularly important when the load cell is used in safety-critical applications, such as in crane and hoist systems, industrial weighing and process control systems, and structural testing applications.

Proof loading is commonly used for sensors that are used in safety-critical applications, such as load cells used in cranes and hoists, pressure transducers used in oil and gas pipelines, and temperature sensors used in furnace applications. By performing proof loading tests, manufacturers and end-users can have greater confidence in the performance and reliability of their sensors, which can improve overall safety and efficiency.

In general, there are several situations where it is advisable to request proof loading for a load cell:

Before critical applications: In safety-critical applications, such as those involving lifting, handling, and transportation of heavy loads, a proof load test should be performed before the load cell is put into service to ensure that it can handle the required load without any issues.
After installation: It is recommended to perform a proof load test on the load cell immediately after installation to ensure that it is functioning correctly and within its specified limits.
After repair or maintenance: If the load cell has undergone repair or maintenance, a proof load test can be used to verify that it is still performing accurately and within its specifications.
After an extended period of non-use: If the load cell has not been used for an extended period, it may be necessary to perform a proof load test to ensure that it is still functioning correctly.

It is important to note that proof loading should only be performed by qualified and trained personnel using the appropriate equipment and procedures. This will ensure that the load cell is not damaged during the testing process and that it continues to perform accurately and reliably after the test is completed.

Proof loading is particularly important in safety-critical applications such as in the construction industry, transportation industry, and other industrial applications where lifting and handling heavy loads are involved. In these applications, the accuracy and reliability of sensors and load cells are crucial, as any inaccuracies or deviations from the expected behavior can result in dangerous and costly accidents.

Overall, proof loading is an essential test that engineers may need to request to ensure the safety and reliability of sensors and load cells in various industrial applications.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES