Hoist Systems and Controls Quiz

Hydraulic Motors

• Hydraulic motors convert hydraulic pressure and flows into torque, or rotation, which moves the hoist.
• They are virtually noiseless because the electric motor doesn't have to be located near the fluid drive.
• Commonly found in intrinsically safe areas like pneumatic hoists.

Electrical Controls

• Radio or infra-red controls allow for remote or central control.
• Useful in areas that are difficult to access directly.
• Multi-point controls allow for hoist operation from multiple locations.
• These arrangements have interlocks to prevent multiple control operations simultaneously.
• Emergency stop buttons override all control positions and must be manually reset.

Supporting Structures for Hoists and Light Crane Systems

• Built-in Runways are supported by existing building structures.
• Suspended Runways are hung from roof members or beams.
• Free-standing Runways are used when no suitable supports are available.
• Special track systems (Light Crane Profiles) are versatile and come in kits for various configurations, including simple runways, switches, and turntables.

Free Standing Jib Cranes

• The jib arm and supporting column are assembled as a single unit.
• They can be over-braced or underbraced depending on their intended use.
• The supporting column is made from a square box section, fabricated sections, or tubes depending on the slewing angle.
• They can have a 360° or 270° slewing angle.

Mobile Gantries

• Useful for areas where permanent installation would be expensive.
• They consist of a runway beam and two supports or A-frames in a goalpost configuration.
• The supports are usually mounted on wheels or castors.
• They can be dismantled and transported.

Goalpost Gantries

• Have a runway beam often made with a manufacturer's track section.
• Use a single column support for stability.
• Limited to light loads (up to 500kg).

Semi-Portal Bridge Cranes

• A combination of a top running bridge crane and a portal bridge crane.
• The bridge design can have a cantilever at the end of the span supported by legs.

Light Crane Systems

• Modular in design, consisting of lifting devices, bridges, trolleys, and tracks for lifting operations.
• Advantages include smooth travelling movements, silent running, less wear and pollution, modularity, pendulum construction (reduced stress on support structure), easy installation, easy modification, and reduced maintenance.
• Two parallel tracks are suspended from the ceiling with a single or dual-bridge crane running between them.
• Single bridge cranes are typically manual push/pull and use a manual or electric chain hoist.
• Dual bridge cranes have a trolley suspended between bridges for an electric chain hoist.
• Easy to adapt and extend for changing needs.
• Used to lift goods on and off trucks to eliminate the need for forklifts.

Tower Cranes

• Common at construction sites.
• Can reach hundreds of feet into the air.
• Used to lift building materials like steel, concrete, waste skips, and generators.

Offshore Pedestal Cranes

• Pedestal-mounted, elevating, and rotating lifting devices.
• Transfer materials and personnel to or from marine vessels, barges, and structures.
• Standardized design for offshore cranes.

Test your knowledge on hydraulic motors, electrical controls, and supporting structures for hoists and light crane systems. This quiz covers essential concepts related to the operation and safety features of these systems. Prepare to enhance your understanding of hoist technology.