In many areas of industry, production, as well as in the process of warehousing, auxiliary equipment is required for handling various cargoes. In a broad sense, gripping devices include hooks, slings, lifting devices, traverses and other mechanisms that perform fixing tasks. Some models also carry out lifting operations, which increases their functionality. Typically, the design of cargo grips include the presence of elements of a hoist, crane, winch and hooks, designed to perform manual lifting and transport measures. In turn, the container acts as an additional or independent device, which allows you to store or transport the goods.
Scope of application
Loads, like containers, are usually used by personnel who work with cranes. Employees of transport and industrial enterprises, including drivers, crane operators, locksmiths and operators, also ensure the maintenance of the equipment. But the vast majority of lifting devices and containers are used by slingers and other specialists who control crane installations via radio channels. In addition, they inspect the technical condition of the devices before using them.
Load handling device
The design of cargo grips, as a rule, includes two basic elements: connecting and directly the hook device. The first component provides an indirect or direct coupling of the crane with a grip. This connection can be made through a similar mechanism on a crane or by means of a beam through its metal structure. The element also bears the names of the rope or chain mechanism, link and staples. An equally important part, on which load handling devices and containers are based, is the hook, which is in direct contact with the cargo being served. The device can be used as a standalone device. Due to the possibility of detaching the structure from the lifting machine and the load itself, it is called removable.
Grab classification
Representing an extensive group of devices, cargo grips differ in many ways. So, depending on the purpose, there are universal and special models, and by the nature of the operations performed - manipulation, balancer and holding. In addition, the devices are differentiated by design, which, in turn, determines the type of cargo retention. For example, eccentric, lever and wedge grips provide clamping, grabs allow you to scoop up loose mass, and classic modifications with traverses support the load. There are other models, but they are used less often. In particular, electromagnetic devices operate due to attraction, which allows them to be used only in special conditions.
Container in the load handling system
Along with the fixation and lifting of goods, full-cycle enterprises usually provide conditions for their storage, movement and storage. To perform these operations, multi-turn packaging is used - in essence, a container that supplements load-lifting removable devices by means of special clamps. In its manufacture, different materials are used - for example, they can be metal or polymer (in modern versions) devices. In some embodiments, a combined base of metal and wood is used. Such devices differ from traditional storage methods by the presence of hooking mechanisms. With their help, cargo capture operations are performed.
Varieties of packaging
Depending on the enterprise or organization, cargo service with certain characteristics is assumed. In addition, the conditions and technical capabilities of fixing, lifting and storing are different. Therefore, there are several models of containers that can be used in certain cases, as, incidentally, are lifting devices, the classification of which is much wider. It is important to note that representatives of the same type in holding equipment often have optimally suitable types of containers - that is, it is necessary to correlate the characteristics of the devices from two categories.
Soft containers are used to service lightweight and light loads. This is an inexpensive and easiest option, presented in the form of bales, nets, bags and bags. Semi-rigid containers include lattices, tubs and baskets, the maintenance of which is provided by load-lifting removable devices with higher strength (metal). Such devices are suitable for transporting bulk cargo. Rigid packaging is used if it is necessary to take loads from external forces. This group includes high-strength molds, containers, barrels, boxes and other types of containers that can ensure the safety of the cargo from mechanical stress.
Checking the performance of cargo grips and containers
Since lifting and holding manipulations require high responsibility, the equipment used must comply with operational standards. There are two ways to test devices, based on which a conclusion is made about their readiness for use. Firstly, this is a revision of the technical condition, which provides for the inspection of load gripping devices and containers directly by the owner. Secondly, this is a survey of mechanisms, which is carried out by an expert commission. Typically, such events take place at industrial facilities whose activities are associated with hazardous production processes. As a routine preventive maintenance, it is worth noting the shift-by-day visual inspection of equipment performed by slingers before work.
Inspection procedure
In accordance with the rules, inspection of removable load-gripping devices provides for the creation of optimal conditions for identifying defects and verifying the technical capabilities of the structure. For example, equipment that is in working condition and, at the time of inspection, is mounted on an appropriate crane, is inspected. Slings can be inspected in a special place. If a large number of specimens is to be examined, then it is necessary to sort them by type, characteristics and carrying capacity. Typically, slings are checked close to the place of use with the expectation of further use.
Tanks, as a highly responsible component of the entire holding and lifting system, also require attention to their condition. The container, as well as the main lifting devices, must have the appropriate technical documents. In order to simplify the inspection, it is necessary to provide accessibility to the elements intended for the transportation of containers. It is checked in isolation from the place of operation, that is, inspection is possible without the use of a special crane. However, this does not mean that in each case testing of the container's capabilities for the ability to work with the load gripping device is excluded - for this, suspension tools are provided.
Possible defects
During the verification process, it is possible to identify many flaws and damage to the equipment, the presence of which does not imply its further operation. In particular, inspection of load gripping devices can detect cracks in the metal structure or welds, traces of corrosion, delamination of the frame, etc. Grapples often exhibit insufficient elastic seals, as well as a lack of tightness. With regard to containers, the fixing and locking mechanisms may be inoperative with the risk of arbitrary opening of the container during lifting or unloading, but signs of corrosion or abrasion with severe deformation are more common.
Repair activities
After fixing deviations from the norm of the technical condition of the load gripping devices, it is possible to carry out a repair repair. But this is not allowed in all cases, therefore, defective removable load-gripping devices and containers are often recycled. Works that are usually performed in a recovery format include welding of critical components (grips, levers, loops, etc.), straightening of individual parts, termination of ends on ropes, replacement of fixing elements, and other measures. After that, tests are carried out and an assessment of the suitability of the equipment for further work is given.