RAM Spreaders was at the Breakbulk 2023 event, where they presented their first pipe spreader customer with a scale model.
RAM Spreaders was at the Breakbulk 2023 event, where they presented their first pipe spreader customer with a scale model.
LINX Port Services Pty Ltd in Port Kembla Australia has used containerised bulk handling to load copper concentrate for 10 years. They pioneered the use of ship cranes for loading with the lightweight design of Revolver. In 2022 after 10 years of operation, they approached RAM about refurbishment and modernisation.
Spliethoff Receives Pipe Spreader Model
At the event, RAM Spreaders’ managers, Cameron Hay and Frank Van Laarhoven, had the opportunity to meet with employees of Spliethoff to present a scale model of their telescoping pipe spreader. This presentation came in advance of a substantial order by Spliethoff for 10 pipe spreaders, set to be completed in August 2023.
Spliethoff Receives Pipe Spreader Model
At the event, RAM Spreaders’ managers, Cameron Hay and Frank Van Laarhoven, had the opportunity to meet with employees of Spliethoff to present a scale model of their telescoping pipe spreader. This presentation came in advance of a substantial order by Spliethoff for 10 pipe spreaders, set to be completed in August 2023.
Decline in Performance
When it comes to port operations, reliability is key. As the equipment got older the reliability decreased. LINX Port Services recognized this when they decided to refurbish and upgrade their two Revolvers, which were approaching a decade of service. The aim of the project was:
- Refurbish and replace old worn parts
- Modernise the equipment with newer more reliable technology like remote diagnosis
- Train the technical team to become more familiar with the equipment and solve problems quickly
The result? A significant increase in the reliability of the Revolvers.
Showcasing the Pipe Spreader
The Breakbulk event also served as a platform for the company to engage with potential customers, showcasing the features of their pipe spreader. The spreader handles a variety of pipe sizes, from three pipes of 16-32 inches, two pipes of 32-60 inches, or a single pipe of up to 60 inches. The operation is hands-free and controlled by a remote which ensures safety and efficiency. The spreader also includes purpose-built padding rings to ensure damage-free lifting.
Spliethoff also opted to include a gyroscopic control in their order, which allows for a stable rotation of pipes.
These features were presented to potential customers, demonstrating the spreader’s capabilities and the value it can bring to their operations.
Spliethoff Receives Pipe Spreader Model
At the event, RAM Spreaders’ managers, Cameron Hay and Frank Van Laarhoven, had the opportunity to meet with employees of Spliethoff to present a scale model of their telescoping pipe spreader. This presentation came in advance of a substantial order by Spliethoff for 10 pipe spreaders, set to be completed in August 2023.
Modernized 10-Year-Old Machine
The refurbishment process was not just about replacing worn-out parts. It was also an opportunity to modernize the decade-old Revolvers. Upgrades included an improved lid lifter, which now requires less maintenance and enhances efficiency in removing the lid. The encoders were also upgraded for better rotational efficiency and
durability.
Furthermore, the introduction of the Virtual HMI upgrade now allows for wireless diagnostics and fault findings, reducing unnecessary downtime and enhancing the uptime of the spreader. RAM Spreaders commented “Identifying the problem is 90% of the issue solved. Our virtual HMI diagnostics accelerate this.”
A Look to The Future
RAM Spreaders is looking forward to the completion of the Spliethoff order and seeing the spreaders in operation.
RAM Spreaders is committed to improving the safety and efficiency of pipe handling operations and looks forward to working with more customers to achieve these goals with their technology.
Spliethoff Receives Pipe Spreader Model
At the event, RAM Spreaders’ managers, Cameron Hay and Frank Van Laarhoven, had the opportunity to meet with employees of Spliethoff to present a scale model of their telescoping pipe spreader. This presentation came in advance of a substantial order by Spliethoff for 10 pipe spreaders, set to be completed in August 2023.
Site Training
The refurbishment and upgrade process also provided an opportunity for RAM Spreaders to provide comprehensive training to the port staff. This included operational training, maintenance training, and upgrade system training.
The operational training focused on improving the handling of the rotating spreader, such as identifying feedback from the crane and removing the container from the vessel before it has fully completed the 360 degrees rotation. The port now saves 20 seconds each cycle during the unloading process.
The maintenance training refreshed the original team’s knowledge and brought new members of staff up to speed on the correct maintenance of the RAM Revolver. They also received training on how to take advantage of the upgrades such as fault findings through the Virtual HMI Diagnostics.
A Look to The Future
RAM Spreaders is looking forward to the completion of the Spliethoff order and seeing the spreaders in operation.
RAM Spreaders is committed to improving the safety and efficiency of pipe handling operations and looks forward to working with more customers to achieve these goals with their technology.
Spliethoff Receives Pipe Spreader Model
At the event, RAM Spreaders’ managers, Cameron Hay and Frank Van Laarhoven, had the opportunity to meet with employees of Spliethoff to present a scale model of their telescoping pipe spreader. This presentation came in advance of a substantial order by Spliethoff for 10 pipe spreaders, set to be completed in August 2023.
Outcome
The outcome of the refurbishment and upgrade process has been overwhelmingly positive. The LINX Port Services’ asset manager, Adrian Moore, said “Since the refurbishment, the reliability of the Revolvers has increased significantly. Having the RAM team at the site for two weeks meant our team had hands-on training and using the
new fault diagnosis system, we can solve problems faster.”
For Port Kembla, this investment meant their operations can continue more efficiently for years to come without repurchasing new equipment at higher costs.
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Yes, RAM Spreaders offers refurbishment and modernisation services for a wide range of equipment used in port operations. Port operators facing declining equipment reliability and efficiency can contact RAM Spreaders to discuss their specific needs and explore the benefits of refurbishment and modernisation.
Port operators interested in refurbishment services can contact RAM Spreaders at our request a callback page or email our refurbishment manager Babuchandran Balakrishnan directly at [email protected]