Double overhead cranes are powerful material handling machines used in various industries for lifting and transporting heavy loads. These cranes, also known as double girder overhead cranes, are designed to provide superior lifting capabilities and are suitable for tasks that require precision and efficiency. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of double overhead cranes, their applications, and key features.
Double Girder Bridge Crane
The double girder bridge crane is one of the most common types of double overhead cranes. It features two horizontal beams (girders) that run parallel to each other on the crane bridge. These girders provide enhanced stability and support for the hoisting mechanism, making it ideal for lifting extremely heavy loads.
Applications: Double girder bridge cranes are used in various industries, including steel mills, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and shipyards. They are perfect for tasks that involve heavy machinery, metalworking, or large-scale material handling.
Key Features:
High Load Capacity: These cranes can handle loads ranging from 5 tons to over 500 tons, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Precise Control: Double girder bridge cranes offer precise and smooth control during lifting and lowering operations.
Safety Features: They are equipped with advanced safety features like overload protection and emergency stop mechanisms.
Box Girder Crane
A box girder crane is a specialized type of double overhead crane that uses a box-shaped girder instead of traditional I-beams. The box girder design provides added strength and stiffness, making it suitable for demanding applications.
Applications: Box girder cranes are commonly used in industries that require high precision and stability, such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and heavy machinery production.
Key Features:
Enhanced Strength: The box girder design offers superior strength and rigidity, allowing for precise load handling.
Minimal Deflection: These cranes have minimal deflection, ensuring that the load remains stable during lifting and transport.
Longevity: Box girder cranes are known for their durability and long service life.
Magnetic Overhead Crane
Magnetic overhead cranes are specialized double girder cranes equipped with electromagnetic lifting systems. These cranes are designed to lift and transport ferrous materials such as steel plates, coils, and scrap metal.
Applications: Magnetic overhead cranes are commonly used in steel mills, foundries, and recycling facilities for handling magnetic materials efficiently.
Key Features:
Magnetic Lifting: The electromagnetic lifting system allows these cranes to securely grip and transport ferrous materials without the need for slings or hooks.
Variable Holding Force: Operators can adjust the magnetic force to suit different loads.
Increased Productivity: Magnetic cranes expedite material handling processes and reduce manual labor.
Grab Bucket Crane
Grab bucket cranes, also known as clamshell cranes, are double girder overhead cranes equipped with specialized grab bucket attachments. These buckets are used for grabbing and lifting bulk materials such as sand, gravel, and coal.
Applications: Grab bucket cranes are commonly found in ports, docks, and bulk material handling facilities, where they facilitate the efficient loading and unloading of ships and trucks.
Key Features:
Versatile Material Handling: Grab bucket cranes are versatile and can handle various types of bulk materials.
Quick Cycle Times: They enable rapid loading and unloading of materials, increasing overall productivity.
Customizable Grab Design: The grab bucket design can be customized to suit specific material handling needs.
Foundry Crane
Foundry cranes are specialized double overhead cranes designed for the demanding environments of foundries and metalcasting facilities. They are equipped to handle extremely high temperatures, heavy loads, and harsh conditions.
Applications: Foundry cranes are essential in foundries, steel mills, and other metalcasting operations for efficiently moving and pouring molten metal.
Key Features:
Heat Resistance: Foundry cranes are designed to withstand high-temperature environments and protect operators from extreme heat.
Heavy Load Capacity: They can handle heavy loads associated with molten metal and casting molds.
Safety Measures: Foundry cranes incorporate safety features such as heat shields and specialized operator cabins.
Grabbing Container Crane
Grabbing container cranes are double girder cranes equipped with specialized grabs designed for handling containers. These cranes are commonly used in container terminals and ports for loading and unloading shipping containers from vessels and trucks.
Applications: Grabbing container cranes play a crucial role in container logistics, ensuring the efficient flow of goods in and out of ports.
Key Features:
Container Handling: These cranes are optimized for securely grabbing, lifting, and positioning containers.
High Productivity: They offer rapid container handling capabilities, reducing vessel turnaround times.
Container Size Compatibility: Grabbing container cranes can handle a range of container sizes, from standard 20-foot containers to larger 40-foot containers.
Customized Double Girder Crane
In addition to the standard types mentioned above, double overhead cranes can be customized to meet specific industry needs. Crane manufacturers offer tailored solutions based on factors such as load capacity, span, lifting height, and operational requirements.
Applications: Customized double girder cranes can be found in various industries, including petrochemical, automotive, and renewable energy sectors, where unique material handling challenges exist.
Key Features:
Tailored Design: These cranes are designed to address the specific demands of the industry they serve.
Optimized Efficiency: Customized features and configurations enhance operational efficiency.
Integration: They can be integrated with automation systems for seamless material handling processes.
In conclusion, double overhead cranes come in various types, each tailored to specific industries and applications. The choice of the right crane depends on factors such as the nature of the materials being handled, the working environment, and load capacities required. Selecting the appropriate double overhead crane is crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and productive material handling operations in diverse industrial settings.