Overhead Material Handling Crane Safety in Cold Weather

Maintaining the optimum ambient temperature is critical for your material handling equipment's proper operation and lifetime. However, with the chilly weather starting, it's time to start thinking about crane and operator safety in the cold. On a good day, operating lift equipment can be dangerous, but when cold conditions and heavy snowfall are present, operator safety becomes even more critical. Furthermore, for certain of your cold-weather applications, there may be solutions to "weatherize" your overhead crane system.

Extremely cold weather has the potential to disrupt crane and lifting operations. As temperatures drop below freezing, cranes, hoists, and rigging devices are used less frequently. When the temperature goes below 10 degrees, crane hydraulics and possible crane derating should be taken into consideration.

Reading appropriate safety requirements and engaging with a trained mechanical engineer, trustworthy dealer, or crane manufacturer can assist you in weatherizing your system properly. In the meanwhile, we can offer you some advise that is simple to implement and will safeguard your crane—and its operators—from the effects of cold weather.

Cold impact on steel

It's no surprise that temperature has an impact on cranes' safe working capacity. Many commonly used materials' tensile toughness can be harmed by cold temperatures. When the temperature drops below a specific point, many materials change from ductile to brittle. The "ductile-to-brittle-transition" temperature is the temperature at which this transition happens (DBTT). Any fragile failure will be unexpected and devastating. It can happen as a result of a random impact, dynamic loading, or stresses like cracks or nicks.

High-strength steel

What kind of material can withstand cold temperatures without cracking, bending, or shattering? Steel has a high strength-to-allow ratio. High-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels are designed to outperform standard carbon steels in terms of mechanical qualities and/or resistance to atmospheric corrosion. Steel track rolled from ASTM A572, A607, or A715 grade steel is used by many overhead cranes to ensure the high-strength, low-alloy compositional elements required to withstand harsh environments. For added protection, powder epoxy or galvanized coatings can be applied to high-strength steel.

Coatings and finishes for weather and element exposure

These systems are suited for cold-weather operations because steel track, beams, and other components can be properly weatherized to endure temperatures as low as -70 degrees. There are numerous protective finishes available, but two of the most common are two-component epoxy coating and hot dip galvanizing, both of which appear to work well in cold temperatures.

In many essential industrial coating applications, two-component epoxy coating is the solution of choice. Two-part epoxy coatings were created for heavy-duty steel applications, yet they use less energy than heat-cured powder coatings.

The epoxy coating is exceptionally durable and friction-resistant. It also protects against particle abrasion, corrosive fluids, turbulence, heat, cold, and impact forces to the best of its ability.

Hot dip galvanizing, on the other hand, is best for applications that are exposed to salt water or are severely corrosive. Steel beams and other crane components can also be protected from the cold. Galvanized steel is a durable and useful material. Steel is zinc-coated to protect it against corrosion during the galvanizing process. Hot dip galvanizing offers substantial, long-lasting corrosion protection that may be done quickly and under controlled conditions off-site.

Enclosed track with high performance steel

Choosing an enclosed track system is a simple method to protect your overhead crane system from dirt and ice. Enclosed track systems are designed with a "V" shaped profile that leads the trolley along a predetermined course while also protecting it from dirt and ice.

The self-cleaning V-shape also keeps end tucks and trolleys aligned, ensuring that they glide smoothly day after day. Using a trolley that does not become blocked as a result of exposure to icy weather lowers the risk of harm and boosts productivity.

In addition, most manufacturers offer steel wheels for trolleys and end trucks, which can readily endure exposure to cold weather.

Electrification for motorized systems

Another item to consider is electrification systems when the temperature dips below freezing or you're compelled to operate motorized lift systems in cold weather. Festoon cable systems control the wires and hoses that supply power to moving gear. These are ideal for both indoor and outdoor operations in normal weather conditions. Consider conductor bar solutions to protect your electrical components in cold or freezing temperatures.

Conductor bar systems

Conductor Bar Systems are a great alternative to box track festooning, especially if you're worried about the cold. Galvanized steel or electrolytic copper are used to make conductor bar sections. These systems are large enough and proportioned correctly to carry the required current without overheating.

The high-strength, low-alloy galvanized steel can operate as a preventative measure, guaranteeing that your electrical components aren't damaged by the cold. Galvanized steel conductor joints can also be used to maintain conductor bar sections safely aligned during installation, even in cold regions. They're also used to insulate joints and protect them from things like debris, ice, and snow..

Hoist and trolley

So, what are your other options for safeguarding your material handling system? High-strength steel, enclosed track, steel wheels for trolleys, two-coat epoxy and galvanization for further protection, electrification, and NEMA enclosures are just a few of the options we've provided... What's the last of it?

Special cold temperature steels, heated control enclosures, gear box heaters, arctic-duty motors, low-temperature lubricants, special material certification, material traceability reports, NDT of load bearing welds, and certificate of suitability for arctic duty can all be added to hoists, trolleys, and crane components (includes minimum temperature rating). Speak with your certified dealer about acquiring a crane with any of these features, or schedule a meeting with a mechanical engineer to discuss other choices.

Select right crane for cold weather

Because of the inherent risks involved with overhead lifting, selecting the right hoists, crane, or component for an application is always vital. If the specifications are inaccurate, there is a risk of costly equipment damage, personal injury, and lost productivity. Despite this, most current Standards ignore the effect of cold temperatures on structural steel and other components.

To protect against system failure in cold-weather climates, skilled engineers should either de-rate the crane capacity or select steel that is more suited for low temperature service, according to authority. In the meanwhile, you can use some of our solutions (listed above) to weatherize your current overhead crane system, and you can always contact your crane manufacturer or a trustworthy dealer for more information.

Article by Bella ，who has been in the hoist and crane field since 2016. Bella provides overhead crane & gantry crane consultation services for clients who need a customized overhead travelling crane solution.Contact her to get free consultation.