Belgium based REM-B Hydraulics has developed a hydraulic shackle release powerpack based on Enerpac’s cordless XC-Series hydraulic pump for connecting and releasing 1000 tonne, 85 m high, offshore wind turbine bases during quayside lifting onto a pontoon.
REM-B Hydraulics’ system removes the requirement for long hoses by using a battery-powered, Enerpac XC pump to operate a bi-directional valve connected to a cylinder that moves the pin connecting the shackle. – Image: REM-B Hydraulics
REM-B Hydraulics developed the powerpacks for international steel construction company, Smulders. The self-contained, remote-controlled hydraulics powerpacks are a safer alternative to long lengths of hydraulic hoses connected to a quayside pump.
Lifting 85m high fabricated turbine bases from the quayside on to a barge for shipping offshore requires shackles to attach the turbine base to a three-point lifting frame and crane. Engaging and releasing the shackles is done using a double acting valve arrangement powered by quayside pump connected by long hoses. Smulders was looking for a simpler and safer method of engaging and releasing the shackles without the need for long hoses.
Attached to each leg of the lifting frame, the REM-B Hydraulics’ system removes the requirement for long hoses by using a battery-powered, Enerpac XC pump to operate a bi-directional valve connected to a cylinder that moves the pin connecting the shackle. The entire system is contained in a compact metal case with an external aerial linking each unit to a wireless controller. For increased safety, the shackle pins are activated sequentially.
Weighing 9.9 kg, the Enerpac XC-Series hydraulic pump is equipped with an efficient electric motor powered by an industrial grade 28-volt, Lithium-Ion battery, delivering exceptional speed and run time and is designed for remote outdoor locations.
