| Wire strand turning device |
CEMEX Rail Solutions recognised problems with the handling of wire strand coils. The issue was the rotation of coils lying flat on the ground to an upright position before loading into the dispenser. The existing process involved slipping a cloth strap below the coil and attaching the other side to a hook on a fork lift truck which would then lift the coil. During the process the bottom of the strand coil would scrape along the ground. BPCF’S guidelines also highlighted that cloth straps could deform the strand which could cause further safety issues.
In consultation with the works team and a local fabrication company, a turning device was designed which enabled the coil to be rotated to an “eye up” position and have room for the forks to be removed from below without any scraping. The turning device is driven by a motor, guarding surrounds the turner and a safety bar stops the coil from hitting the guard. The guarding can be opened on all 4 sides allowing easy access. A fork lift with a metal “C “ hook attached removes the coil from the turning device and places it safely in the strand dispensing unit.
BENEFITS
• Reduced risk of damage to wires
• Reduced risk of breakage during stressing
• Reduced manual handling of coils
• Safer and more efficient work environment
• Addresses wire handling issues identified in BPCF’s guidelines
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