Belgium-based REM-B Hydraulics has developed self-contained, remote-controlled hydraulics powerpacks for connecting and releasing 1000 tonne, 85m high, offshore wind turbine bases during quayside lifting onto a pontoon, for leading international steel construction company, Smulders. Based on a cordless, Enerpac XC-Series hydraulic pump, the hydraulic shackle release powerpack is a safer alternative to dangling 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 uses 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 9.9kg, the Enerpac XC-Series hydraulic pump is equipped with an electric motor powered by an industrial grade 28-volt, Lithium-Ion battery. “The remote controlled powerpack is the ideal solution for lifting and positioning offshore structures, thanks to the power and portability of the Enerpac XC pump,” says Sam Briels, Enerpac product specialist, REM-B Hydraulics. “It simplifies the use of hydraulic shackles by removing the need for long hoses as well as improving lift safety.”
