Barcelona, Spain-based automatic hook manufacturer Elebia has diversified its product range with the launch of the 5t capacity C5 Automatic Lifting Clamp, designed for working in pairs or multiples thereof to lift steel plates and other loads.
The C5 boasts a 5,000kg (11,023 lb.) capacity and a safety factor of 4:1. It weighs 19kg (41.8 lbs.) and measures 345mm x 310mm x 133mm (13.58in x 12.20in x 5.23in). It is similar in size to manual products already in the marketplace; however, the C5, named after its shape and capacity, presents a number of safety and productivity advantages to alternative solutions.
The launch marks completion of an extensive research and development programme. Esteve Fornells, marketing manager at Elebia, said that regular requests for products that fit specific lifting and manoeuvring requirements have been forthcoming since the first hook (the 5t capacity e5) was launched to remotely engage and release loads eight years ago.
He said: "One such enquiry centred on a solution for lifting steel plates, specifically at ports. From designing a much larger automatic hook, to modifying and / or changing the tip of our hooks, we looked at a number of options. It was clear to us that there was market demand for a state-of-the-art automatic solution."
The C5 was more recently conceptualised following dialogue with one of Elebia's clients in Singapore who, again, was looking for a solution to lift and manoeuvre steel plates—and tubes. Turning away from an initial idea to modify the tip of the 2,500kg (5,511 lb.) capacity evo2 automatic hook, engineers eventually arrived at the C5.
Fornells explained that the clamps are designed to be used with a linear beam and chains, while a tagline can drag them to a desired point. Thereby, he added, "We've reduced the need to pick and carry the clamps, making operation safer, faster and easier. Once the clamps are fixed to the load, automation takes over. The C5 combines the safety and security of a clamp with the ease of use and productivity of a claw."
He continued: "The crane operator uses our eMAX remote control to ensure the lifting clamps are all in the same position before every lift. This information is relayed in real time and should there be any discrepancy, the control informs the crane operator immediately. When handling pipes, the lifting clamp can be chained to the spreader with the hand grip acting as a second lifting point."
The principle advantage of the clamp, as is the case with Elebia's range of hooks, is removing the requirement for personnel to gain access to rig loads manually. The C5 adheres to the company's failsafe principle, making it "impossible", Fornells said, to drop a suspended load.
The C5 is currently available in one size and capacity but it can be custom scaled to higher capacities to a short lead-time. To request more information about the product visit elebia.com/lifting-clamps/
Company: Elebia
Company URL: https://elebia.com
