Overview
Ansell Jones, lifting and mooring equipment specialist, approached Strainstall to support its requirement to convert spider cranes for an offshore Zone 2 working environment.
- Sector Marine
- Location Offshore - UK
- Services Load Monitoring
The Challenge
Hazardous Area
A major challenge we encountered was removing all electrical components of the crane and replacing them with compressor-based counterparts to meet the requirements for ATEX Zone 2.
Another was installing the SmartLoad 2Ex® system as an integral part of the crane, to deliver a safety-critical lifting monitoring capability to enhance the safety and efficiency of the cranes’ offshore operations.
The Solution
Strainstall provided its innovative SmartLoad 2Ex® load monitoring technology
Delivering high accurate load measurement of the cranes’ lifting operations maximum safety and efficiency.
Ansell Jones had a request to convert a spider crane for Zone 2 requirements for a North Sea offshore platform, Cygnus, for operator GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd. Typically, offshore lifting operations need scaffolding and winches, but the spider crane’s manoeuvrability will enable lifting operations to be performed quickly, safely and efficiently at multiple locations on the platform.
The conversion of the spider cranes for offshore Zone 2 rated use is an industry first, but Ansell Jones expects significant interest due to its convenience and its ability to be deployed safely and quickly, significantly increasing operational efficiency and reduced costs.
Project Gallery
The Impact
Strainstall supported Ansell Jones in the conversion to Zone 2 rating
Delivering its innovative wireless load monitoring technology fully certified to ATEX and IECEx certifications to EN/IEC 60079 standards.
Ansell Jones removed all electrical components of the crane, replacing then with compressor-based counterparts to meet the requirements for ATEX Zone 2. As part of this process, the SmartLoad 2Ex® system has been installed as an integral part of the crane, delivering a safety critical lifting monitoring capability to enhance the safety and efficiency of the cranes’ offshore operations.
“We approached Strainstall based on our previous experience and the company’s extensive track record in load measurement. GDF was very happy with our driven spider crane conversion’’.
