Bridge Crane System and Control
BrBuilt to model a 5-axis stacker crane.
O'Brien|Source Bridge Crane System: Precision Engineered for Advanced Operations
The O’Brien|Source bridge crane system represents a thoughtful advancement in design, modelled after the innovative 5-axis stacker crane, which was originally developed for a prominent aluminum processing company and subsequently adapted for a large nickel mining operation in Brazil.
In a manner similar to our crane laboratory, the bridge crane system has been designed with a focus on supporting advanced development. It facilitates full-sized path planning, coordinated movement trajectories, and complex sequence execution, all while enabling the testing and refinement of the interaction between the crane system and the Level 2 Pick and Place scheduling system.
Lifting and Lowering Loads
The processes of lifting and lowering loads require careful consideration, and we address this with a strong commitment to safety and reliability. Our approach to smooth hoist control is crucial for protecting personnel, equipment, and products alike. Our engineers are highly knowledgeable in key technologies such as Torque Proving, Brake Proving, and Float Control, which are essential for ensuring optimal performance.
Coil Handling
O’Brien|Source is proud to offer its extensive experience in the coil handling industry. For instance, we have successfully upgraded outdated units on coil handling cranes by incorporating Siemens PLCs and SICK lasers, thus enhancing their operational capabilities. Additionally, we have replaced legacy coaxial shore-to-crane communications with Siemens Scalance N-Band WiFi, utilizing both directional and omnidirectional antennas. Each of these cranes, boasting a capacity of 50 tons, operates efficiently along a 600-meter runway. The bridge can achieve speeds of 2 m/s, while the trolley operates at 1.5 m/s. Fully automated, these cranes receive pick-and-place commands via an OPC Ethernet connection from an onshore server. Coils are transported to and from the site by trucks and trains, with 12 transfer cars efficiently shuttling coils between the automated crane bay and the adjacent shipping and receiving bay. Furthermore, three radio-controlled manual cranes facilitate smooth loading and unloading activities between trucks, trains, and transfer cars.
Seamless Automation for Advanced Annealing Mill Operations
In addition to this, we have played an important role in the construction of a new facility at this site, designed to align closely with the existing line. This facility features one continuous annealing mill, for which we provided comprehensive controls, both wireless and wired networks, and automation for two shipping cranes, three automated cranes, and six transfer cars. The overall design emphasizes full automation, careful construction, and a seamless startup process, ensuring effective collaboration with the mill to coordinate the interaction of mill cars with the automated cranes.
Bridge Cranes
ABICS / SIBICS
Auto-Centring
Anti-Sway
ICS-5000
Obstacle Avoidance
Skew Control
TruStor