JDN hoists complete year of service in challenging offshore conditions

Four JD Neuhaus EH 60 air operated monorail hoists supplied for an offshore BOP (blowout preventer) handling system have completed 12 months operation on the Seadrill West Epsilon rig, Norway.

The hoists, which have passed their first annual inspection, were supplied and initially mounted in Norway by Westcon Løfteteknikk AS (WCL) at the Westcon yard, and were designated for eventual location on the Seadrill West Epsilon rig, which is classified as DnV, + 1A1 self-elevating mobile offshore unit.

The hoists, each providing a 60t lifting capacity, were required for the synchronised handling during both pre and post drilling operations of a new 120t BOP unit supplied to the rig.

Each hoist was fitted with load eyes instead of hooks, and provided a total lift height of 17.4m with four chain falls. They also provide a 0.5 m/min lifting speed under full load, with a designed trolley speed of 12 m/min for horizontal travel movements. Each hoist was also equipped with a pendant controller to accommodate synchronised operation of the lift, lower and travel movements for all hoists. The hoists were required to be suitable for use in an Ex area with ATEX zone 1 with gasses IIB, together with full offshore execution for weather protection etc.

Built-in safety features for the JDN products include an emergency air supply shut-off valve in each pendant controller, together with fail-safe brakes to hold a load safely if the air supply is interrupted. Both anti-climb and anti-drop devices are also incorporated. The latest JDN emergency lowering device was also specified for the individual hoists.

This equipment facilitates, in the event of an interruption or total failure in the air supply, the safe lowering of a suspended load under controlled speed to a safe grounding position. This is achieved by the installation of a reserve air supply reservoir on each hoist. These are maintained at full air pressure throughout normal hoist operations, and contain a sufficient air supply to effect a safe load lowering operation following the loss of mains air. These safety devices ensure compliance with forthcoming Norsok regulations.

The EH 60 hoists supplied form part of an extended range of low air consumption monorail hoists manufactured by JD Neuhaus. This product range covers individual lift capacities ranging from 10 to 115t, with optional air or hydraulic operation being available. All hoists are tested with 25 percent overload with appropriate certification. Their compact, low-headroom design is conducive to operation within confined or restricted spaces, with hoists being operated individually or combined in tandem or parallel running on overhead beams to suit a wide range of operating requirements.

Optional features include increased spark protection, rack and pinion drive, overload protection and two-speed trolley travel control.

Westcon Løfteteknikk AS is an authorised Norwegian sole importer of JD Neuhaus lifting and handling equipment.