How to use pendant stations at your factory
In industries, it is required to move bulky and
heavy loads, either on the floor or through aisles, and it takes time and can
also cause injuries. In such cases, it is better to use overhead crane, which
can easily handle and move heavy loads. Movement of these cranes is done with
the help of pendant stations. A series of simple switches used to control
larger electrical loads through different means is called Hoist pendant station or simply pendant station. These loads may be either hoists or
cranes, but it can be used to control conveyer belt systems and production line
equipment. In pendant stations, there are low power pilot duty switches
connected to relays, programmable logic controllers or automation circuitry to
control larger loads. Generally, pendant stations are used to move and control
large cranes and hoists. Apart from this, they can be used as remote control
for industrial machines.
Electromechanical devices, which are used to
regulate appliances and industrial machinery are called limit switch. These
switches can also be used to control cranes, as these limit the crane from
lifting loads above rated capacity and are also called crane limit switches.
In few cases, there are multiple switches, which are associated with crane
operation. First switch gives the signal that the end of safe travel limit is
being approached and therefore crane motion is slowed and the second switch
indicates that it is end of safe travel distance is reached and stops the crane
motion. If it is required to control the hoist motion, then there required more
limit switches, and these switches provide set points for safety and
reliability.
One of the challenges in crane technology is to
manage cables with reliability. Festoon systems are used to support
conductor cables and hoses which deliver power and control to equipment which
are mobile, in an efficient maintenance free and safe method. These are cable
carriers, which guide cables in their tracks and protect it against humidity
and dust. In festoon systems, cables hang loose while moving, these cables can
swing and get caught in crane structure, during bad weather, and this may
require repairs, which is costly. Festoons are used for ship to shore cranes,
and there are high winds, heavy rain and other factors, which may cause damage
to festoon systems. To avoid these maintenance costs, alternative
electrification system is used by crane manufacturers, it is called energy
chain.
