In various industrial settings, electric hoist cranes play a crucial role in lifting and transporting heavy loads. However, when operating in humid environments, these cranes face unique challenges that require specific techniques for proper use and maintenance to ensure their reliability and longevity.
Under normal circumstances, when the working environment humidity is not greater than 85%, the protection level of electric hoist cranes is typically IP44. This protection level is designed to provide a certain degree of resistance to moisture and dust, ensuring the smooth operation of the crane in moderately humid conditions. However, in today’s industrial landscape, there are an increasing number of occasions that require adaptation to high humidity environments. There are also many situations where the humidity can reach 100%. For example, in some industrial processes that involve the use of water or steam, or in areas with high atmospheric moisture levels, the humidity can pose a significant challenge to the operation of electric hoist cranes.
Even in nuclear power plants, there are cases where high-pressure water is used to wash nuclear equipment to remove dust pollution. In such environments, the protection level of the lifting equipment used must be significantly improved. This is because the combination of high humidity and the potential for radioactive contamination requires extremely reliable and robust equipment. Therefore, in use scenarios where the humidity is between greater than 85% and 100%, the motor and electrical protection level of the crane should be IP55. This higher protection level offers better resistance to moisture ingress, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the crane even in extremely humid conditions.
For motors above 10kW operating in a humid environment, a preheating and drying device should also be added. This is because in high-humidity conditions, moisture can accumulate in the motor windings and insulation, reducing the insulation resistance and potentially causing electrical failures. The preheating and drying device helps to remove moisture from the motor before operation, ensuring that the insulation is in good condition and reducing the risk of breakdowns. For example, before starting the crane in a humid environment, the preheating and drying device can be activated to warm up the motor and drive out moisture. This can be done by circulating hot air or using electrical heating elements to raise the temperature of the motor to a level that is sufficient to evaporate the moisture.
In addition to motors, the electrical appliances of overhead traveling hoist cranes operating in the open air should also be protected from moisture. Rain covers should be added to these electrical components to prevent rainwater and moisture from entering. The rain covers can be made of waterproof materials and should be designed to fit snugly over the electrical appliances, providing a barrier against moisture. For example, when an overhead traveling hoist crane is operating outdoors during a rainstorm, the rain covers can prevent water from entering the control panels, switches, and other electrical components, reducing the risk of short circuits and electrical failures.
Regular maintenance is also essential for electric hoist cranes operating in humid environments. Inspections should be carried out regularly to check for signs of moisture ingress, such as condensation on electrical components, rust on metal parts, or damage to insulation. If moisture is detected, appropriate measures should be taken immediately to dry out the affected components and repair any damage. This may involve using dehumidifiers, drying agents, or heat sources to remove moisture from the environment. In addition, electrical insulation should be tested regularly to ensure that it is in good condition and that there is no risk of electrical breakdowns.
Lubrication is another important aspect of maintenance for electric hoist cranes in humid environments. Moisture can cause corrosion and rust on moving parts, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. Therefore, regular lubrication with moisture-resistant lubricants is necessary to protect these parts and ensure smooth operation. For example, the gears, bearings, and chains of the crane should be lubricated regularly to prevent rust and wear.
Training of operators is also crucial for the safe and efficient operation of electric hoist cranes in humid environments. Operators should be familiar with the specific challenges posed by high humidity and should know how to operate the crane safely under these conditions. They should be trained to recognize signs of moisture-related problems and to take appropriate action to prevent accidents. For example, operators should be aware of the importance of checking for moisture before starting the crane and should know how to use the preheating and drying device if necessary.
In conclusion, the use and maintenance of electric hoist cranes in humid environments require specific techniques and precautions. By ensuring that the crane has the appropriate protection level, adding preheating and drying devices for large motors, using rain covers for electrical appliances, conducting regular maintenance, and providing proper training for operators, it is possible to ensure the safe and reliable operation of these cranes even in extremely humid conditions. This not only helps to protect the equipment and reduce maintenance costs but also ensures the safety of personnel and the smooth operation of industrial processes.
