Based on over 70 years of operation and a position as world leader of lifting magnets, SGM has the experience and references of a wide range of magnet spreader beam solutions.
Spreader beams are designed based on the application (steel mill, port, service center,…) and customers’ crane situations which, in case of overhead or Gantry cranes can be single hoist , one trolley with two hoists, two hoists on two independent trolleys.
Extendable spreader beams can either be manual or motorized and can include motorized rotation.
Special magnet spreader beams accommodate for quick remote change from one spreader beam to another.
All SGM magnet spreader beams are fully designed by SGM as per the latest regulations and norms.
MULTI-BEAM SOLUTION
Steel mills producing long products, such as rebar and structural, have many challenges when it comes to storage and handling. Most of these mills struggle with wasted warehouse space and all encounter operational inefficiencies. These struggles are unnecessary, as SGM multi-beam solutions SOLVE ALL the noted concerns SAFELY and RELIABLY.
The Solution
An SGM multi-beam solution utilizes an SGM interface beam to the crane, which can connect to a variety of sub-beams, each of which can be purpose built for a specific operation and efficiency. (Think of a milling machine that can grab a specific tool for a milling operation.) Such a solution allows for multiple sub-beams to easily and quickly be put into use to handle specific load requirements. The beam-to-beam exchange process is hands-free and can be managed by a single operator from a crane cab, via RC remote, via remote operation or even via automation. Moreover, the change time to exchange beams is extremely quick, taking only about 30 seconds. This unique capability provides tremendous advantages, as follows:
Benefits
Flexibility to Efficiently Manage Varied Length Loads & Reduced Stress on Cranes
The greatest challenge of handling long products is being able to appropriately and efficiently handle varying load lengths. In most cases, mills are using a fixed length beam, typically a six-magnet beam, but doing so greatly limits the ability to strategically place loads efficiently within the warehouse. The long beam prevents shorter loads from being placed in the smaller pockets within the warehouse. Further, when a long beam is managing shorter loads in an off-center condition, extra stresses are placed on the crane ropes and hoists. An SGM multi-beam solution resolves these issues, as a shorter magnet beam can be utilized for handling the shorter loads, and the short length of the beam will allow these loads to be placed within tight pockets within the warehouse. Further, load specific sub-beams will allow the loads to be managed “centered” under the crane ropes and hoists, therefore reducing crane wear and maintenance.
Safety & Operational Efficiency
Some mills may already be considering a multiple beams approach, however via fixed beams, connected to the crane hooks and fitted with quick-connector electrical plugs to the crane. While such an approach does allow a mill to better optimize warehouse space, such an approach creates several safety issues and operational inefficiencies, as follows:
(a) As the exchange of such beams is a manual operation, often the operation that can cause injury, in the form of hand/finger injury when exchanging the crane hooks from one beam to another.
(b) The manual exchange of electrical connections is even more dangerous, as often operators forget to turn-off the magnets, which creates an extremely dangerous arc-flash scenario.
(c) As the above operations are manual in nature, they take considerable time. Even if maintenance personnel become proficient with the procedure, the personnel still must be available to make the exchange and in many cases, waiting for personnel to make the exchange creates delays to operations. And even proficiency does not eliminate the safety concerns.
