Vahle installs first combined STS trolley power–data rails

- The first installation of a combined insulated Unipole conductor for power and SMG slotted microwave guide for data transmission on a ship-to-shore (STS) gantry crane has been successfully achieved by Vahle at the Spanish Port of Algeciras, replacing a worn out 13 years old festoon cable carrier installation.

By combining SMG to transmit control and safety data and the Unipole conductor to supply electrical current to the crane trolley, ‘real time’ data transmission is achieved without delay.

The company claims that interference is impossible and that there is very little component wear in comparison to conventional cable carrier systems or cable chains. In addition, the SMG/Unipole combination permits substantially higher trolley speeds of up to 600 m/min and, therefore, faster container loading and unloading.

The new concept, which is virtually maintenance-free, means new crane design and construction can be simplified because of the reduced weight and dynamic load, which in turn reduces susceptibility to high winds. Equally it can be retro-fitted to existing equipment.

Previously Vahle had installed a combination of microwave guide and a conductor on less complex STS cranes with steel rope driven trolleys, where only 4-6 conductors were required for the power supply. With the Algeciras project a far more elaborate 19 conductor system was required.

Source: Container Management