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Air Hoists: Operation and Applications

The document discusses different types of hoisting equipment used across various industries. It describes manual, electric, pneumatic and hydraulic hoists as well as explosion-proof hoists. It also covers applications of hoists in metallurgy and mineral processing industries.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
13 views5 pages

Air Hoists: Operation and Applications

The document discusses different types of hoisting equipment used across various industries. It describes manual, electric, pneumatic and hydraulic hoists as well as explosion-proof hoists. It also covers applications of hoists in metallurgy and mineral processing industries.

Uploaded by

bmmp20-wchirambo
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Hoisting equipment play a pivotal role in simplifying the task of lifting, lowering, and moving

heavy loads vertically or horizontally with ease and precision, particularly in industries such as
construction, manufacturing, and logistics. The overwhelming demand for hoists across diverse
applications has led manufacturers to develop various types of hoists, each tailored to meet
specific needs. In terms of operation, hoists offer versatility with manual, electric, hydraulic
and pneumatic operation. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of
hoisting equipment available, advantages, disadvantages, Challenges and their respective
applications in metallurgy and mineral processing (R. & Gupta, J., 2005).

MANUAL HOIST SYSTEM

A manual chain hoist is suspended above the object to be lifted by hooking or mounting it on
a rigid and sturdy structural frame. It has two chains, the hand chain that is pulled by hand and
the load chain, made of high-strength material like steel that lifts the load. These hoists operate
on the principle of a pulley or a lever, effectively redirecting force to ensure smoother
operations.

Figure 1: showing a lever hoist, source, [Link]

ELECTRIC HOIST SYSTEM

Electromagnetic crane

Overhead-travelling-crane magnets are electromagnetic device attached to the crane's hook to


magnetically pick up heavy metallic loads for hoisting and transferring. Cranes that are fitted
with a lifting magnet are equipped with an electromagnet control circuit (Howard, H., 1992).

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Figure 2: electromagnetic hoist, source, [Link]

Electric chain hoist

Electric chain hoists use a load chain as the lifting medium. The load chain is pulled by a motor
that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy used to lift the load. The motor generates
torque and transmits it to a series of gears inside the gearbox. The force is concentrated as it
passes through the series of gears that rotate the chain wheel to pull the load.

Figure 3: electric chain hoist; source, [Link]

Electric wire rope

Electric wire rope hoists lift loads utilizing a wire rope as the lifting medium. Wire ropes consist
of a core that runs through the center of the wire rope and several strands of wire intertwined
around the core. Wire ropes intended for this hoisting application are typically made from
carbon steel, stainless steel, Monel, and bronze. These materials have high resistance to wear,
fatigue, abrasion, and corrosion. However, the wire ropes may not be as durable as load chains
in some instances. They are also more expensive than electric chain hoists.

Figure 4: electric wire rope, source, [Link]

PNEUMATIC HOIST

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Also known as air hoists, rely on compressed air to generate the force required for lifting loads.
Operators control the lifting and lowering through a pendant control. These types of hoists have
a 100 percent duty cycle, meaning they can run continuously without rest. This makes them
ideal for high-speed and heavy-duty lifting applications where other hoists would likely fail.
Because of their unique qualities, air hoists are best suited to particularly long lifts where an
electric motor would overheat. Additionally, air hoists are favoured for applications demanding
precise load control (R. & Gupta, J., 2005).

Figure 5: pneumatic hoist, source, [Link]

HYDRAULIC HOIST

Unlike traditional lifts, hydraulic hoists rely on an oil-based piston mechanism in place of a
motor system. The piston allows the hoist to lift much heavier loads with a smaller motor

EXPLOSION-PROOF HOIST

Explosion-proof hoists, as their name implies, are specifically engineered to ensure safe
operation in potentially hazardous environments prone to explosions. With strict adherence to
rigorous safety standards, Anti-explosion electric wire rope hoist are specifically designed to
meet electrical standards required in hazardous or classified manufacturing and processing
industries

Figure 6: explosion-proof electric wire rope hoist, source, [Link]

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APPLICATION OF HOIST SYSTEM TO METALLURGY AND MINERAL PROCESSING
Pumping systems employed for hydraulic hoisting applications incorporate a pump or multiple
pumps in series suitable for slurry duty and capable of generating the required head to lift the
slurry to surface (Jack de la Vergne, 2003). Ore, slags, concentrates and other bulk materials
can be moved or lifted by electric chain hoist. Electromagnetic cranes are used to lift scrap
metals in metallurgical plants. They can efficiently handle large volumes of scrap such as steel,
aluminium and copper for recycling and processing into new products.

APPLICATION CONSIDERATION OF HOISTING SYSTEMS

Load Capacity and Power

Different types of hoists have different loading capacities and power capabilities. Overloading
can do more than damage to the equipment; it can jeopardize site safety. Potential risks such as
equipment failure or accidents if not operated correctly.

Hoist capacity is calculated as;

Capacity = Load × Safety Factor

Hoist motor power for an overhead crane can be calculated as;

𝑴.𝒈.𝒗
P= , where;
𝒏

M = mass, g = Gravity, v = Velocity of motion, n = Efficiency losses due to gears

CONCLUSION

The diverse types of hoists showcased in this exploration play pivotal roles across various
industries, revolutionizing material handling processes and elevating efficiency. Each hoist
possesses distinct attributes and applications, offering tailored solutions to meet specific
requirements. Whether it’s the precision of electric chain hoists or the strength of wire rope
hoists, selecting the right hoist can profoundly impact metallurgical processes and safety
standards.

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REFERENCES

ABB,2006. ABB Mine Hoist System. [Online] Availableat:


[Link]
351d9/$file/MinehoistBrosch_LR.pdf [Accessed 23 February
2014].at:[Link] /taking-the-sitby the authority of THE
QUEEN’S PRINTER

Howard, H., 1992. SME Mining Engineering Handbook, s.l.: s.n.

Jack de la Vergne, 2003. Hard Rock Miner’s Handbook, Edition 3. McIntosh Engineering

Khurmi, R. & Gupta, J., 2005. Machine design. 1st ed. New Delhi: Eurasia Publishing House

Limited, Canada, USA. *Also published in CD format and available for download from
[Link]

Mining Magazine, 1998. Mining Magazine. [Online], Available

rain?SQ_DESIGN_NAME=print _friendly [Accessed 12 March 2014]

Saskatchewan Regulations, 2014. The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. Printed

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Common questions

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Pneumatic hoists are designed to rely on compressed air, which allows them to achieve a 100 percent duty cycle. This means they can operate continuously without the need for rest, making them especially suitable for high-speed and heavy-duty lifting applications. Their operation through a pendant control allows precise load control ideal for applications where an electric motor might overheat during extended lifts .

Electric wire rope hoists are known for their ability to lift heavy loads using a wire rope, offering higher resistance to wear, fatigue, and corrosion. However, they are generally more expensive and less durable than electric chain hoists, which use a chain as the lifting medium and are more suited to frequent use with lesser loads. Electric wire rope hoists are ideal for long lifts and heavy-duty applications, whereas electric chain hoists are preferred for their durability in smaller-scale operations .

Manual chain hoists use the mechanical principles of pulleys and levers, which effectively redirect force, allowing operators to lift heavier loads with less physical effort. The load chain, made of high-strength materials like steel, is designed to ensure durability and smooth load lifting. This design facilitates operations by reducing friction and distributing force evenly, thus enhancing the overall efficiency of manual hoists .

Air hoists, or pneumatic hoists, are unique due to their operation on compressed air, which provides them with a 100 percent duty cycle allowing continuous operation. Their pendant control allows precise load manipulation, making them ideal for high-precision applications. In contrast, electric hoists may require downtime to prevent overheating and are less suitable for environments demanding lengthy continuous lifts. Pneumatic hoists are preferred for their ability to deliver seamless precision in complex lifting scenarios .

Explosion-proof hoists are specifically engineered to prevent ignition sources in potentially hazardous environments prone to explosions. They must adhere to strict safety standards that include rigorous electrical insulation and mechanical protections to prevent sparking or overheating. These hoists are designed to meet electrical standards set for classified manufacturing and processing industries, ensuring personnel safety through compliance with anti-explosion regulations .

Electromagnetic cranes are used in metallurgical plants to lift and transport scrap metals efficiently. Their primary advantage lies in their ability to handle large volumes of metallic materials like steel, aluminum, and copper, streamlining the recycling and processing into new products. They use electromagnetic devices to lift materials without needing physical contacts, which makes them especially suited for managing large batches of scrap metal .

Hoisting equipment operates using manual, electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. Each operational mode offers distinct advantages in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics, providing precise movement and control essential for lifting and transferring heavy loads. Manual hoists are simple and cost-effective for smaller loads, electric hoists provide controlled and reliable lifting for various applications, hydraulic hoists offer immense power for heavier loads, and pneumatic hoists ensure continuous operation suitable for high-speed tasks .

Hydraulic hoists achieve lifting heavier loads by utilizing an oil-based piston mechanism instead of a motor. This piston system multiplies force exerted by the smaller motor, enabling the hoist to lift significantly heavier loads with more precision and less effort. The hydraulic pressure generated provides smooth and powerful lift operations, making them ideal for applications requiring the handling of substantial weights .

When choosing a hoisting system for metallurgy and mineral processing, considerations include the load capacity requirements, the type of materials being moved, safety implications, and the risk of equipment failure. The hoist must be able to handle the material's weight and volume, and considerations for safety factors like overloading risks should be calculated using equations such as capacity = load × safety factor. Additionally, the choice of hoist might depend on specific operational needs like the speed of operation and the environmental conditions in which the hoist will operate .

The choice between a load chain and a wire rope in electric hoists is influenced by several economic and operational factors. Load chains are typically more durable and cost-effective for frequent use with lighter loads, while wire ropes offer higher resistance to fatigue and corrosion, making them preferable for heavy-duty and longer lifts, albeit at higher costs. The decision may also be affected by the specific requirements of the operation, such as the environmental conditions and the material's longevity under continuous stress .

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