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VACUWORX,
USA
O
il and gas pipe may have to be transported hundreds
or thousands of miles from point-of-origin to final
destination, resulting in numerous touch points for
multiple stakeholders tasked with the safe handling
of materials at various intervals.
No two pipe-handling tasks are exactly alike, making the
best course of action to carefully consider the circumstances
of each lift. This includes an assessment of all known risks to
determine appropriate handling procedures as materials are
being loaded on and off trucks, staged for inspections or repairs,
racked in storage yards, and delivered to the right-of-way.
Safety is a major focal point for operators in the pipe
manufacturing, pipeline construction, and logistics services
sectors. According to Randy Hayes, Vice President of Business
Development and Strategic Accounts with Vacuworx, they tend
to lean toward versatile, turnkey solutions intended to mitigate
jobsite hazards and help boost productivity.
Demand for alternatives to traditional cable and slinging
methods of handling pipe has led to widespread adoption of
vacuum lifting technology over
the past two decades. Vacuworx,
a global provider of heavy-duty
lifting solutions for oil and gas and
construction-oriented industries,
introduced the first of its RC Series
Vacuum Lifting Systems in 2000. The
product line was specifically designed to
offer a safer and more efficient way to load,
unload, stage, and place pipe.
The RC Series is available in five different
models geared toward energy and infrastructure
projects, as well as material-handling operations
at manufacturing plants, port facilities, and laydown
yards. Powered by self-contained diesel engines,
standard RC Series lifters are compatible with large-
capacity carrier equipment and boast lifting capacities
that range from 22 000 lb to 55 000 lb (10 t to 25 t).
Every RC lifter features wireless remote operation and
360˚ rotation that provides for the precise placement of
the pipe being lifted, and eliminates the need for cribbing
or spacers. Vacuworx’s specially formulated vacuum pad seal
technology is designed to prevent damage to delicate materials
and bonded coatings, limiting the need for time-consuming
repairs. The units require minimal set-up and are capable
of handling pipe from 4 in. (101 mm) to an unlimited outer
diameter.
The Tulsa, Oklahoma-based manufacturer has invested
heavily in continuous improvement of the RC line,
including the launch of environmentally friendly ‘H’
models that eliminate noise, emissions, and fuels costs
by drawing power directly from the host machine.
Vacuworx lifting systems are available for rent
and purchase worldwide through a network
of authorised distributors and directly
through the manufacturer. The systems can
additionally be customised for in-plant lifting
solutions to handle all types of pipe and
various raw materials in manufacturing
environments, or for specific materials
and applications. Parts, service, and
shipping options are available all year
round.
“The focus of our RC product
line always has been, and
continues to be, on keeping
people safe,” Hayes said.
“Regardless of project
scope, preparation is the
key to ensure people,
assets, and budgets are
protected the entire
way.”
Dun Transportation & Stringing shown unloading pipe from rail to
truck using Vacuworx RC 16.
American Pipe Handlers using an RC 20 to transfer pipe from
barge to truck.
Heavy equipment review
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