The project will be undertaken due the need for equipment upgrade: the Gottwald mobile harbour crane is used continuously, therefore, the now dated electrical components were due for renewal, including the DC drives and programmable logic systems.
Avtron Crane Systems, based in Ohio, worked in tandem with port personnel to ensure an appropriate solution for Port Freeport was achieved; a main requirement being that the upgrade would utilise equipment available in the US, with service and support for the future.
The upgrade includes the ADDvantage-32 DC drive platform, which has a proven track record in port crane equipment. Designed for the rugged use of a crane, the platform aims to ensure the port trouble free operation.
Port Freeport may potentially be operational at any time, thus constant access is required to service personnel. Therefore, a 24 hour hotline will also be provided by Avtron, which will ensure that a qualified field service engineer is available by phone or on site at all times.
The DriveView Plus diagnostic system will also help to support the Gottwald mobile harbour crane in an attempt to reduce troubleshooting time. The system provides a graphical tool, helping technicians identify and resolve problems quickly. Other features include, real-time operating values, interlock status and electrical drawings. DriveView operates over an Ethernet network for communication and data access with the DC drives and PLC.
