Vacuum lifting beam for pipes

In brief

• The vacuum lifting beam for pipes is mounted on a forklift truck; a vacuum pump driven by a hydraulic motor grips and releases the pipes.

• It is designed for the steel and port industries, handling and storage, and oil and gas pipeline construction sites.

• It handles pipes weighing up to 18 tonnes, 16 to 60 inches in diameter and 6.5 to 18 metres long, even if they are oxidized or covered with mill scale.

• Applications

• Operating principles

• Operating recommendations

• General characteristics

• Case studies

Applications

The vacuum lifting beam for pipes is specially designed for:

• The steel and port industries
• Handling and storage facilities
• Construction sites for oil and gas pipelines
• Loading and unloading of pipes

Adaptable to forklift trucks, this system ensures efficient, safe and flexible handling, thereby optimizing industrial workflows.

Operating principles

The vacuum lifting beam for pipes operates by means of a vacuum pump driven by a hydraulic motor connected to the forklift truck circuit. The equipment consists of:

• a control panel in the cab providing:
  Monitoring of the vacuum level shown on a digital display.
  Controls to grip and release the pipes.
  Selection of the appropriate suction pads.
• robust suction pads ensuring optimal adhesion for lifting pipes, whatever their surface condition (oxidized or covered with mill scale).

This system ensures precise and safe operation, reducing handling-related risks.

Operating recommendations

To optimize the performance and ensure the safety of your vacuum lifting beam for pipes, follow these recommendations:

• Use suction pads suited to the diameter and weight of the pipes to be lifted.
• Regularly check the condition of the suction pad seals to prevent air leaks (no cracks or cuts).
• Periodically check the vacuum pump oil level to ensure optimal operation.

By following these steps, you ensure a longer service life and safe use of your equipment.

General characteristics

The vacuum lifting beam for pipes is designed to meet the demanding requirements of lifting professionals:

• Exceptional capacity: it can handle pipes from 16ʺ to 60ʺ in diameter, 6.5 to 18 metres long and weighing up to 18 tonnes.
• Versatile tubular structure: it serves as both a vacuum reservoir and a support for the suction pads.
• Easy installation: the underside of the crossbeam is specially designed for quick attachment to a handling truck.
• Quick couplings: hydraulic and electrical connections are simple and fast, allowing efficient commissioning and control from the operator’s cab.

Advantages

• Optimal efficiency: guaranteed lifting performance (even on oxidized pipes or pipes with mill scale)
• Flexibility and versatility (compatible with pipes from 16ʺ to 60ʺ in diameter)
• Autonomy and compatibility (can be moved between different vehicles)

Services

• Industrial commissioning assistance
• Rapid after-sales service response
• Equipment fleet monitoring and periodic performance checks
• Spare parts stock

Frequently asked questions

What is the vacuum lifting beam for pipes used for?

It is used to load and unload pipes in the steel industry, ports, storage facilities and oil and gas pipeline construction sites. It can be fitted to forklift trucks.

How does this lifting beam work?

A vacuum pump driven by a hydraulic motor, connected to the forklift truck circuit, creates the vacuum. A control panel in the cab is used to monitor the vacuum level, grip and release the pipes, and select the suction pads.

Which pipes can it handle?

It lifts pipes 16 to 60 inches in diameter, 6.5 to 18 metres long and weighing up to 18 tonnes. Its suction pads adhere even to oxidized surfaces or surfaces covered with mill scale.

How is it installed on a truck?

The underside of the crossbeam is designed for quick attachment to a handling truck. Hydraulic and electrical quick couplings allow control from the cab.

What maintenance does it require?

Regularly check the condition of the suction pad seals to prevent air leaks and periodically check the vacuum pump oil level.