Application: Two Line Dam Hoist for Lifting and Lowering Oil/Water Separator on Columbia River

Customer: Unique Metalcraft Inc.

Location: Columbia River

Hoist Model: Columbia Two Line Dam Hoist

Performance:

• Line Pull: 4,000 pounds on the first layer
• Line Speed: 12 feet per minute on the first layer
• Wire Rope Capacity: Two (2) sections, each holding 35′ x 3/8″ wire rope
• Power Source: 460 VAC / Three phase / 60 Hz

Special Features:

• Right angle gearbox for compact installation
• Custom rotary limit switches
• Stainless steel grooved drum and fasteners
• Weather resistant components
• Single drum, two-wire lifting arrangement

 

Why APPI:

When Unique Metalcraft Inc. needed a reliable solution for regular maintenance of oil/water separators on the Columbia River, they faced a unique challenge: creating a lifting system that could operate consistently in harsh outdoor conditions while ensuring precise, safe handling of heavy filtration equipment.

The demanding environment of the Columbia River requires equipment that can withstand constant exposure to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and corrosive elements. Additionally, the separator’s regular maintenance schedule demanded a hoist system that could provide dependable service with minimal downtime.

Through collaborative discussions with Unique Metalcraft Inc., Allied Power Products, Inc. (APPI) and the customer jointly determined that a specialized two line dam hoist would be the ideal solution for their specific operational requirements.

Key features of this jointly developed dam hoist system include:

1. Stainless steel grooved drum and fasteners – specifically selected to resist corrosion in the river environment, ensuring long-term reliability as identified during customer consultations.
2. Single drum, two-wire lifting arrangement – this configuration prevents the separator from becoming cocked or jammed during lifting and lowering operations, addressing a key safety concern raised by Unique Metalcraft Inc.
3. Right angle gearbox design – allows for compact installation in the limited space available at the river site, meeting the customer’s spatial constraints.
4. Custom rotary limit switches – provide precise control and safety stops tailored to the specific lifting requirements of the oil/water separator system.
5. Weather resistant components – all electrical and mechanical elements are designed to withstand continuous outdoor exposure on the Columbia River.

This custom-engineered system offers Unique Metalcraft Inc. several operational benefits:

• Reliable lifting and lowering of heavy separator components for routine filter mainten
• Enhanced safety through the dual-wire, anti-jamming design
• Reduced maintenance costs due to corrosion-resistant construction
• Improved operational efficiency with precise positioning control
• Long-term durability in challenging river conditions

By implementing APPI’s Columbia two line dam hoist system, Unique Metalcraft Inc. has significantly improved their maintenance capabilities for critical water treatment infrastructure. The system’s robust construction and application-specific design features, developed through close collaboration with the customer, ensure safe and efficient operations in the demanding Columbia River environment.

For more information about this two line dam hoist system or any of APPI’s other specialized marine and environmental applications, please contact Allied Power Products, Inc. With over 30 years of experience in providing winches, hoists, capstans, and cranes tailored to specific application requirements, APPI continues to be a trusted partner in environmental and water treatment industries.