Location: Vancouver, Canada
Hoist Model: Columbia H10000-4A17-X-01G (qty-6)

Performance:

• Line Pull: 10,000 pounds on the first layer
• Line Speed: 10.2 feet per minute on the first layer
• Wire Rope Capacity: 477 feet x 5/8″ diameter with latching hook
• Power Source: 460 VAC / 3 Phase / 60 Hz

Special Features:

• Inverter-rated brake motor with AS7H absolute encoder
• Temperature monitoring with constant fan cooling
• Motor heater for cold weather operation
• BMH (brake heat rectifier) for enhanced brake performance
• Brake function and wear monitoring systems
• Custom grooved drum assembly for precise cable management

Why APPI:

When the City of Vancouver and Walla Walla Foundry embarked on installing Rodney Graham’s ambitious Spinning Chandelier beneath the Granville Street Bridge, they faced an extraordinary engineering challenge: creating a reliable chandelier hoist system capable of precisely maneuvering a 3.5-tonne art installation twice daily in Vancouver’s demanding outdoor environment.

The project, approved by the City in 2015 and taking more than three years to design and manufacture, required hoists that could safely handle the chandelier’s massive dimensions—eight by four metres—while providing the exact control necessary for both vertical positioning and spinning movements. The kinetic sculpture, constructed from stainless steel, LED lights, and more than 600 polyurethane crystals, needed to descend from its holding position, perform its spinning sequence, and return safely to the dark underbelly of the north viaduct twice each day. After extensive collaboration between the project team and Allied Power Products, Inc. (APPI), the solution centered around six Columbia H10000 hoists specifically configured for this unique artistic application.

Working closely with Walla Walla Foundry and city engineers, APPI and the project team jointly determined that the Columbia H10000-4A17-X-01G configuration would best meet the installation’s demanding requirements.

Key features of this collaborative chandelier hoist system solution include:

1. Six synchronized Columbia H10000 hoists providing redundant lifting capacity and precise control for the fragile artwork
2. Inverter-rated brake motors with absolute encoders, ensuring accurate positioning during the chandelier’s daily performance cycles
3. Comprehensive monitoring systems including temperature control, brake wear detection, and motor heating to maintain reliable operation in Vancouver’s variable weather conditions
4. Custom grooved drum assemblies engineered specifically for this application’s cable management requirements

This innovative hoist system enables the Spinning Chandelier to perform its scheduled rotations and vertical movements twice daily with the precision required for both artistic impact and public safety. The chandelier, suspended above the busy intersection of Beach Avenue and Granville Street and affiliated with the striking Vancouver House development, operates reliably thanks to the robust design features collaboratively developed for this unique application.

By implementing this custom Columbia chandelier hoist system, the City of Vancouver has successfully created a landmark art installation that combines artistic vision with engineering excellence. The system’s advanced monitoring and control features ensure safe, reliable operation of this spectacular public artwork.

For more information about this chandelier hoist system or any of APPI’s other specialized products and services, please contact Allied Power Products, Inc.

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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.

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Customer: Imperial Steel Products Ltd.
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Hoist Model: Columbia HG3700-2417-L-02 Dual Hoist System

Performance:

• Line Pull: 3,700 pounds on the first layer
• Line Speed: 8 feet per minute on the first layer
• Power Source: 230 VAC / Three Phase / 60 Hz

Special Features:

• Spring applied, electrically released brake
• Cable tensioning plate
• Custom control system for individual or unified hoist operation

Why APPI:

Imperial Steel Products faced a unique challenge in their factory operations: safely and effectively lifting 40-foot-long steel tubing weighing over 700 pounds. Recognizing the complexity of this task, they reached out to Allied Power Products, Inc. (APPI) for assistance in developing a solution.

Through collaborative discussions and analysis, Imperial Steel Products and APPI jointly considered all application factors – including lifting points, hoist capacity, line speed, and amp draw. Together, they determined that a dual hoist system would be the ideal solution to meet the specific needs of Imperial Steel Products’ operations.

The collaborative effort resulted in a system centered around two Columbia HG3700 hoists, tailored to this specific application.

Key features of this jointly developed steel pipe hoist system include:

1. Dual Columbia HG3700 hoists, providing ample lifting capacity for the heavy steel tubing.
2. A custom control system allowing for both individual and synchronized operation of the hoists, as requested by Imperial Steel Products.
3. Tension plates on each hoist to ensure proper line spooling when placing hooks on the tubes, addressing a specific concern raised during discussions.
4. Spring-applied, electrically released brakes for enhanced safety and control, a feature deemed essential by both parties.

This custom-designed system, offers several benefits:

• Precise control when lifting tubes and lowering them onto transfer carts
• Increased production efficiency
• Cost-effective solution for handling large, heavy materials

By implementing APPI’s Columbia steel pipe hoist system, Imperial Steel Products has significantly improved their material handling capabilities. The system’s innovative design and robust construction, tailored to the specific needs identified by Imperial Steel Products, ensure safe and efficient operations in their factory environment.

For more information about this steel pipe hoist system or any of APPI’s other specialized products and services, please contact Allied Power Products, Inc.

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Performance:

• Line Pull: 21,500 lbs. single layer and 43,000 lbs with 2-part line
• Line Speed: 4.5 feet per minute with 2-part line
• Brake Rating: 140,000 lbs
• Power Source: 460 VAC / Three phase / 60 Hz

Special Features:

• Dual 1½ HP brakemotors
• 12″ drum core grooved for dual 5/8″ wire rope assemblies
• 70.5″ drum width
• 4-cam rotary limit switch and custom base plate
• Dual multi-turn potentiometers for position locating
• Custom NEMA 4X control panel with variable frequency drive
• Panel face features:
  • UP/DOWN momentary buttons
  • LOCAL/REMOTE switch for future remote control
  • LED pilot lights to indicate gate position for upper and lower maximums

Why APPI: 

When Portland General Electric (PGE) needed to enhance their fish ladder flow control system at Willamette Falls, they turned to Allied Power Products, Inc. (APPI) for a solution. The challenge was to improve the efficiency and safety of managing flow levels for endangered salmon, steelhead, and lamprey eel species migrating to their spawning grounds.

Previously, PGE used a manual system involving multiple chain hoists to lift and place “stop logs” for flow control. This process was not only time-consuming but also potentially dangerous, requiring access through an elaborate tunnel system under the falls.

APPI’s solution centered around the Columbia H21500-4A17-L-00 hoist, specifically engineered for the unique requirements of the fish ladder environment. Key features of this flow control hoist system include:

1. Robust line pull capacity, suitable for heavy-duty operations in challenging conditions.
2. Precision control with dual multi-turn potentiometers for accurate position locating.
3. A custom NEMA 4X control panel with a variable frequency drive, ensuring reliable performance in wet conditions.
4. User-friendly interface with UP/DOWN buttons and LED indicators for gate positions.
5. Future-proofing with a LOCAL/REMOTE switch for potential remote control integration.

By implementing APPI’s Columbia flow control hoist, PGE has significantly improved their fish ladder management process. The new system offers several benefits:

• Increased efficiency in adjusting gates and stop logs
• Enhanced safety for operators
• Improved accuracy in flow control
• Faster response times for flow adjustments
• Better adaptability to changing environmental conditions

This project showcases APPI’s expertise in designing custom solutions for unique environmental challenges. By leveraging their previous experience with fish-related projects, APPI was able to create a hoist system that not only met PGE’s current needs but also anticipated future requirements.

For more information about this fish ladder flow control hoist or any of APPI’s other specialized products and services, 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 energy industries.

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Why  APPI: 

It was mid-afternoon at the Umm Qasr Naval Base on the southern tip of Iraq. Rick Fedrick, a seasoned project manager for Weston Solutions of West Chester, Pennsylvania, watched intently as a 90-foot Iraqi Coastal Defense Force (ICDF) patrol boat rose slowly out of the Persian Gulf on a steel platform. Although he had become acclimated to the 117 degree heat, he now says he was “sweating a little” because his and Weston’s reputations were riding on the ten slim pieces of wire rope lifting the vessel.

Fedrick arrived at Umm Qasr in January of 2004 and took charge of the rebuilding effort of that facility as contracted to Weston. Within three months, using local contractors and laborers, he had built two barracks, a dining hall, a classroom, and a warehouse. Based on that success, Fedrick had the opportunity to bid on removing and rebuilding a boat lift destroyed during the invasion of Iraq in March of 2003. Having the lift operational was identified by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and the Coalition Provisional Authority as crucial to fulfill their mission to counter smuggling, terrorism, and piracy. In addition, continued maintenance for the five patrol boats in the ICDF was essential to this goal.

After removing the 250 tons of twisted steel remaining from the old destroyed lift platform, The challenge would be getting a multiple hoist system in place that would meet his 1,000-ton capacity requirement. Fredrick knew this would be more challenging than erecting buildings as a naval architect. In addition to the saltwater atmosphere, sand, and extreme heat that went with the location, the system he was responsible for specifying needed to be safe and reliable for the ICDF crews as they were operating it long-term.

Given his experience with the local contractors he had worked with on the building projects, Fedrick felt he could handle rebuilding the lift platform itself. But, as he said, “Hoists are not my area of expertise.” So, based on Weston’s previous experience with Allied Power Products, Inc. (APPI) in Beaverton, Oregon, Fedrick contacted their president, Bob Peterson, and described his requirements. Fedrick says the reply from Peterson was simple, “Tell me exactly what you need, and we’ll provide you with a system that meets those requirements.”

To use as much of the existing lift structure as possible, Fedrick specified ten hoists with a total capacity of 1,000 tons. However, Fedrick also added the caveat that after traveling 32 feet vertically, the platform could be no more than 1/16th of an inch out of position over its 265-foot length.

APPI proposed the following solution to Fedrick:

• a multiple hoist system that included the AC electric hoists
• complete motor controls
• ten load blocks with eight parts of line
• wire rope spooling compensators
• the wire rope
• electrical wire for power and controls

Even the mounting bolts for the hoists were included – Fedrick says the only thing Peterson did not offer to include was his on-site adviser services.

The contract was awarded to Weston to rebuild the ship lift, and in turn, APPI received a  purchase order contract for the synchronized multiple hoist system. In December of 2005, Fedrick and Champak Sadhu, Weston’s lead mechanical engineer, made a trip to Beaverton, where APPI had laid out the entire system for familiarization and run testing. After acceptance, the whole system was loaded into three containers and sent by sea to Umm Qasr.

Fedrick and his crews started working to remove and rebuild the old platform sitting in the water between the two wings of the ship lift dock. At the same time, they were also designing and building the ten lift towers and hoist mounting pads in anticipation of the arrival of the containers from APPI. Without the benefit of any form of fabrication facility, the work was completed entirely on-site just before the hoisting equipment arrived.

After bolting down ten hoists, hanging ten pairs of load blocks, and reeving ten lengths of wire rope, the controls were connected, and system testing began. Platform testing continued for the next month for both gross and off-center loading. Fedrick said, “Once we had everything dialed in, it made no difference to the hoists what the load was or where it was positioned – it lifted perfectly level under all conditions. There’s no question APPI was the right choice for this job as their system just flat worked right.”

On May 22, 2006, Fedrick watched as a team of ICDF sailors successfully guided Patrol Boat 5 into the cradle on the ship lift, secured it, and lifted it to dock level. He may have been “sweating a little,” but with the system operational and training complete, the rest of his job was “just paperwork.” Finally, in early June of 2006, with both the base facilities and the ship lift in the hands of the ICDF, Fedrick returned home to his family in the States.

Please contact us if you would like more information about this particular multiple hoist system or any of our other products and services.

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