Application: Dam hoist system for lifting fish screens
Customer: Tacoma Power and Light
Location: Cowlitz Falls Dam, Washington State
Hoist Model: Columbia HL14000-4A17-L Dual Drum Hoist
Performance:
- Line Pull: 14,000 pounds on the first layer (single line)
- Line Speed: 0-12 feet per minute on the first layer (single line)
- Wire Rope Capacity: 29′ x 5/8″ wire rope per drum
- Power Source: 460 VAC / Three phase / 60 Hz
Hoist Model: Columbia HL7000-4A17-L Single Drum Hoist
Performance:
- Line Pull: 7,000 pounds on the first layer (single line)
- Line Speed: 0-12 feet per minute on the first layer (single line)
- Wire Rope Capacity: 29′ x 5/8″ wire rope
- Power Source: 460 VAC / Three phase / 60 Hz
Trolley Model: Columbia HH-12 Motorized Hammerhead Trolley
Special Features:
- Variable frequency drives for precise speed and torque control
- Auxiliary radio controls for remote operation
- Motorized hammerhead trolleys rated at 6 tons each
- Horizontal trolley travel speed: 0-10 feet per minute
Why APPI
When Tacoma Power and Light faced the challenge of lifting fish screens weighing 24,000 pounds and 7,000 pounds at the Cowlitz Falls Dam, they reached out to Allied Power Products, Inc. (APPI) for a custom dam hoist system solution. The extensive new construction for fish passage created a complex configuration challenge that required specialized engineering expertise.
Through collaborative discussions with Tacoma Power and Light, APPI worked together with the customer to analyze the space constraints and operational requirements. Together, they determined that a hammerhead trolley design would be the optimal solution to minimize hoist size while maintaining the necessary lifting capacity for this critical fish passage infrastructure.
Key features of this jointly developed dam hoist system include:
- Dual Columbia HL14000 and HL7000 hoists, providing the precise lifting capacity needed for both the heavier 24,000-pound screens and lighter 7,000-pound screens.
- Motorized hammerhead trolleys rated at 6 tons each, with reeving that doubles the line pull of each hoist—a design approach identified during planning sessions as ideal for the space limitations.
- Variable frequency drives housed in the control system, enabling precise speed and torque control for safe positioning of delicate fish screens.
- Auxiliary radio controls for all functions, allowing operators to control the dam hoist system remotely for enhanced safety and operational flexibility.
- Individual or tandem operation capability, providing versatility in managing multiple fish screens as maintenance schedules demand.
This custom-designed dam hoist system offers Tacoma Power and Light several operational benefits:
- Safe and controlled lifting of heavy fish screens in a challenging dam environment
- Flexible operation modes for various maintenance scenarios
- Space-efficient design that maximizes functionality within existing infrastructure
- Enhanced operator safety through remote control capabilities
- Reliable performance in demanding hydroelectric facility conditions
By implementing this collaborative dam hoist system solution, Tacoma Power and Light has significantly improved their fish screen maintenance capabilities at Cowlitz Falls Dam. The system’s innovative hammerhead trolley design and robust construction ensure safe, efficient operations for this critical component of their fish passage infrastructure.
For more information about this custom dam hoist system or any of APPI’s other specialized products and services, please contact Allied Power Products, Inc. With over 40 years of experience in providing winches, hoists, capstans, and cranes tailored to specific application requirements, APPI continues to be a trusted partner in the hydroelectric and dam management industries.
