Over a week ago two Aerolift vacuum lifters arrived in The USA. Bethlehem Construction in Cashmere (USA) is going to handle concrete wall elements by vacuum. Both vacuum lifters are capable to handle 27 metric tons (60,000Lbs).
About the vacuum lifters
One vacuum lifter is used to demould the wall elements. It is even possible to demould fresh concrete with limited internal strength, because of the divided surface pressure of a suction pad. The vacuum lifter is used in combination with an overhead crane.
The other vacuum lifter is used during storage and transhipment. This device can not only lift, but is also able to turn the wall elements 90°. The lifter is used in combination with a gantry crane and is operated from the cabin.
“The extreme requirements”
Hans van den Tol, director Aerolift: “What makes this project special? The extreme requirements. The vacuum lifters had to meet both the European and the American standards and regulations (EN & ASME). Because of the heavy loads, the vacuum lifters required a large number of big suction pads. The dimensions and positions of these suction pads needed to be optimized to avoid the door openings and window frames. It was a big challenge but we accomplished the project!”
