Lifting specialist JD Neuhaus is reporting success with tests on a hydraulic monorail hoist in a cryogenic test chamber in the Netherlands.
Its standard JDN range of air or hydraulically operated hoists is ATEX rated and insensitive to humidity and dust, while operating within a temperature range of -20°C to +70°C.
However, its adapted EH-20 monorail hoist has now been proved capable of handling operations at down to -45°C.
To ensure smooth starting, the hoist has been fitted with a pre-heating device to raise the temperature of the drives to -25°C before operation.
It has also been equipped with cryogenic hydraulic oil for operation from -45°C to +40°C. Lifting capacities are unchanged at 20 to 100 tonnes.
