Germany: Use of Modular Transport Systems Increases, SCHEUERLE Says

Germany: Use of Modular Transport Systems Increases, SCHEUERLE Says

Transportation of offshore wind power plant components on the manufacturer´s production site requires a high degree of manoeuvrability and flexibility. Due to the large dimensions and the ever-increasing weight of offshore installations, this has led to an increasing use of modular transport systems such as the wide range of vehicle model types available from SCHEUERLE Fahrzeugfabrik. AMBAU GmbH uses many of these transport solutions in their daily operations.

For the offshore wind power industry, TII companies have developed and delivered mainly modular solutions that have been agreed upon with the manufacturers of the wind power installations and equipment, and thus present optimal solutions for all terrains. Cuxhaven-based AMBAU is a manufacturer of steel towers and steel foundation structures, and manages numerous logistics challenges at its own production facility on a daily basis. AMBAU GmbH has its own transport equipment which has been supplied by SCHEUERLE and, if the need arises, uses the services of other transport companies that also have SCHEUERLE vehicles and equipment.

Transition Pieces
The so-called “transition pieces (TP)” – transition elements used between the offshore wind tower and offshore foundations – are manufactured horizontally in the production hall. Upon completion, they are transported to the outside storage area and placed in an upright position. For this, the transition piece is raised so that it can be driven under by self propelled transport vehicles from SCHEUERLE. For this, AMBAU uses two industrial lift transporters (SCHEUERLE IHT) which are laterally coupled at the front as well as 2 x 12 SCHEUERLE SPMT axle lines at the rear. The modular SPMT transporters are transversely connected to one another but using so-called spacers (extension beams). The entire combination of SPMTs and IHTs is controlled by means of only one remote control. The control technology, specially developed by SCHEUERLE, hereby guarantees synchronized control of all vehicle units.

At the storage location, a crawler crane stands ready to pick up and vertically position the transition piece. For this particular operation, the loaded vehicle combination drives up very close to the crane so that the hooks can be attached to the front part of the load thus allowing the element to be slightly raised. At this point, the IHTs are now driven to the side. The transition piece is then slowly lifted and the remaining SPMTs take control of the erection process until the load is placed in a vertical position. The crane continues to lift  and the now unloaded vehicles leave the erection area. After dismantling the tipping device on the SPMTs, these drive back to the crane in order to pick up the now vertically positioned transition piece. Upon reaching the storage area, the suspension system of +/-700 mm allows the lowering of the vehicle platform to 1,150 mm so that the vehicle can be driven under the load, which is positioned on supporing legs, and then driven off. Specially-made foamed “polyfill” tires allow axle line loads of up to 48 tons.

Monopiles and tower segments
Whether for moving operations during production or transportation of finished components, AMBAU GmbH uses a range of transport equipment from SCHEUERLE. For this, and depending on the weight or length of the load, IHTs are coupled to each other or in a loose coupling mode (only connected by cable to one other) or SPMT modules are available which are likewise coupled together or operate in a loose coupling mode

Moving the crane
The complete crawler crane is transported in a fully erected working position from the EuroGate port to the AMBAU company site: this is very time-saving and also extremely road-friendly. Only the ballast weight must be taken separately.

[mappress]

Press release, January 28, 2013; Image: SCHEUERLE