UK-based turbine blade access and repair specialist Altitec has delivered the last of an initial batch of five ActSafe ACX powered ascenders to the installation team at the Rampion offshore wind farm.
Technicians will use the ACX powered ascender for lifting tools and equipment as they install the 3.45MW MHI Vestas turbines at the UK south-coast site.
As part of the deal, Altitec will provide onsite training to the Rampion team on use of the ascender for lifting equipment with a maximum capacity up to 200kg.
The agreement will also cover assessment and servicing at regular six month intervals, and an up-time guarantee to ensure the Rampion team always have access to powered ascenders, whenever they need them.
Tom Dyffort, Managing Director of Altitec, said: “Our blade repair technicians have been using ActSafe’s powered ascenders for years to service onshore and offshore wind farms, reduce risks and cut the time taken to complete repair work. Our sales and service agreement with the Rampion team will ensure they are using the most up-to-date ascender equipment, perfectly suited to work on offshore turbines.”
The ActSafe ACX battery-powered ascender is capable of lifting 100kg for more than 200m of continuous ascending on a single charge, and comes equipped with a remote control with a range of up to 150m, Altitec said.
If used as a personal elevator for rope access technicians, the powered rope ascender reduces the physical strain on technicians as they scale turbines, similarly reducing the risk of accidents and injuries due to fatigue, according to the company.
The 400MW Rampion project is being built by E.ON, the UK Green Investment Bank plc and Canadian energy infrastructure company Enbridge. It is due to be complete and fully operational in 2018.