Page 54: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (May 2014)

54 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • MAY 2014

Claxton Engineering Services Ltd., an Acteon company, launched the latest version for its ATEX and safe-area crane boom cameras to improve operational safety through substantial upgrades in camera performance and its user in- terface. Enhancements to the camera, which according to Claxton is one in a range of best-in-class subsea and surface cameras, include state-of-the-art charge- coupled device (CCD) modules; a 324- 1 digital zoom; and a 28× optical zoom lens. The new system also offers 3D noise reduction (3D NR) for low noise images in low light environments, image stabilization, better resolution (now 550 from 450 TVL) and a lower minimum il- lumination level (now 0.25 rather than 1 lux). The camera retains the auto/manual day to night switching feature for night viewing in monochrome. A joystick con- trol replaces the push button system and enables operators to concentrate on the screen without looking at the controller.

The system includes a 12.1 in., high- resolution daylight viewable LCD screen and a control console that can be mounted on any suitable surface within the cab. www.claxtonengineering.com

Anchoring of ships or depositing of cargo on the bottom of the sea – the po- tential uses for winches in marine and offshore areas are extremely varied.

Safety is always the highest priority.

With an additionally included valve in the control manifold DSE by Rexroth, the retention forces are maintained even when the brake is inactive. The compact construction type reduces costs and in- stallation effort for the user.

With regard to winches the safety as- pect is of utmost importance. If, for example, the hydraulics supply to the winch is interrupted without activa- tion of a brake, in the worst case the load on the hook can fall uncontrolla- bly. To guarantee safety even in these cases, Rexroth installed an additional valve that reacts to falling oil pressure. It keeps the oil in the hydraulic motor and thus prevents oil from escaping into the tank. While the motor will rotate slow- ly, it will not cavitate and the holding forces will be maintained. The user can select between multi-disk brakes and a brake band, which affects the edge of the winch drum.

An automatic brake release function with integrated pressure reduction valve is available to release the brake.

The winch control valves of the DSE product line can be installed directly on the motor without the need for pipes or hoses. Thus, the manufacturer does not only save costs, but also installation ef- fort. Eliminating the lines also avoids the risk of leaking hoses, pipes or couplings.

With a possible fl ow through of 60 to 700 l/min and a maximum pressure of 250 bars, the product line is primar- ily suitable for use with larger winches.

Thanks to the modular design, the suit- able control manifold can be adopted to the customer’s requirements. Functions such as self-centering, operation with two speeds and mooring can be easily added to the main manifold.

Claxton’s Camera Upgrade

Puts Crane Safety in Focus

Compact Hydraulic Manifolds for Safe Winch Performance

PRODUCT FEATURE: DECK MACHINERY

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