The highlights of RUD’s appearance at the trade fair will include the ROV Hook, a hook that was developed in collaboration with a well-known customer, specifically for lifting heavy loads under water – the main focus here will be product innovations and improvements. The hook can be operated by all common ROV manipulators (ROV = remotely operated vehicle, a remote-controlled underwater robot) and makes it possible to carry out a wide variety of lifting and transport tasks, for example when assembling subsea structures in the deep sea. The ROV Hook has two key advantages over conventional hooks: firstly, it was designed without a protruding hook nose to prevent accidental snagging. Secondly, it has a safety latch that opens outwards, but only when two triggers are engaged at the same time. As soon as the underwater robot releases these triggers, the latch closes automatically and remains locked until the triggers are engaged again. This almost eliminates the risk of the load being unintentionally released. Another plus: in contrast to models from other providers, the safety latch can be opened and closed with just one ROV gripper – the mechanism also allows the hook to be operated easily and safely by hand.
Another focus will be the VLBG 10.9, a lifting point that is suitable for harsh environmental conditions in marine and offshore applications. It has a high WLL of up to 20 tonnes and is available in thread sizes from M8 to M48.
Another highlight of RUD’s appearance at the trade fair will be heavy load solutions for the marine sector and ports. OX+RUD Lifting Solutions, the newest member of the RUD Group, will present the latest load handling equipment with a WLL of up to 1,350 tonnes. The product range covers a large number of load handling solutions – including a wide variety of lifting beams in an application-specific modular or universal design, telescopic struts and spreader beams, and trolleys, forklift hooks and lifting means. OX+RUD products satisfy all the important standards – for example, the spreader beams are also DNV-certified – and can be assembled from an array of standard elements to form customised solutions for different applications.
At its exhibition stand, RUD will also provide information about its comprehensive digital services: with the lifting means configurator and the new lifting points configurator, the company has two digital tools that make it possible to put together appropriate lifting solutions for a wide variety of scenarios. In addition, the new BUDDYtron app provides support in day-to-day use: almost all RUD products feature extremely robust RFID transponders as standard, and these can be used to call up the factory ID numbers on a reader or smartphone on the basis of NFC technology. When they have the ID number, it is not difficult for users to access application-related information, such as comprehensive product data and instruction manuals, via the BUDDYtron app. With the app, it is also very easy for the user to check whether selected lifting points and lifting means are suitable for lifting a particular load. They can also access instructions for safety checks and practical tips for assembly, dismantling or repairs, and it is easy to contact the manufacturer directly from the app if they have particular concerns. On the whole, such tools play a key role in simplifying workflows and shortening decision-making and testing processes whilst ensuring maximum operating safety.
More information at: www.rud.com and https://slingandlashing.rud.com/en/marineoffshore
