Cargo is on its way! Marine loading arms go electric.
Actuators being packaged for shipping.
Today, we packaged and shipped a set of actuators to be installed in marine loading arm (MLA) applications. These high-capacity loading arms are typically used at marine terminals and ship-to-ship operations to transfer liquid fuels, chemicals and liquified natural gas (LNG).
The actuators will replace the hydraulic cylinders commonly used to maneuver the loading arm's movements. The electric actuator's unique free-floating mode allows the arm to gently follow the ship's draft variation, tidal water, wind and currents.
The actuators can be delivered compliant with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, making the loading arm safe to operate in potentially dangerous gaseous environments. The actuators are also prepared for execute a quick automatic emergency release in case of an accident.
A marine loading arm.
Why replace hydraulics and go electric?
There are several reasons why electro-mechanical actuators are better suited for maneuvering the marine loading arm's movement than conventional hydraulics:
Less maintenance
Cascade Drives' actuators are non-pressurized, resulting in less need for replacing oil, filters, seals, hoses, etc. The actuators' core is based on a mechanical gearbox designed to function for the loading arm's life span. Reduced maintenance needs result in less cost for manpower and helicopter services.Easier and faster installation
Placing Cascade Drives' actuators on the loading arm reduces the installation complexity associated with hydraulics. The challenge of installing dock-side high-pressure hydraulic oil pipes and hoses and valve control systems is no longer an issue.Electric actuators are environmentally friendly
A severe hydraulic hose breakage can spray hydraulic fluid over a large area, requiring extensive clean-up and unwanted downtime or, in worst case, cause a fire.A better work environment
By removing hazardous hydraulic oil and freeing up additional dock space, the dock becomes cleaner and less cluttered. With cargo terminals already being a high-risk industry, improving worker safety is a key objective.
Ports going green
Although ships are probably the biggest polluters, most modern ports and marine cargo terminals actively try to reduce their negative impact on the climate and pollution. Diesel and hydraulics are on their way out, rapidly being replaced by electric platforms as ports seek more sustainable solutions.
A new breed of powerful actuators
With Cascade Drives' powerful linear actuators, it's finally possible to automate many functions that have historically been handled by hydraulic systems. The speed, reliability, and precision of this new generation of heavy-duty actuators open up a whole new world for electrification. Our actuators are already being used in container handlers, large-truck steering systems, forklifts, high-pressure pumps, and many other industrial applications.
Would you like to learn more?
Feel free to contact Cascade Drives at info@cascadedrives.com or use our Contact page.
