Understanding the Applications of Torque Limiters

Torque limiters play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of various mechanical systems. But how much do you really know about their applications? Let's take a closer look at their use, especially in cranes and other heavy machinery.

Applications of Torque Limiters in Cranes

Torque limiters are widely used in various types of cranes and equipment, including:

• Truck-mounted cranes

• Tyre cranes

• Rail track cranes

• Crawler cranes

• Tower cranes

• Portal cranes

• Aerial work vehicles

These devices are integral to maintaining safety and operational efficiency in these machines, providing real-time monitoring and control during heavy-duty operations.

Features of Torque Limiters

Modern torque limiters operate through a fully computer-controlled system. The key functionalities include:

1. Load and Angle Detection: Automatically detects the load weight and the angle of the crane arm.

2. Real-Time Monitoring: Displays rated load capacity, actual load, working radius, and crane arm angle.

3. Safety Alarms and Controls: Equipped with a diagnostic function, the system provides real-time alarms for hazardous conditions and controls to prevent accidents.

4. Black Box Functionality: Automatically records dangerous working conditions, providing critical data for accident analysis and prevention.

System Components

Torque limiters are composed of the following main components:

• Display Unit: Provides real-time operational data.

• Microcontroller-Based Control Box: Processes information and issues commands.

• Sensors: Includes angle sensors, length sensors, and pressure (or tension) sensors for accurate monitoring.

Monitoring in Action

Torque limiters monitor crane operations to ensure safety:

• When the actual load is below 90% of the rated load, the "Normal" indicator on the display lights up.

• When the load reaches 90% of the rated capacity, the "90%" light activates, and the buzzer issues intermittent warnings.

• At 100% load, the "100%" indicator lights up, and the buzzer issues continuous warnings.

• If the load exceeds 104% of the rated capacity, the "104%" indicator lights up, and the buzzer emits a continuous alarm. Simultaneously, the relay activates, halting operations such as hoisting or extending the crane arm to prevent accidents caused by operator error or misuse.

Why Torque Limiters Are Essential

Torque limiters are indispensable for ensuring the safety of crane operations. By preventing overloading and dangerous conditions, they protect both operators and equipment from potential harm. Their advanced features, such as real-time monitoring and automatic controls, make them a cornerstone of modern heavy machinery safety systems.