Why you need a force analysis before performing a transfer lift through the splash zone

Here are key aspects of force analysis in these scenarios:

Crane Forces:

Vertical Load: The weight of the load being lifted is the primary vertical force acting on the crane. The crane must be capable of lifting and supporting the entire weight of the load.
Dynamic Loading: During transfer lifts through the splash zone, dynamic forces, such as wave-induced motion and vessel movement, need to be considered. These dynamic loads can affect the stability of the crane.

Winch Forces:

Tension Forces: The winch exerts tension forces on the lifting cable or wire rope, and these forces must be within the safe working limits of the winch.
Real-In and Pay-Out Forces: The winch experiences forces when reeling in or paying out the cable. This includes accounting for the effects of acceleration and deceleration.

Load Forces:

Weight Distribution: Understanding how the weight of the load is distributed is crucial. Imbalances or shifts in the load can introduce additional forces on the crane and winch.
Buoyancy: In the splash zone, buoyancy forces come into play as the load transitions between air and water. These forces need to be managed to prevent unintended movements.

Environmental Forces:

Wave and Current Forces: The splash zone is susceptible to wave action and currents. These environmental forces can impact the stability of the load and the equipment involved in the transfer.
Wind Forces: Wind can also exert forces on the load and crane, especially during transfers in exposed offshore environments.

Structural Integrity:

Sway and Torsin: Forces leading to sway (sideways movement) or torsion (twisting) of the load need to be carefully controlled to prevent instability during transfer lifts.

Operational Dynamics:

Acceleration and Deceleration: Rapid changes in acceleration or deceleration during the transfer process can introduce additional forces on the crane, winch, and load.

Safety Margins:

Factor of Safety: Engineers incorporate a factor of safety into their force analysis to ensure that the equipment is designed to withstand forces beyond the expected loads, providing a margin of safety.

The force analysis involves complex calculations and simulations to predict and manage these forces, optimizing the operation for safety and efficiency.

Increase safety and mitigate risks by using a Cranemaster unit

Our Cranemaster heave compensators provides significant benefits during a spash zone lift:

• Reduce dynamic force in payload and lifting points during splash zone crossing.
• Reduce dynamic load on the crane tip and the hoisting system.
• Reduce probability of slack wire during splash zone crossing.
• For challenging applications, Cranemaster Advanced Splash Zone Tension Mode (CAST) gives unsurpassed performance in terms of low DAF and the ability to avoid slack slings even for large objects and high waves.

Our engineering department can assist in carrying out a thorough force analysis that predicts the exact benefit of using a heave compensator during a splash zone crossing lift. Read more.