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HBM aims high with Sensors on Hydraulic Platform for Translink International

Translink International

HBM helps hydraulic platform sense of how many individuals were on the existing platforms

When Translink International needed a reliable and robust system to measure weight on a range of hydraulic platforms, it turned to HBM – a market leader in the field of test and measurement – to provide a comprehensive and effective solution.

Based in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, Translink International manufactures hydraulic platforms and insulator washing applications. Experts in supplying a wide range of specialised products and services to Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and within the UK, Translink International has a growing reputation for quality products.

Through an intermediary company called SKF Fire, and as part of its long-standing relationship with a Hong Kong Fire & Rescue Service, Translink International recently approached HBM when it was asked to update its customers’ existing hydraulic platforms.

Chanllenge 

A hydraulic platform with no load sensing needed a system to know or sense of how many individuals were on the existing platforms at any one time.

Solution 

Load cells are a device used to convert energy from one form into another. Then connected to a VKK1-4 junction box to send excitation voltage to all four load cells to sum up the signal voltages for a total weight signal.

Results

The sensors were successfully applied the hydraulic platform now has a 300KG capacity which sounds an alert when capacity on the platform exceeds 110% of the related load.

The challenge

A hydraulic platform is fundamentally a large crane with a caged platform at the top. Used to deliver water from above a fire or to rescue individuals at height, safety and reliability are key. 

With no load sensing or sense of how many individuals were on the existing platforms at any one time, HBM was asked to step in to consult on appropriate sensors which would address this problem.

Test and measuring equipment

Load cells are a type of transducer which are essentially a device used to convert energy from one form into another. In this case, the weight on the platform is converted into an electrical signal.

Recommended to Translink International by a local measurement and control manufacturer, HBM supplied each vehicle platform with four HLCB1 load cells, rated to IP68 to offer protection against water and harsh weather conditions.  These were then connected to a VKK1-4 junction box to send excitation voltage to all four load cells to sum up the signal voltages for a total weight signal.  HBM also supplied its RM4220 analogue amplifier to allow for simple wiring and an accuracy of 0.1%.  

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In addition to supplying Translink International with a system to meet its needs, HBM also provided engineers with valuable advice and continued support, where needed:

“We were delighted with the service provided by HBM and felt supported throughout the whole process. Not only did they provide us with the expertise and the technical knowledge we needed on this project, but they were also extremely dedicated and accommodating. With a variety of projects happening at once, it was refreshing to work with a company that was happy to put us first and work around our busy timeframes and often demanding schedules” commented Richard Saunders, Applications Engineer.

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The Result

The sensors were successfully applied to the machinery to activate the platform.

The hydraulic platform now has a 300KG capacity which sounds an alert when capacity on the platform exceeds 110% of the related load. When capacity hits 120%, the platform stops moving altogether as an additional safety precaution. From here, the operator must physically override the stop position to continue, which is an essential requirement of BS EN 1777:2010, which is the European Standard which applies to vehicle-mounted hydraulic platforms.

The first batch of completed machines has now been sent to the customer with a target to be in service for Christmas.

About HBM

Founded in Germany in 1950, HBM is today the technology and market leader in the field of test and measurement.  HBM’s product range comprises solutions for the entire measurement chain, from virtual to physical testing.  The company has production facilities in Germany, USA and China and is represented in over 80 countries worldwide.