Technical solutions

— Significant experience feedback with more than 900 tests carried out
— A wide range of material compatible with 21 to 54 mm diameter ropes

More than fifteen years ago, Company MECO developed a new procedure, in collaboration with DEKRA Industrial and RELIANCE-BARKER-DAVIES. By suspending a test load directly to the hoisting ropes, a reduction in the amount of weight necessary is possible. For example, using RELIANCE suspension glands, it is possible to test an overhead crane with capacity of 120 tonnes using a load of only 30 tonnes. In this case, the device has a pulley block arrangement with eight falls, two of which are hoisting ropes. The following equation determines the required load:

The French Ministry of Labour has approved the RELIANCE procedure, in accordance with the Ministerial Order of March 1st, 2004.

So far, more than 900 tests have been carried out successfully using this procedure. Our experience combined to the continual improvement of the procedure has allowed Company MECO to gain the trust of prestigious customers like EDF, in sensitive areas such as the nuclear energy sector.

— Empty weight = around 1% of its full capacity
— Loads adaptable with precision

For all tests requiring a direct suspension of the load to the hook, Company MECO has been using, for more than ten years, a wide range of Waterbags with a capacity of 1 to 100 tonnes. These adjustable loads, originally designed for offshore testing, have since then been suited to the industry’s specific needs, in collaboration with PROOFLOAD. Combined with the use of precise and robust load cells, the filling and draining of Waterbags is constantly and accurately monitored.

— Easy transportation given the minimal weight and volume taken up by Waterbags (for instance: a load test of 100 tonnes requires less than 2 tonnes of equipment).
— The ability to carry out static tests without lifting the load.
— An adjustment of the required load thanks to the precise control of water level.

— Specific needs, difficult situation, we search and offer a solution
— Other equipment concerned: pedestrian bridges, floors, monorails, module weighing…

Beyond load testing, Company MECO undertakes special projects for clients. In order to meet these demands, we lean on a solid experience as well as an international network of experts who are able to offer ad hoc solutions. Innovative solutions are not exclusively developed for the lifting equipment sector, but also for supporting structures and the weighing of heavy modules.

— We set up compression load cells under a rotating bridge, in order to establish its mass. The operation was completed overnight (Cherbourg).
— We supplied a load supporting frame with a capacity of 800 tonnes, as well as the lifting accessories needed for the testing of two overhead cranes with a capacity of 230 tonnes and a lifting beam with a capacity of 440 tonnes, tested under a load of 550 tonnes (Tunisia). The entire load testing procedure was completed at the customer’s request, plus an additional verification of the consistency between the tests recommended by the equipment manufacturer, and applying Tunisian and French regulations.
— We measured the hauling capacity of the IFREMER research vessel Pourquoi Pas?, using a load cell that was set up between the stern of the vessel and a bollard from the dock.
— We supplied and set up compression load cells for the emergency weighing of acoustic enclosures in Thailand, before they were shipped to an offshore natural gas platform (North Sea).