Naval Shipyard
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) selects Doerfer's Wheelift Transporters for use within its shipyard facilities for dry-dock, yard, and machine shop applications in, supporting America's submarine fleet overhauling needs in both hemispheres — driving a global "fleet-readiness" state for national security.
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The primary use for these transporters is to lift, transport, and process major propeller, shaft and rudder components along with other large components within the normal course of shipyard activities. Each transporter can work individually or as part of a system of tandem operating transporters to assist with the assembly, installation, and removal of propeller and shaft components into and out of submarines and other vessels. Individual transporters have the capability to precisely and accurately lift, transport and control loads with a high degree of maneuverability, whether being used independently or in tandem with other transporters.
When operating in tandem, multiple transporters are controlled by a single operator and single hand held controller. Whether being operated independently or in tandem, each transporter has the ability to independently and automatically control a load's position by effortlessly finitely adjusting yawl, pitch and roll to accommodate variations in the surface over which they move while imparting low contact pressures to the underlying surfaces. The Wheelift Transporters are typically operating in very hostile environments, inclusive of dirt/grit, high humidity, along with exposure to weather and salt spray with wind velocities of 25MPH and greater potentially coming in from any direction. Ambient air temperature can range -20°F (-29°C) to +110°F (43°C)
All Wheelift Transporters undergo a finite element analysis in the design phase to identify potential areas of high stress. Frame welds are 100% magnetic particle inspected.
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Challenge:
To provide a flexible heavy capacity lift handling system with omni-directional movement capabilities, capable of below .005" incremental positioning accuracies that will reliably and consistently operate year-round in typical shipyard coastal marine environments.
Solution:
Provide eight self-loading,150 ton capacity transporters, each capable of operating independently, paired, or grouped together up to a quad configuration, communicating and working in tandem as a single 600 ton capacity transporter, controlled via wireless controllers.
Benefit:
- Significant process improvements driving reductions in fleet downtime
- Significant reductions in non-value added tooling setups and staging labor
- Provides process flexibility via a universal handling platform
The transporter's precision fluid suspension delivers 10"of vertical travel to accommodate severe surface undulations as well as providing the capability of self-loading, by driving under, then lifting and carrying stand supported loads. The axles have +/- 4 degree lateral articulation capability to further support surface compliance. The transporters are diesel/electric powered with that capability of plugging into 480V, 3 ph shore power as a back-up capability. The Wheelift technology enables effortless travel on 6-degree slopes and handles wide varieties of obstructions and depressions while every wheel sees only its allotted share of the load, regardless of surface conditions.
Wheelift Transporters and AGVs are manufactured in central Iowa and are custom engineered to application specific requirements. Chassis and fixtures are available with load capacities to 500+ tons and deck heights as low as 18". Power options include diesel, LP gas, battery, or umbilical cord. Computerized all-electric omni-directional drives are standard with individual axle ratings of 15, 20, or 30-ton.
The Modular Wheelift Chassis provides a degree of flexibility not obtainable through other technologies. Wheelift Transporters and AGVs enable manufacturing flexibility with configurable work processes that facilitate new design freedoms the benefit worldwide niche markets.
SUMMATION: The selection of Wheelift transporter for operation in dry dock environments opens a broad range of possibilities for shipyards.
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