Clean Room Crane Blog Topics


Blog Post 1:  4 productivity-enhancing innovations for cleanroom cranes

Every cleanroom has its specific demands. To fulfil these, you can choose from a wide range of solutions and possibilities. There are many different mechanical and electrical lifting and hoisting solutions for conditioned environments. But which ones increase work efficiency and work pleasure? In this blog, we will highlight four innovations.

1Integrate the ‘new’ with the ‘old’
Even a ‘simple’ overhead crane can be upgraded to a high-tech solution. Using smart solutions and a different construction, you minimalize pollution and contamination during product handling. But that’s not all. Lifting and hoisting equipment can work together with other existing systems and software. Take, for example, the SCADA system. It’s highly effective in environments where people are not allowed for security reasons. The SCADA system takes control of the crane, resulting in a safer environment and a more productive and efficient workflow.

2. No more lift sway
Let’s say you’re moving a horizontal load. You stop by letting go of the controls. The crane bridge stops, but the load keeps moving because of its forward acceleration. It starts to swing. This sway is uncontrolled and can have harmful consequences for its immediate surroundings. The solution: the sway function. When enabled, your system will continue moving for a short while after you stop it, and lift the sway.

3. Coordinated positioning
Moving delicate and fragile material, such as nuclear waste, can be tricky and dangerous. People are not allowed within the storage space or bunker, so you need to move the load automatically. This must be done with the utmost precision. Using a coordination system allows the overhead crane to safely bring the material to its predetermined, final position.

4. Switch to a Dyneema Tycan® chain
We’re not just saying that because we love the brand. There are important advantages to using a Dyneema Tycan® chain instead of a steel or stainless-steel chain. They are much lighter, and therefor easier and more ergonomically to use. But the emission of particles is where it’s at. Dyneema Tycan® chains are lighter, resulting in a ‘cleaner grade’ of the underlying surface.

Want to know more?
Wonderful. We love to share our expertise with you. That’s why we published a whitepaper, containing all the information you need to choose the right crane for your cleanroom. Read it here.

 


Blog Post 2: Hygienic lifting and hoisting in cleanrooms: 3 eye openers

Cleaning your cleanroom equipment is very important. It reduces the amount of contamination during work and/or production processes and contributes to the durability of your lifting and hoisting equipment. It is therefore important that cleaning is done efficiently. In this blog, we will share some eye-opening tips.


1Stainless or painted steel?
If you work in the wet industry, the answer is easy. Because the wet industry handles aggressive liquids like chemical cleaning agents, you should always use stainless steel. It won’t affect your surfaces as much.

If you work in the dry industry, the answer varies. The materials you process could be a decisive factor. For some, painted steel suffices. For others, stainless steel is preferable. Something to keep in mind about the latter: though stainless steel is stronger, it is also more brittle. And more expensive. That’s why we recommend taking time to compare and weigh the different options available to you.

2. Surface treatments
If you choose stainless steel, different treatments are available. Each resulting in a different surface roughness. In general, the rule is: the finer the surface, the higher the costs. If you work with powders, you might want to consider a smooth surface that is easy to clean with a damp cloth. Keep in mind that it shouldn’t be too smooth. Otherwise, it does the opposite of what you want and attracts powders through adhesion.


3. Why is surface treatment so important?
Multiple reasons! One of the most important ones: treatment ensures your surface is watertight (without holes and cracks). Micro bacteria could grow in those spaces, which is precisely what you don’t want. Of course, surface treatment has a lot more benefits. In our whitepaper, we provide more in-depth information about the different benefits.


Want to know more?
Wonderful. We love to share our expertise with you. That’s why we published a whitepaper, containing all the information you need to choose the right crane for your cleanroom. Read it here.

 


Blog Post 3: (Re)designing your conditioned environment? Don’t forget the cranes!

Are you involved in the (re)design of a conditioned environment? And are you exploring your options? We know there are many. To help you achieve the perfect set-up for your cleanroom, we have a tip: don’t forget about the cranes!

Lifting capacity of 50 kilos up till 20 tons. One or multiple cranes. Electric drive or manual. These are just a few options. Cranes come in all forms and sizes. Finding the one that is perfect for you might be tricky, and the many options could lead to a choice overload. Our advice? Plan ahead.

Why? Because implementing a crane is often custom work. By taking your equipment into account early on, your crane will fit perfectly into your cleanroom. Consider integrating existing equipment into your new set-up, think about the ergonomic design of your crane and pay attention to the placement of hoists, switches, and curves. This way, your cleanroom will have the best possible execution and routing. For an efficient and smooth production process.

Get inspired, download the whitepaper
Are you (re)establishing a production environment, or are you considering doing this? Get inspired and read our whitepaper. And take us along in the process too. Based on the space and the desired layout, our consultants provide tailor-made advice without obligation. So that your crane is perfectly integrated into your workspace.

 


Blog Post 4: How do you recognize a high-quality crane?

Every cleanroom has its specific requirements. You can choose from a wide range of solutions and possibilities to meet these standards. Are you looking for a new crane in your cleanroom, or do you want to know if your hoisting and lifting equipment meets the high requirements and wishes? Then read on!

First of all: is it important to get a quality crane? Yes, absolutely. There are many advantages to purchasing a high-quality cleanroom crane. It easily meets the current laws, regulations and (international) standards, like ISO 14644. A good crane also delivers accurate work, allowing you to move precarious material without having to worry about accidents. And last but not least: a high-quality crane minimizes the contamination risk of your cleanroom, because it leaves behind a limited number of contaminants.

So, what makes a crane high-quality? We recommend you use the abovementioned advantages as a guideline. Pay attention to these specifics when you shop online. And don’t forget to ask the right questions. How many particles does the crane leave behind? How precisely can it move? And is the crane in compliance with the laws and regulations concerning your industry?

Get inspired, download the whitepaper
Are you (re)establishing a production environment, or are you considering doing this? Get inspired and read our whitepaper. And take us along in the process too. Based on the space and the desired layout, our consultants provide tailor-made advice without obligation. So that your crane is perfectly integrated into your workspace.

 


Blog Post 5: Prolong the lifespan of your cleanroom hoisting and lifting equipment

You looked online, made various phone calls, and planned ahead. Finally, you found the best possible solution for your cleanroom. But how do you make sure it will last you a long time? Our tip: contribute to the lifespan of your lifting and hoisting equipment by making sure that cleaning runs efficiently.

Cleaning your equipment sounds like a no-brainer. But did you know that different coating types can influence cleaning efficiency? Take the wet industry, for example. The wet industry deals with aggressive liquids like chemical cleaning agents or meat juices like blood and brine (a condiment with salt etc.). These substances can react aggressively with materials in your machines. The solution: stainless-steel equipment. Stainless steel prevents surface deterioration, thus prolonging the lifespan of your equipment. 

There are other factors that positively influence the lifespan of a crane. Think of the ergonomic design and placement of hoists, switches and curves or the integration of new equipment into your existing environment. But also, for example, keeping load in position during movement. Mennens is an expert in all these aspects.

Get inspired, download the whitepaper
Are you (re)establishing a production environment, or are you considering doing this? Get inspired and read our whitepaper. And take us along in the process too. Based on the space and the desired layout, our consultants provide tailor-made advice without obligation. So that your crane is perfectly integrated into your workspace.