SP Radiolink plus Measures Tension on Dredging Line

A 2.5-ton capacity SP Radiolink plus load cell from Straightpoint measures tension on a line stretching across a lagoon, upon which a dredge travels at a biosolids management facility, part of the City of Eugene Waste Water Dept., in Oregon, USA.

The RLP was added to inventory at the start of the latest six-month biosolids management season in March, where it replaced a dynamometer that was not suited to working in the elements. The load cell is connected to a land-based lateral move system that allows the dredge to move from side to side as well as forwards and backwards to harvest biosolids in the lagoon.

Biosolids management relates to treated sewage sludge that is intended to be used as soil amendment.

The Radiolink plus boasts a separate internal sealed enclosure providing the load cell’s electronic components with IP67 environmental protection even with the battery cover plate missing, making the dynamometer suitable for use in the harshest environments. Measurements are taken on a wireless Hand Held Plus in the cab of the dredge.

Due to the nature of the environment and exposure to corrosive hydrogen sulfide (H2S), SP took extra precautions to protect the delicate strain gauges and electronics by coating the internal components of the load cell with a special epoxy resin resistant to H2S.

Contrail Smith, a lead at the biosolids management facility at City of Eugene Waste Water Dept., said: “The dynamometer we were using previously was hard-wired and wasn’t suited to working in the elements. The RLP gives us both the luxury of wireless information and durability in outdoor application. It’s performed well this season and we’re pleased we found the product during online research during our off-season.”

He added: “We monitor the tension on the line as a safety measure; we like to keep the tension around 2,000 lbs. of tension, so the operator keeps an eye on the Hand Held Plus whilst dredging. During the season, the dredge is operational every day for six months—that’s over 180 days—so we need to work with equipment that is reliable; the RLP fits that requirement.”

Smith explained that the City of Eugene Waste Water Dept. is likely to be among the first of its kind to apply a load cell to such dredging applications. He said: “We are often visited by our peers from other sites and find that they apply our methods and technologies to their own facilities. I don’t know how many, if any, other sites are using load cells but it’s not likely to be commonplace.”

The lagoons (or ponds) at the facility measure 675 ft. long by 275 ft. wide.

Get the free newsletter

Sign up for news, trends and equipment for sale in the lifting and rigging industry.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Latest Products For Sale

Type Description
Equipment Consew 733R-5 for sale. We have upgraded the needle plate and needle bar to the…
Wire Rope 1-1/8” Dyform 34LR 2160 PI GLV RLL 173,800 lbs. UK 1 x 1153 Feet
Wire Rope 1-1/8” 6x26 EIPS IWRC RRL MBL 130,000 lbs Domestic 1 x 1024 Feet
Wire Rope 1” 6x19s EIPS IWRC RRL MBL 103,400 LBS Domestic 1 x 4970 Feet
Wire Rope 1” 6x19s EIPS IWRC RRL MBL 103,400 LBS Domestic 1 x 1490 Feet

News & Articles