Traditionally, pipes are loaded and unloaded from trucks using slings and spreader bars. This can present an array of hazards including effects from weather and the elements and the delicate process of slinging pipe – especially handling large diameter steel pipe. Not to mention the factor of multiple operators required to do the job. However, in the interests of efficiency and safety, the use of vacuum pipe lifters is now becoming more and more common on job sites in Australia and worldwide when loading, unloading and stringing pipe.

In early 2008, a test was conducted on site in Brisbane to determine how long it would take to load one truckload of pipe. The truckload consisted of five pieces of 762 mm diameter pipe at a length of 24 metres each. The first test consisted of six operators, slings and spreader bars. They completed the unloading of the truck in approximately 18 minutes – equating to 1.8 man hours. During this time, although near perfectly organised, some problems did arise including wind drifting pipe and operator error.

A Schoenbeck EliTE vacuum lifter was then employed using only one operator and the driver of transporter. It took only 13 minutes to complete the same job – equating to approximately 0.43 man hours.

This test was the operator's first time using the EliTE vacuum lifter. The times could be further cut down with a trained and skilled operator, making a safer, faster and more efficient method for loading and unloading pipe. Using one operator instead of six working on the same job significantly decreases the risks involved in the process. Not only are there are fewer workers involved in general operations, but the extreme safety provisions in place with EliTE vacuum lifters, reduces hazardous operations under normal conditions to a minimum.

The use of vacuum lifters instead of manual slings and spreader bars is not only more effective, but also more reliable and less time consuming. Schoenbeck EliTE vacuum lifters have features that allow them to operate at an extremely high standard when it comes to safety.

The EliTE comes with a warning system set in place to greatly reduce operational risk. The warning system includes lights and sirens that will initiate when an unwanted reduction in vacuum pressure or engine failure occurs, to ensure maximum safety prior to any incident. If, for any reason, this occurs, the operator and any workers nearby will know about it well before the incident takes place.

In the event of an engine failure, the vacuum pipe lifter has the ability to hold suction on the pipe for a significant amount of time. A controlled test was completed in 2007 at Anode Engineering in Brisbane where the engine was cut on an EliTE vacuum lifter to test its ability to continue to hold the pipe. In this test, the vacuum held the pipe for more than 40 hours before the test was concluded.

The success and safety of vacuum lifters comes hand-in-hand with the operational and maintenance training courses that should be provided to any operator using the pipe lifter upon commissioning and installation. Anode Engineering performs a training course with all EliTE sales and rentals, which includes operator training, all pre-checks and safety procedures, as well as maintenance practices. This, combined with the fact that all EliTE vacuum lifters are required to meet Australian load standards and CE conformity testing, only strengthens safe practices in the workplace.

Over the past few years, the demand for these specialised pieces of machinery has grown significantly. In the past 18 months, Anode Engineering has been lucky enough to have supplied Schoenbeck EliTE vacuum pipe lifters to various projects around Australia such as:

• 750 mm polyethylene pipe on the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project
• 400 mm steel pipe on the Berwyndale to Wallumbilla Pipeline Project
• 600 mm steel pipe on the Neerabup Pipeline Project
• 750 mm steel pipe on the Wivenhoe to Toowoomba Pipeline Project

Anode Engineering has also recently certified the Schoenbeck 16 tonne vacuum lifter for use in Australia.

If you are in the pipeline business and are considering spending money to increase safety in your workplace, and also want to increase efficiency and save money in the long run, there is no going past a quality vacuum pipe lifter.