Power Under Pressure: Engineering a Custom Material Handling Solution for a Defense Contractor

Challenge

As facilities adapt, whether through new setups or upgraded equipment, storage and material handling infrastructure often needs to change too. That was the case for a large defense contractor responsible for testing high-pressure systems. In their California facility, their current setup was aging and required modifications in order to host new test equipment.

This defense contractor was having a new test pressure vessel brought in, which could not be supported by their existing setup. Their existing crane had a 2-ton capacity that needed to be relocated in order to fit a high-capacity crane, and their existing platform setup was not rated to support this new vessel.

After tearing everything out of the current room, a new crane and platform setup was to be installed to support this new test pressure vessel. Fortunately, the customer involved ISS Material Handling, a division of Industrial Shelving Systems, early in the project design phase to make sure material was designed to custom spec, fabricated, and shipped to meet project timelines, especially the arrival of the new equipment.

Solution

In order to support operations of the new test pressure vessel, the customer needed a solution capable of supporting this much heavier equipment. A Gorbel gantry crane, a mobile solution with a motorized hoist was decided upon as it was 3 ton rated, enough to handle the positioning of this vessel with precision and ease. Being on casters, this crane is able to move around itself, allowing it to be repositioned as needed.

A detailed layout drawing was created to ensure the new crane would fit seamlessly into the tight tolerances of the new room. This material handling solution even shipped ahead of schedule, resulting in a two-week lead time that allowed this project to move smoothly. This Gorbel gantry crane with hoists fit exactly what the customer was looking for.

The second part of the project focused on designing and installing a fully custom multi-level platform. As the room that houses the pressure vessel is a wet room, with floor drains throughout, the vessel needed to be raised off the ground. The platform needed to be coated and use open grating to support a wet, well-draining environment.

“The main function of the platform is to safely support a number of different apparatuses and personnel movement that are needed for positioning and pressure testing their components,” says John Fontaine, automation lead at ISS Material Handling.

To meet these unique requirements, we worked with Haslag Steel Sales to deliver a multi-level platform solution. With 5-6 different sections of platform that fit together, a custom stand was engineered for their pressure test vessel to rest on.

This platform design was complex and required our vendor to work directly with the customer’s engineers to design each specific section of the platform. Railings and steps were an essential part of this platform as well as 3-4 different levels where workers are able to walk and connect things.

Our vendor, Haslag built the platform in their shop and shipped on time, making markings on the platform to indicate where items should connect, before taking it apart to ship. These markings helped installation go forward without issue.

Results

With a smooth collaboration between two vendors and our customer, we were able to meet the stringent material requirements and changing needs for this project. The customer was thrilled with the thoroughness of the drawings and 3D models from our vendors, and we were able to successfully complete this project without any site visits. With a happy customer and strong collaboration with our vendors, we were able to provide a durable and efficient solution.

Ready to get started with an automation solution?

Do you have changing needs in your facility? Our St. Louis material handling team is happy to help you determine the most efficient automation solution. With nationwide installation and supportive project management, we’ll ensure your facility is set up for success. Reach out to us at 833-754-2164 or connect with us here to get started.