Reviving the Mighty Clyde Crane: A Remarkable Engineering Feat

In today's ever-evolving business landscape, finding qualified vendors capable of executing technical fieldwork is no easy feat. However, Flow Dynamics and Automation rose to the challenge and achieved a significant milestone in the Mobile, Alabama shipyard area by successfully completing a major hydraulics overhaul and commissioning of an aging Clyde crane.

The scope of this ambitious project was nothing short of remarkable. The task at hand was to engineer and update the hydraulic systems of a towering crane that reached over 100 feet into the sky. The existing systems were stripped down to the basics: a diesel engine with a Twin Disc engine drive on one end and a captain's seat with joystick controls on the other. To bring this crane into the modern era, touch screen monitoring and diagnostics were integrated for improved operator control and reduced downtime.

The heart of the system featured two 360 cc hydrostatic pumps, three 250 cc hydrostatic pumps, all finely controlled by Moog servo valves. Complementing these were a 65 cc brake pump, a 100 GPM charge pump, and a 64 GPM kidney pump, all meticulously safeguarded by filters rated at 3um beta 1000 filtration and a closed-loop control system for the swash plate on the main drive pumps. To keep things cool, all transmission pumps were equipped with hot-oil shuttle valves.

The crane relied on a total of 17 Kawasaki/Staffa drive motors to power its main axes of motion. Additionally, seven valve stacks were strategically positioned to manage various braking systems, with twelve Staffa motors dedicated to propelling the crane on railroad tracks. This propulsion system required precise control, achieved through gentle feathering of speed via joysticks. The remaining motors were responsible for functions like slewing, hoisting, and braking.

The complexity of this project extended to a separate kidney filtration system and cooling system. This setup accepted flows from case drains, hot oil shuttles, and kidney pump flow. A large air/oil heat exchanger ensured the system stayed cool during hot summers and only filtered in the winter.

Prior to installation, rigorous commissioning took place on Flow Dynamics' test bench. Here, Moog valves were meticulously tuned to the pumps, and much of the programming was completed. Flow Dynamics even had an onsite hose trailer, enabling them to create hoses on-site, reducing both time and costs. Barksdale transducers were strategically placed to monitor numerous pressure points and temperatures throughout the system, offering valuable insights into any potential malfunctions.

For added safety, the control valves were equipped with Atos safety valves. These devices kept a watchful eye on the shifting of valves, promptly signaling any malfunction to the system, making troubleshooting a breeze.

A project of this magnitude demanded countless hours of engineering work, precise component selection, and the creation of accurate drawings to guide the team throughout the installation process.

As a fascinating side note, during the project's installation, Mother Nature had her say. A tornado struck, causing one crane to collide with another and careen down the tracks for about 100 feet. This unforeseen event resulted in damage to some of the track drives, temporarily halting progress for a few weeks. It serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Flow Dynamics and Automation team in the face of adversity.

The revival of this mighty Clyde crane stands as a symbol to the power of engineering and the unwavering spirit of those who make the impossible possible.