IHC Merwede Demonstrates The New MaXine 50

IHC Vremac Cylinders, part of IHC Merwede, officially introduced the MaXine 50 heave compensator to its Dutch, Belgian and German offshore partners on 8 October. The group of lifting specialists responded enthusiastically to the dynamic launch and demonstration of the innovative new product.

The hoisting and lowering of loads under maritime conditions have to overcome the peak forces that stem from the oscillation of waves. The MaXine range of heave compensators reduces these forces and extends the weather window, so that operators can minimise downtime and work for longer periods in high sea states.

The system is positioned between the crane hook and the load to keep the rope taut at all times. It reduces the peaks and troughs by following the motion of the sea, and allows work to proceed safely, efficiently and in a controlled manner. In addition, MaXine acts as a stand-alone system – eliminating the need for an external power source – and may even be used under water.

This approach was perfectly demonstrated at the launch by setting up a series of tests on location at IHC Vremac Cylinders’ headquarters at Apeldoorn in The Netherlands. The MaXine 50 was utilised by a 12.2-tonne Mammoet mobile crane, with the hoisting ropes gathered together into a single shackle. This was connected to a quick-release hook, which in turn was welded on to a seven-tonne plate resting on the ground.

The hoisting of the crane led to the extension of the MaXine 50 in the same way as a spring. When the quick-release hook was activated, the MaXine contracted and the 12-tonne plate pulled upwards. The hoisting speed and height were the important parameters highlighted by IHC Vremac Cylinders, along with the combination of the natural frequency and the damping. The first three demonstrations were measured and proved to be exactly correct, as a clear sign that the MaXine 50 is fit for purpose.

“We received some useful feedback from the crane driver, who was initially sceptical about the demonstration,” says IHC Vremac Cylinders’ account manager Marcel van Haaren. “However, his opinion was transformed when the hoisting of a five-tonne deadweight ran so smoothly. The energy generated by lowering this weight was successfully consumed by the acceleration of the remaining load and the weight of the MaXine 50.”

IHC Vremac Cylinders has designed a wide range of MaXine heave compensators, which are capable of handling weights between 50 and 500 tonnes. These products are primarily manufactured for the rental market and the company is making a significant investment in a fleet for this sector.