Crane loading tool

This tool is used for defining crane loads. Based on the predefined crane properties, the combined crane load and corresponding COG's are determined. This module for PIAS can be operated from a numerical input sheet, and from a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and for LOCOPIAS only from the GUI.

Note

A video exists in which the operation of this module is demonstrated.

Layout

Show and manipulate defined cranes and, if applicable, ballast tanks in a Graphical User Interface, an example of which is depicted below. A description of the labeled elements follows.

Crane module GUI.

1 Menu bar

Basic functions are accessible through the menu bar.

2 Module buttons

These buttons navigate to another module, or back to the main screen.

3 Crane selection

Choose the crane you want to manipulate.

4 Cargo selection

From the drop-down box choose the cargo you want to load.

5 Crane operations

Use the buttons to steer the crane or manipulate cargo parameters.

6 Crane / Cargo operations

Enter values directly here.

7 Interval settings

Set interval step for meters and degrees.

8 Tank view

View on the (first) selected tank in a cross section.

9 List of tanks

Select a tank for ballasting. For transfer of tank contents between tanks change to the [Tanks] module 2.

10 Track bar

The track bar can change the filling of the selected tank.

11 Top view

The circles in the top view indicate the maximum and current radius of the crane for the upright vessel.

12 Cross section on active crane

In the cross section view the heeling angle and position of the crane can be seen.

13 Activity log

Opens a window on top, in which all crane and ballast operations are listed. This log can be printed. Reset empties the log.

14 Function buttons

Specific functions to operate the crane, manipulate cargo, pump tank contents and verification of the current loading condition.

15 Result windows

Direct verification of stability or strength. This dynamic repositionable window can be activated by the menu bar function [Window]→[Result windows].

16 Status bar

Shows information about the selected crane.

General approach

1. Define cargo. Define cargo to be used in simulated crane operations.
2. Select cargo. Select a cargo item in the cranes hoist.
3. Operate crane. Simulate crane operations like loading or discharging of cargo.
4. Ballast operations. If necessary, ballast the vessel.
5. Check. Use the Stability/Strength diagrams under [Window]→[Result windows] and the [Check]-button to verify the loading condition.
6. Output. A log of the simulated crane operations can be previewed or printed on paper with [Log].

Define cargo

There are two ways to define cargo:

• For simulation of a crane operation it is sufficient to enter a weight 6.
• For visualization purposes it is also possible to enter the geometry of a cargo item (LxBxH). Select [Cargo] from the menu bar to open the [Define crane cargo] window and choose [New] to enter new cargo. The dimensions are referred to aft, underside, and longitudinal centre plane.

Crane cargo definition.

Select cargo

Choose the crane you want to operate 3 and either enter a weight 6 or select a defined cargo item 4. If defined cargo is selected, firstly hoisting point 1 is used. The minimal vertical distance from the crane top to the hoisting point due to rigging arrangement can be defined under [Rigging] in the menu bar. Also weight of rigging arrangement and hook can be defined here. The weights entered here will be added to the load in the hook automatically.

Rigging arrangement.

Operate crane

Use the buttons on the dashboard 5 to operate the crane or cargo suspended from the crane. It is also possible to type a specified value in the edit boxes 6 showing the actual values. For simulation of discharging or loading, it can be useful to define the quay. The position and dimensions of the quay can be made visible in the top and cross view windows by selecting [Quay] in the menu bar.

Define loading platform.

If the vessel is equipped with two or more cranes a dual crane operation can be performed. This requires a dimensioned cargo item. To start a dual crane operation:

• Move the second hoisting point within the radius of the second crane (Use the buttons on the dashboard 5 to move the crane or rotate the cargo). 14
• Select the second crane 3 and select the same cargo item 4. This crane will attach to the second hoisting point. Both cranes are now attached to the cargo item. If one crane is operated, the other crane follows automatically so the top of the crane stays in vertical position above the hoisting point and the cargo remains in horizontal position.
• To end a dual crane operation, disconnect the cargo item, by choosing another or no cargo 4.

Ballast operations

During a crane operation, ballasting may be required. Select a ballast tank 9 to perform a ballast operation with. Now use the track bar to change the volume of the selected tank. If the [Pump]-button is selected, the fluid is pumped between two selected tanks in 9. Under the menu [Settings]→[View tanks] you can choose to view all tanks available for ballast operations in the top view or only the selected tank.

SWL configuration

If Safe Working Load tables, and/or allowable heeling and trim angles are preprogrammed, these are also checked for compliance. The cranes working radius circle will turn red in the top view 11 when the Safe Work Load is exceeded.

Check

In Check more information can be found about verification of the loading condition.

Output

All crane operations can be stored in a [Log]. The log can be printed by clicking the [Print] button in the log window.