New software from Straightpoint will add speed, accuracy and breadth to data recording and certification related to non-destructive load verification or proof load testing.
Proof Test plus records data gathered by a Radiolink plus load cell, load shackle or compression load cell, for example. It then creates a pass or fail certificate that includes test data and graphs charting data from the load versus time throughout a test. Information can be printed out directly as a PDF report, electronically transmitted or fed to an information centre in the cloud.
The system, offering 700m (2,300 feet) range, will be used in a myriad of load testing applications, including cranes with water bags or block weights; tugs and bollards; pad eyes or flypoints (marine industry); crash barriers; construction equipment; below-the-hook equipment; and more.
David Ayling, director of Straightpoint, said: “During our research we found an end user who conducts load tests on a regular basis and he was hand-writing 30 certificates a day. His drawn out routine involved taking them back to an office, where an admin team would enter the data, before they were eventually mailed back to the client.”
He added: “Not only did the archaic process mean someone was waiting for days, weeks even, for load test results, the system wasn’t flawless as mistakes could be made during recording the data manually on site or when information was entered at the office. Now, in theory, a crane rigged with force measurement equipment for a load test can produce certification and then lift a load immediately.”
Straightpoint already provided a series of software products, including a wireless centre of gravity tool, multiple wireless control system and desktop controller, but the Proof Test plus (or SW-PTP) is a tailored technology specific to load tests, compatible with the manufacturer’s force measurement, load monitoring and suspended weighing load cell equipment that is utilised for load testing in the field on a daily basis.
The launch of Proof Test plus is another example of Straightpoint processing market intelligence from both sides of the Atlantic and delivering a state-of-the-art solution. Houston, US-based Aaron Orsak, technical sales engineer; and Dave Mullard, business development manager, who reports to Hampshire, UK headquarters, reported growing demand for dedicated load test software to Sarath Chandran, project engineer. He led a subsequent eight-week development programme that culminated in this week’s launch of the game-changing technology.
Ayling said: “We had existing technologies and systems that could essentially provide the same information but there was a gap in the market for a dedicated, niche load test product that provides accurate, fast information and creates an audit trail. The speed and efficiency of the certification process also enhances the professionalism with which users can serve their customers at the sharp end of the industry.”
Additional key features include free entry fields, to note wind speed and sea states, for example, and log data at speeds up to 200Hz.
