The solution for KVV
KVV Co. Ltd. (KVV Tank and Pipeline Construction Ltd.), located in Hungary, are key players in the domestic and international Oil & Gas industry and Energy sector. With over 70 years of experience in the pipeline construction industry, KVV Co. Ltd. are always on top of the latest industry innovations and changes. This is also the exact reason which brought them to Vlentec.
Curiosity for new technologies
Prior to lifting pipes with the Vlentec vacuum lifting method, KVV Co. Ltd. utilised the traditional lifting methods with hooks, slings and chains. In time, they heard about the heavy-duty vacuum lifting method and in 2007 they approached us to see what it was all about. With some expert guidance from our team, KVV Co. Ltd. decided to try out this advanced technology in their own lifting operations. This initial curiosity led to purchasing three brand new SC75N vacuum pipe lifters, delivered with a variety of suction pads, to accommodate their diverse lifting requirements.
Introducing vacuum lifting
KVV Co. Ltd. started off by lifting pipes with diameters of 450 mm, 800 mm and 1000 mm and soon discovered that the vacuum lifting method is much faster and safer compared to their previous methods. As with vacuum lifting, it was no longer necessary for staff to dangerously climb on top of the pipes placed in the depot or on the truck. The operators were also quickly accustomed to using the new equipment and, as innovative as they are, also welcomed the introduction of the new vacuum lifting method with much enthusiasm.
New projects, new requirements
In October 2020, KVV Co. Ltd. returned to Vlentec with another request. This time for the construction works of the first phase of the Kiskundorozsma pipeline project, a natural transmission gas pipeline. They were in need of two additional SC250N vacuum lifters and 44-48 inch suction pads for the coated steel pipes this project demanded with a diameter of 1200 mm. Each of these pipes consisted of three layers and a wall thickness up to 25 mm with an average length of 18 meters per pipe. In addition to these specifications, the pipes weighed between 9,500 kg – 13,500 kg. The vacuum lifters are used for various purposes such as pipeline transportation, pipe stringing and other lifting manipulations.
In March 2021 the two previously supplied suction pads were exchanged for smaller pads, which will be used by the end of this year for the project’s second phase on 1000 mm diameter pipes.
The power of vacuum lifting
At first it is hard to believe that such heavy loads can be lifted by method of vacuum; a story which the Vlentec team has often heard. To simply explain: a vacuum pump installed within the lifter produces a vacuum – a space without any atmospheric pressure – between the suction pads and the load. This essentially allows the suction pad and the load to become one with no space for separation between the two. Enabling the vacuum lifter to move and release heavy loads with ease and with no possibility for the load to move or drop unexpectedly whilst the vacuum pump is in operation.
The heavier the load, the larger the vacuum tank must be. For this reason Vlentec offers three series vacuum lifters, allowing to lift up to 25,000 kg. Alongside our Custom Made Solutions Service which is available on request for even larger or more complex loads.
What Did Vacuum Lifting Do For KVV?
Vacuum lifting provided KVV Co. Ltd. with the answer they had been looking for in search for the perfect lifting solution. But what did vacuum lifting allow them to do?- Lift heavy pipes safer, faster and more cost-effective.
- Less staff required.
- The machines are simple to operate and maintain
- Extended integrated safety features ensure safe operation and staff is kept at distance at all times.
- The machines can be used on all three material handlers: excavators, pipe layers and cranes.
“As an innovative company, the vacuum lifting method has helped KVV Co. Ltd. hold a competitive edge in the pipeline construction industry. Based on our experience we can only recommend investing in vacuum lifting.”
Csaba József Potsay, Head of Pipeline Construction Division
KVV Co. Ltd.
The verdict
Alongside the above mentioned advantages which vacuum lifting provided for KVV Co. Ltd., Vlentec vacuum lifters increased speed of loading and unloading significantly, reduced risk of damage to pipe coatings and provided safer working conditions for their staff.
If you would like to discuss how vacuum lifting could elevate your business’ operational efficiency, get in touch with us today to explore your options.
”I fell in love with this technique. It makes pipe transport easier and faster.”
