Technical Bulletin – Have you got confidence in your twistlocks?.
Port Engineering Services (PES) we’re instructed by a world leading OEM to undertake a test to destruction of a specifically designed set of ISO twistlocks. The test was undertaken utilising specialist machinery and controlled by a highly skilled PES engineer to replicate tensile strength and pulling forces. We reproduced the forces and energy impact of which the twistlocks are subjected to during normal cargo handling operations to determine the strength and break failure point in the twistlock.
The safe working load of twistlocks tested was SWL15T with a proof load test of 2xSWL. Our client objectives of this specialist test were to understand the brake failure point, the amount of elongation and a graphical illustration of the exact yield point. PES conducted the test to destruction using specialist equipment in which the test was carried out successfully on several examples.
Click here to view the video that demonstrates the twistlock being tested to destruction
The destruction test confirms PES’s original calculations that the break failure point of the twistlocks was recorded at 162T. PES provided a very detailed report with electronic data and graphs which exceeded the requirements and objectives of our client in terms of the detail we supplied.
The electronic data and graphs took during the investigation, measured readings throughout the test with several readings per second to help demonstrate a yield curve to show the exact break point and immediate drop off of load applied after failure. The initial calculation and test composed and confirmed that the twistlocks designed with a SWL 15T had a limiting Factor Of Safety (FOS) of 10:1
PES offer a wide range of consultation services to our clients worldwide, ranging from twistlocks, sheaves, shafts and more.
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About us
Port Engineering Services (PES) have over 50 years of combined experience in inspection and manufacture. Providing our customers with engineering services and solutions worldwide.
Our in-house design facilities provide our clients with cutting edge 3D design and simulation capabilities allowing the “What if” scenarios to be tested at design stage, prior to manufacture. Allowing changes to be conducted prior to early design, ensuring you receive the best product specifically suited to your requirements with reduced lead times.
Our wealth of knowledge in the port and shipping industry often requires our competent inspection engineers to carry out comprehensive inspection services including Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and using the latest testing techniques. We regularly conduct Thorough examinations which include structural, mechanical and electrical inspections governed under LOLER and PUWER regulations.
Providing competence, knowledge and leading industry skills is paramount to our everyday operations. PES is a UKAS ISO/IEC 17020 Accredited Inspection Body which clearly demonstrates our specialism and competence abilities.