Upon the completion of the pull test, a pre-use inspection will be performed on the crane to ensure that no damage occurred during the test. The pull test is load that is applied to the crane on a predetermined fixed point (engineered pad eye or structural hard point) for a determined period of time – usually 5 to 10 minutes – and not exceeding 100% onboard SWL at the specific radius. What is the difference between Pull Test Vs Load Test? Load testing should always be witnessed and certified by 3rd Party inspection company. Using pumps we can quickly fill the water bag to the desired weight with sea water (less than an hour for a 20 ton weight). Water bags are now the preferred alternative as they are safer, and when empty they are easy to ship, handle and store. Prior to the development of water bags, and until the 1970’s, solid weights were used to load test offshore cranes. This load cell will also be used to calibrate the existing load indicator on the crane to ensure the accuracy of the weight lifted. The load cell plays an important role, so must be calibrated and certified accordingly. In the offshore lifting environment it is critical for audit reasons to keep a record of tests of lifting equipment. Using a load cell ensures that accurate test loads are recorded and that no overload occurs during the test. A load cell is a transducer that converts the mechanical force into readable electrical units. What are the requirements of the Load Test?Ī load cell is required to verify the load applied to the crane during the load test. API provides standards for the design (API spec 2C), operation and maintenance (API RP2D), of offshore cranes. API is the American Petroleum Institute, the leading standards organisation in the oil and gas industry. In our case the standard applied is the API standard. The exact requirements of load testing and the extent of each test can vary depending on the standards and requirements applied. A load test is usually expressed as a percentage of the working load limit or safe working load (WLL or SWL) that the equipment is designed to withstand at the specific working radius.Ī load test is to be carried out under the following conditions:Ģ) When a crane is permanently relocated.ģ) When deploying a temporary crane after each rig up and relocation. It is conducted after completing the visual crane inspection. It involves the application of a static, dynamic, or functional load for a period of time. In the offshore lifting industry, a load test is a type of test that proves the fitness of a crane. By Fauzy Khamis (Head of Technical Support)

Load testing tools for cranes