Industrial Magnets –
Lift Hold & Seperate

The Challenge

LHS’ magnet lifting systems require complex electrical installations, including the design of the control systems, power distribution, and protection systems. The company needed an experienced electrical engineering company that could provide these services while adhering to industry regulations and standards.

A quick search of Google revealed to them that we deal with Eddy Current Systems (ECS), a type of magnet separator.

Adam invited us to meet them onsite at a recycling yard to discuss their requirements and the rest is history. Lift, Hold & Separate engaged us as their electrical engineers and now our team supports their operations across the UK.

The Detail

As part of a wide-ranging contract and scope of work, our experience and expertise enables us to support LHS’s operations across the UK. That includes:

• Electrical engineering support for the installation, maintenance and testing of LHS’s magnet systems.
• Annual testing and certification on existing systems
• Installation of complete new systems
• Investigating warranty claims on behalf of the manufacturer

The core of our work with LHS involves dealing with their heavy lifting magnet systems, used across the UK for various lifting applications. We also work with LHS lift systems on gantry cranes, used mainly in the steel and manufacturing industries.

Project Highlight: New Magnet System for Tata Steel

LHS commissioned us to install a new heavy lift magnet system on a gantry crane at Tata Steel’s 20” Pipe Mill in Hartlepool, UK.

To begin with, we carried out a site assessment and scope of works. The existing gantry crane was equipped with an old magnet lifting system that was isolated and removed by Tata Steel engineers. The approach we took was to use the window of a pre-planned factory shutdown to install, connect, text and commission the new system.

Key elements of this project were lifting the new 600kg electrical control panels into position on the gantry of the crane, and the need to extensively modify existing cabling on site. This was an unexpected job for our engineers, and outside of the scope of work, but we were able to flexibly rework the schedule to avoid any delay to the programme.

This was all possible due to our capability, network of suppliers and fully equipped vans. Also key to the project’s success was our engineers’ ability to work closely with Tata Steel engineers, supporting with expertise to maintain the system during operation, aspects of installations and giving a greater understanding of system features.

On completion of installation and cabling, our engineers dead tested the system, then energised it to carry out a full commissioning test. This included a 20 minute battery back up test, suspending a load and isolating the mains power. The system successfully supported the load through the battery back-up system.

Commissioning and Training

The commissioning tests are a requirement of Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and ensure the lifting equipment remains in a safe condition throughout its usable life.

We tested and certified the electrical system in accordance with BS7671.

On completion, our engineers provided the Tata Steel operators and engineers with training on the safe use and maintenance of the magnet lifting system. The system was then handed over to Tata Steel and went straight into production.

Adding Value: The Randoll Team

LHS were looking for an electrical engineering partner to support their manufacturing process and carry out complex electrical installations, including the design of the control systems, power distribution, and protection systems, all while ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulations.

This is exactly where Randoll’s expertise comes into play. We have considerable experience of installing and maintaining industrial electrical systems, including working in main industries and in time pressured shutdowns, all while delivering projects on schedule and to specification.

All our engineers are time-served electricians, each with C&G 2391 Test & Inspect, C&G 2396 Design & Verification, IPAF (powered access training).

Every van in our fleet is fully equipped with a range of specialist industrial electrical tools, allowing us to adapt to issues that may arise, with the flexibility to rectify any variations on site, maintaining the schedule.

LHS & Randoll Industrial: The Future

Randoll Industrial is now a trusted partner for LHS, carrying out all their UK installation and maintenance work.

It’s a relationship that continues to grow. For example, we’ve carried out additional training with the manufacturers of the magnet system manufacturers to ensure our knowledge base is industry leading. And we also work closely with LHS to provide testing of existing systems, installation of new systems, and also more bespoke services such as warranty claims, fault investigation, and one-off panel designs.

As part of our service, we also provide reactive breakdown call outs, working across the North as responsively as possible.