More and more companies are turning to air-operated hoists for effective ways to clean storage tanks. These innovative lifting devices, which offer precise load placement control through convenient hand pendants, are being used successfully for truck tank cleaning operations worldwide. In fact, J D Neuhaus air-operated hoists are deployed in a wide variety of transport tank cleaning applications, including road and rail transit tankers and marine transporters.

Typically, injector heads with nozzles are used to clean inside these inherently dirty vessels by dispensing hot/cold water or steam at high pressures. If required, sometimes solvents are also included in the cleaning solution. JDN hoists lift, support and accurately position the injector heads to ensure a thorough clean. For ease of traversing, overhead rail trolleys are mounted to the hoists, to ensure the entire internal area of the tank is efficiently washed and cleaned.

Another reason JDN air hoists are being used is because the compressed air power used for all operations is intrinsically safe. In fact, JDN air-operated hoists are Ex-rated, which makes them suitable for deployment wherever highly volatile liquids or chemicals are transported or stored. JDN equipment also incorporates increased spark protection for use in hazardous areas that are in potentially combustible or explosive atmospheres.

For heavy duty applications, JDN Profi TI series hoists are quicker and more energy efficient than ever before. Available with different controls to suit specific customer requirements, Profi TI hoists operate at an air pressure of 4-6 bar and are suitable for loads from 550lbs to 100 metric tons. Infinitely variable speed control is supplemented by a host of features that make Profi TI hoists increasingly popular for tank cleaning duties, such as explosion protection, fail-safe starting conditions, easy operation, low headroom, sound absorption and insensitivity to dust, humidity and temperatures from -20°C to +70°C. Furthermore, upkeep costs are alleviated thanks to design factors like the low maintenance vane motor and dust-proof, maintenance-free ball bearings. The hoists are also suitable for lube-free operation. The standard safety rating for these products is EX II 2 GD IIA T4 / EX II 3 GD IIB T4. Increased spark protection is also available to achieve EX II 2 GD IIC T4 accreditation.

For lighter duty applications the JDN Mini represents a handy, flexible and universally deployable series of hoists. Functioning at 6 bar air pressure, the Mini series can carry loads up to 2160lbs and makes for an attractive and economic alternative to hoists driven by other means. Available with lifting heights of 3, 5 and 8 meters, Mini hoists are lightweight for easy handling and feature extremely sensitive lever control (with emergency shut-off valve) so that injector heads can be positioned with precision inside the tank during cleaning. Despite the attractive price tag, the hoists offer much of the functionality of the larger Profi series, such as explosion protection, easy maintenance and suitability for lube-free operation. The standard safety rating for the Mini products is EX II 3 GD IIA T4.

Thanks to J D Neuhaus’ Profi and Mini series hoists, cleaning tanks on trucks and many other types of transport is now easier, safer and more cost effective than ever before.