Applications

The Sky's the Limit for Kawasaki Pump

K3VG Powers the 230 Tonne Footbridge

The Kawasaki K3VG pump has contributed to the success of one of the UK's largest hydraulic winching systems. Technically advanced, robust, reliable and cost effective, the K3VG was chosen as the perfect solution to power a new 230 tonne footbridge in Manchester to heights of 18m in less than three minutes.

Recently completed, a footbridge now spans the Manchester Ship Canal to allow pedestrians visiting the arts and shopping facilities on one side of Salford Quays to cross to the museum on the opposite side. Lifting and lowering without a hitch, the walkway is 95m long and 7m wide and clears a height of 18m to enable waterway traffic to proceed through the canal.

With its in-house engineering expertise, Hydrax of Bridgwater in Somerset, helped design the turnkey fluid power system for the vertical bridge. It is lifted by winches and driven by two 75kW electro-hydraulic powerpacks located at either end of the bridge.

Counterweights totalling 230 tonnes, help provide stability during the lifting operation so that the walkway remains in perfect horizontal alignment as it traverses a distance of 18m through the vertical plane. The hydraulic systems also include actuators that operate both pedestrian barriers and the span locks that secure the walkway in place at its lowered position.

Each hydraulic powerpack houses a Kawasaki K3VG 180 cc/rev pump with a Pressure Compensated control option. The system requires an operating pressure of 175 Bar but with each of the Kawasaki pumps having a peak pressure rating of 400 Bar and a Power rating of 200KW, the K3VG was able to provide a considerable reserve of capability. Built in redundancy ensures that the bridge will continue to operate under wind loaded conditions and with up to two motors removed or bypassed from each hydraulic system. A 22kW diesel powered auxiliary hydraulic system is installed on each power unit; ready to take over in the event of an electrical failure. "Chosen for its power, efficiency, quality and reliability, the K3VG pump has proven once again that it still remains at the leading edge of hydraulic pump technology," comments Gerry Warren, New Business Development Manager, Kawasaki Precision Machinery Ltd.