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Modulift

Modulift

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Modulift is the number one choice for below-the-hook lifting equipment. As a leading manufacturer and supplier of modular Spreader Beams, Lifting Beams, Spreader Frames and custom below-the-hook lifting equipment, we understand the importance of being able to lift safely, quickly and efficiently.

The Modulift range of Spreader Beams has capacity from 2 to 5000t with spans up to 100m (330ft) and DNV type approval up to 2000t. Next day delivery is available via our global distribution network across over 30 countries. We offer a full engineering design service for Custom Design Projects with 3D Design and FEA Analysis. In addition we provide rig planning for more complex lifting projects and enhanced QA options for multiple industry sectors including Breakbulk & Ports, Construction, Shipping & Maritime, Oil, Gas & Wind, Cargo, Transport & Logistics and Lifting Gear.

Spreader Frame Load Distribution: How to ensure proper load distribution when using spreader frames

spreader frame is used in lifting operations that require vertical connection points to the load, with height, or equipment limitations, which means a standard spreader beam system wouldn’t be suitable. Here’s how load distribution works with a spreader frame:

Basic Structure of a Spreader Frame

  • A spreader frame typically consists of two or more spreader beams connected by corner joints or apex points, forming a rectangular or square structure.
  • The load is attached to the spreader frame via slings, hooks, or shackles, and the frame itself is connected to the lifting crane or hoist via slings.

Principles of Load Distribution

  • Force Distribution: The spreader frame transfers the vertical lifting force from the load to the crane, while distributing these forces across several connection points, reducing stress on the load and preventing deformation or damage.
  • Load Distribution: When properly rigged, the spreader frame load distribution is spread across all lifting points, ensuring that none of the lifting points exceeds the maximum WLL given to each individual component. The load distribution on the frame may not be even as it depends on the CoG of the item being lifted.
  • Tension in Slings: Each sling connected to the load experiences tension. The length and angle of these slings impact how the forces are distributed. Slings positioned at shallower angles will experience higher tension, which is why the angle of slings is critical to safe load distribution. Sling angles need to be calculated for each lift, depending on the CoG of the load to ensure a level lift.
  • Compression in Spreader Beams: While the slings are in tension, the spreader beams themselves experience compressive forces.

 

 

 

Effect of Sling Angles

  • Shallow Sling Angles: If the slings are positioned at shallow angles, they can generate higher tension forces, which need to be accounted for to prevent overloading.
  • Optimal Sling Angles: An optimal sling angle helps in achieving balanced load distribution and minimizes excessive tension in the slings. A proper angle ensures both vertical and horizontal forces are managed efficiently. Optimal sling angles, depend on the lifting environment, load and CoG position. If the CoG position is offset, then the slings will need to be calculated to ensure a level lift.

Load Symmetry and Distribution

  • Symmetrical Loads: If the load is symmetrical, the spreader frame will distribute the weight evenly across all lifting points, making it relatively straightforward to balance.
  • Asymmetrical Loads: In the case of asymmetrical or irregularly shaped loads, care must be taken to adjust sling lengths and connection points. When lifting uneven loads, the slings need to be calculated correctly above the CoG position to ensure a level lift, otherwise the load may tilt when lifting.

 

 

Load Weight and Distribution Capacity

  • Spreader frames are rated for specific load capacities. Exceeding the rated capacity can lead to failure of the frame and slings.
  • The lifting device must have enough capacity to handle the combined forces, each lifting point not exceeding the maximum WLL of the individual component.

Load Movement and Dynamic Forces

  • During the lifting process, movement of the load (swaying or shifting) can cause dynamic forces that affect spreader frames load distribution. Operators must ensure smooth, controlled lifting throughout.

Applications of Spreader Frame Load Distribution

  • Heavy Lifts: Spreader frames are commonly used in heavy-lifting operations, such as moving large machinery, shipping containers, or structures – either temporary, prefabricated or permanent.
  • Multiple Lift Points: For large or irregular loads with multiple lifting points, spreader frames help avoid damage by ensuring that the weight of the load is shared across several points, reducing pressure on any single point.
  • Low Headroom: For loads that require a lift with low headroom a spreader frame will likely be more suitable than a cascading spreader beam arrangement, as it doesn’t require multiple sets of spreader beams and slings to carry out the same lift.
  • Vertical Bottom Slings: For loads that require multiple lifting points with vertical bottom slings, spreader frames are beneficial as this reduces the amount of equipment needed.

Conclusion

The load distribution in a spreader frame ensures that forces are evenly spread across multiple points, minimizing stress on the load and ensuring safety during lifting operations. The correct use of sling angles, appropriate load balance, and accounting for dynamic forces are all key factors in achieving optimal load distribution. Modulift spreader frames can lift from 6t to 300t with DNV type approval. For more information regarding DNV’s international standards, please visit: www.dnv.co.uk

Need help choosing the right spreader beam or frame? Call 01202 621 511 or email sales@modulift.com for a quote.  Download the Modulift Brochure to view Load v Span Charts. For worldwide delivery, find your nearest Modulift Distributor.

 

Modulift is the number one choice for below-the-hook lifting equipment. As a leading manufacturer and supplier of modular Spreader Beams, Lifting Beams, Spreader Frames and custom below-the-hook lifting equipment, we understand the importance of being able to lift safely, quickly and efficiently.

The Modulift range of Spreader Beams has capacity from 2 to 5000t with spans up to 100m (330ft) and DNV type approval up to 2000t. Next day delivery is available via our global distribution network across over 30 countries. We offer a full engineering design service for Custom Design Projects with 3D Design and FEA Analysis. In addition we provide rig planning for more complex lifting projects and enhanced QA options for multiple industry sectors including Breakbulk & Ports, Construction, Shipping & Maritime, Oil, Gas & Wind, Cargo, Transport & Logistics and Lifting Gear.

Find out more:

Safe and efficient use of a spreader beam

Want to know our top tips for the safe and efficient use of a spreader beam?

Watch the video 👉

 

 

How to Safely Assemble a Spreader Beam

A Modulift Spreader Beam is comprised of several components, making it simple to change and adapt your beam for a variety of lifting applications by adding and removing struts.

The components of a Modulift spreader beam include:

  • One or more struts
  • Two drop links
  • Two end units
  • Shackles (if purchased)
Mod 6122434 Strut Render 1 360x300

Strut

Mod 61224345070 DL Render 1 CMYK 360x300

Drop Link

Mod 6.12 EU Render 1 CMYK 360x300

The video shows just how simple it is for you to assemble and change your Modulift Spreader Beam for different lifts. For further information on load v spans, bolt tightening torque and much more, please refer to the User Instructions which must be read when assembling the Spreader Beam. User Instructions are provided with every purchase of a Modulift spreader beam.

Using a spreader beam to perform a lift is an invaluable means of keeping the proper spacing for a load to avoid damage and maintain a safe level of tension on each sling during the lift. With a variety of lifting beams available, modular spreader beams are among the most versatile and easiest to assemble while occupying the least amount of space while not in use and during transit.

Today, we’ll show you how to take a spreader beam, whether you’re taking it out of storage or off the pallet after shipping to your site, and get it assembled and ready to go:

  1. Check the ID plates on each Modulift component to ensure the correct size is used
  2. Lay out the struts and end units in the correct configuration with the longest strut placed centrally and the shortest towards the end unit, laid on flats to prevent rolling
  3. Check that all pairs of flanges are clear from debris, sand etc. before connection
  4. Bolt the components together using bolts, nuts and washers provided
  5. Tighten the bolts to a torque. The number and grade of bolts is critical for the safe assembly of the spreader, particularly at longer spans. Refer to the User Instructions provided for the correct bolt tightening torque and the spanner size required
  6. Place drop link inside the jaw of the end unit, with the larger hole of the drop link lined up with the hole in the end unit
  7. Place a top sling onto the body of a top shackle, and put
    jaw of top shackle over the end unit jaw.
  8. Put top shackle pin through shackle, end unit jaw and drop link, and repeat for other spreader beam end.
  9. Attach free ends of top slings to crane hook.
  10. Attach lower slings and shackles to lower holes of drop links, and attach them to the load to be lifted.
  11. The assembled spreader beam and lifting rig must be thoroughly checked by a competent person prior to lifting.

Modulift’s Recent Custom Beam

Modulift designed and manufactured this huge 12m lifting beam with 2 top and 5 bottom lifting points.

Features of this Lifting Beam:
– WLL – 8.5t
– Adjustable lifting spans and multipoint lifts
– 3-piece bolted construction for ease of transport and handling
– Subsea and Offshore applications
– Open I-beam construction which is efficient design for subsea and high dynamic operating conditions
– Complies with DNV-ST-N001 and BSEN 13155

 

Modulift Modular Spreader Beams – the genuine article!

When Sue Spencer, Technical Director for Modulift, designed the first ever modular spreader beam nearly 20 years ago, she knew that she had a market leading product on her hands, and so began the rise of the Modulift brand.

Modulift are well known across the globe, through their worldwide network of distributor partners, for their core range of high quality off-the-shelf products, which include the popular originally designed modular spreader beams and modular spreader frames that are interchangeable. The original modular and pin-ended design concept that Modulift came up with provides an efficient and flexible lifting system that can be adjusted to adapt to meet varying project requirements.

This efficient modular space-saving design also makes their products perfect for exporting components around the world using standard shipping containers or via roadfreight, helping to keep the carbon footprint as low as possible.

Standing the test of time

Modulift’s long-proven core products are well known throughout the industry, having an exceptional reputation for quality and endurance. Due to the high level of QA and tightly-held in-house manufacturing processes, Modulift’s products have stood the test of time – therefore customers can be assured that any product bought today will fit any product of the same MOD size that was built nearly 20 years ago, and with the same level of high quality. Therefore, consumers should always check that components are genuine Modulift products!

Modulift also pride themselves on their experienced team of in-house engineers – they are the perfect technical expert partner to support companies that don’t have the right expertise in-house.

Modulift’s specialist engineers can come up with custom-designed solutions for complex lifts, utilising the latest design software available to offer with the most cost-effective designs. This custom design service also includes designing complex rigs and producing detailed rigging drawings. Modulift can help every step of the way from the initial design concept through to manufacturing / sourcing of equipment required.

Modulift can also provide products suitable for the industries that requires enhanced levels QA, providing extensive verification for even the most challenging project specification. Services include individual proof load testing of products and employing third party verification from design through to materials and manufacturing.

Innovation and knowledge all under one roof

As the demand for custom solutions grow, Modulift are not only expanding the team, but are also enhancing its operations by building a new state of the art manufacturing facility. This has not only improved their manufacturing processes to expand their capacity, enabling them to increase their support to partners, it also offers even faster delivery times across their standard and custom designed lifting equipment range, ensuring that whatever the issue, they have the solution!

You only need to look at the number of case studies Modulift have that show how they have helped companies across the industry!

As technical experts in the lifting industry, Modulift invest heavily in their research and development on their existing designs, as well as developing new products with advanced engineering tools. Coupled with the benefit of their new site, all of this expertise now sits under one roof – from design through to the new manufactured product being despatched, this makes Modulift the preferred partner for their global leading lifting industry partners.

Constantly striving to develop new products that meet demand, Modulift listen carefully to their customers needs, understanding that user research and positive user experience (UX) is key to producing a successful product.

When developing new products, they make a continuous effort to improve current design solutions by implementing the latest advancements in engineering and computer design programs.

Certified Industry Experts

All new and existing products are designed and manufactured and certified to exacting industry standards including EN and DNV standards, they also ensure they don’t over design, keeping them easy to manufacture and of an optimised size, so that they don’t use more material than is necessary. This keeps the costs down and reduce the weight making the product easier to transport, handle and manoeuvre, which benefits their customers.

Applying more and more advanced design techniques such as finite element analysis which utilise analysis theories like stiffness matrix, non-linear and buckling analysis keeps Modulift ahead of the competition and giving their customers the best optimised design products.

Modulift are your Technical expert partner, providing high quality standard and custom lifting products. We consistently deliver through our products and the engineering services we have to offer.

Website: www.modulift.com

 

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