William Hackett to launch a subsea version of WH C4 QP technology 'to mitigate potential areas of risks and failure'

It is now preparing to launch a subsea version of the WH C4 QP that comes with high corrosion-protection for offshore operations.

The WH C4 range of chain hoists are the only chain hoists to incorporate a QP mechanism for onshore use and endurance tested to twice the required industry norm.

 “Innovation based on a detailed understanding of lifting applications is at the heart of what we do, and this latest addition of the QP in the WH C4 range of hoists increases the level of operational safety and performance levels provided by chain blocks,” says Ben Burgess, Director at William Hackett.

 “With double the number of offset pawls in a chain hoist, from two to four, the load is spread securely against the ratchet gear to provide increased redundancy and resilience for the user.”

Safe and continual performance of lifting equipment depends on minimising risk through improved resilience to failure. Lift operations are often fast-moving, challenging and hazardous environments. Improvements in efficiency, ease of use, and safety can yield large returns for operators across any industry – from construction, engineering and shipping, through to energy and transport.

The QP works by allowing all four pawls to engage with the ratchet gear in an offset configuration that allows for finer adjustment, and tensioning capability, while maintaining pawl and ratchet gear engagement.

The pawl springs are enclosed in the product’s brake chamber to minimise contamination, and the patented pawl design ensures that in the unlikely event of both pawl springs failing, the quad pawls maintain full function with the ratchet gear, making the hoist operation much safer to use.

The patented QP mechanism synchronises to minimise the time and distance travelled to the next point of engagement further improving hoist times and providing smooth lift operations.

“It overcomes jamming and unintended malfunctions that can be experienced when using other simpler first-generation products,” added Burgess. “This helps to minimise project downtime or costly delays to work scopes, providing reassurance and peace of mind for operators and contractors.”