Winkle Introduces New Line of Magnet Controllers

Winkle Industries has introduced a new series of solid state "OptiCon" magnet controllers that maximize magnet performance and minimize maintenance requirements.

The controls replace traditional contactors and discharge resistors with solid state controls.

Joe Schatz, president of Winkle Industries, introduced the new "OptiCon" line of solid state magnet controllers, explaining that the controllers are designed for use with any magnet or magnet system. "Customers have been asking us for a new approach to magnet controllers," he said. "I’m very proud that our engineering team has come through again to develop technology that will enable our customers to operate their businesses more profitably."

OptiCon magnet controllers use solid state Integrated Gated Bi-polar Transistors that provide true control of electrical current to magnets. The added dimension of current control allows OptiCon controllers to optimize the power delivered to the magnet for maximum lifting capacity while minimizing excess heat.

OptiCon controllers also eliminate the occurrence of damaging voltage spikes, so the lifting equipment’s complete electrical system receives an extra level of protection against unscheduled service and downtime.

According to Rich Edling, the lead engineer behind Winkle’s development of the OptiCon line, heat reduction is a significant benefit to every aspect of a lifting magnet’s performance. "Heat is a detriment to efficient magnet operation," he says. "Every degree of excess heat reduces the lifting capacity and lifecycle of a magnet or magnet system. An added benefit to our controller is electrical current savings. This controller will cut energy costs as well."

While Winkle will offer its own magnet customers a choice of OptiCon or conventional controllers, the OptiCon controllers are also available to users of all makes of lifting magnets and magnet systems, including magnets that are already in service. The OptiCon line includes three models rated for 150 Amp, 250 Amp and 350 Amp.

Winkle also announces that it has rolled out a new maintenance program.

The aim of the new program to to simplify OSHA compliance for below-the-hook lifting devices while helping facilities reduce lifecycle costs by as much as 25 percent.

The LiftTrax is a pre-packaged inspection and maintenance management program that help users keep their below-the-hook equipment OSHA compliant.

Schatz notes that while customers conduct routine inspection and maintenance of overhead cranes and mobile material-handling equipment, often they may neglect service planning for below-the-hook devices.

Schatz says that as much as 30 percent of the lifecycle cost for lifting devices can be attributed to maintenance and repairs. The consequential costs of unplanned downtime are incalculable. The goal of the LiftTrax program is to move the vast majority of maintenance costs away from emergency service and repairs, and into a proactive schedule where service costs are minimized. "If most needs for below-the-hook service can be coordinated with scheduled maintenance shutdowns, the actual cost of maintaining them becomes negligible. By moving 90 percent of lifting device maintenance into planned service, customers can look to savings of as much as 25 percent in overall lifecycle costs."

The LiftTrax program incorporates a myriad of inspection protocols that cover hundreds of inspection points for a wide range of below-the-hook lifting devices. Electrical, mechanical and structural service areas are all defined for the LiftTrax checklists. Winkle certified inspectors include trained technicians who perform work in accordance with applicable codes, standards and specifications. Inspectors are certified for weld inspection as well as specialized Non-Destructive Testing procedures and hold other affiliated accreditations for complete inspection criteria. Inspectors can be dispatched to report on a single lifting device or for all related equipment in an entire facility. The inspection reports are then entered in the LiftTrax database maintained by Winkle Engineering Department in Alliance, OH, where future service needs are evaluated and scheduled according to established maintenance parameters.

"Of course, every facility is different," Schatz continues. "So a key element of LiftTrax is a personal on-site consultation with one of our engineers to help get the maintenance program up and running."

If required, Winkle is also able to coordinate the delivery of maintenance services to complete any of the service tasks specified by the customer’s LiftTrax program. Devices with severe service needs may be shipped to the Winkle factory for repair or remanufacturing. Most often, however, service is provided on-site by Winkle’s own field technicians or through an authorized Winkle service technician.