Boom without the Bang
01 May 2008
US company, MLE
(Man Material
Lift Engineering),
specialises in access
machinery specifi cally
designed for
particular industrial
environments, either
modifying standard machines or building bespoke
units.
Most recently MLE has developed the A30JEX
articulated boom lift for Class 1 Division
hazardous environments. This means the machine
can be used where ignitable concentrations of
fl ammable gases, vapours or liquids can exist
all or some of the time under normal conditions.
The machine is suitable for applications such
as painting, oil and gas processing and in gas
storage locations.
The A30JEX is 1.22 m wide and has a 9.1 m
platform height and 6.7 m of side reach, which
includes the rotate-to-the-side jib. JLG supplies
its electrically-powered boom assembly.
The most recent machine was built for N.
J. McCutchen Inc, a custom metal fabrication
specialist in Stockton, California, whose services
include sandblasting, painting and welding.
MLE designs and manufactures from the ground
up as well as modifi es existing lifts, "In fact,"
says Greg Irby, sales coordinator at MLE, "most
of our specialty Man lifts such as: (EX) explosion
proof manlifts, electrically insulated manlifts, air
powered manlifts, cleanroom manlifts and electric
powered manlifts use the base machines of JLG,
Genie Industries, Skyjack and others."
The A30JEX uses intrinsically safe controls, the
motor is housed in an explosion proof enclosure
and the battery boxes are designed in accordance
with UL583 and have specifi c thicknesses and
openings to prevent accidental arcing from
objects touching the battery. There is also an
automatic shut-off in case the lid is opened during
operation.
The main power wiring and electrical
components are enclosed in a rigid conduit or
explosion proof enclosures. The electrical wiring
to all switches is powered by a safe amplifi er that
limits voltage and current to very low values.