Deicers are mobile, portable platforms designed to allow personnel or equipment to safely access elevated areas - such as aircraft surfaces during deicing operations in the aviation industry. These systems must be engineered to accommodate various aircraft sizes and are constrained only by the reach of each boom arm.
Image Credit: Ametek Factory Automation.
Using telescoping sections, the boom can be extended or retracted to position the platform as needed. As the boom moves, the hydraulic hoses, fluid lines, and electrical cables connected to the work platform move along with it.
To prevent these components from twisting or wearing during operation, their movement must be carefully managed as the boom arm changes position. Steel track systems are commonly recommended for this purpose, especially in environments prone to ice buildup.
Solution
Catrac is used in deicing machinery at airports worldwide to safely and efficiently deliver power, electrical signals, air, or fluid (or a combination of these) to moving equipment. It is designed to be maintenance-free and to protect cables and hoses from abrasion, wear, and twisting.
Over the years, many OEM machine builders have specified and implemented Catrac cable and hose carriers to provide durable, reliable, custom-fit solutions for their equipment.
These machines carry multiple cables, hydraulic lines, and air hoses, which help maintain equipment uptime and support timely aircraft departures.
Benefits
Catrac cable and hose carriers are known for their reliability in the aerial lift industry.
- Components can be repaired or replaced in the field.
- The pin and retaining ring construction allows for easy repair and replacement in case of damage. Low-cost units are riveted together; if damaged, the entire hose carrier assembly must be replaced, making this a more costly long-term solution.
- Catrac's industrial-grade 2CP and 3CP styles have three-metal-thick side links, while cheaper replacements have a light-gauge, two-metal-thick riveted construction.
- Catrac 203–808 styles feature mill-duty construction with four-metal-thick side links. Catrac tracks include a welded cross brace for added strength. The less expensive replacements have screwed-in carriers, which provide significantly less strength.
- Zinc plating with a yellow trivalent chromate dip enhances corrosion resistance. Other construction materials include aluminum, stainless steel, and nylon.
Catrac cable and hose carriers are designed and produced in the United States of America.
Conclusion
AMETEK Factory Automation has over 50 years of experience designing and manufacturing custom Catracs for demanding environments such as aerial lifts, deicing machines, directional drilling machines, steel mills, and stacker reclaimers. It provides complete systems or spare parts as needed.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Ametek Factory Automation.
For more information on this source, please visit Ametek Factory Automation.