24.6 INFORMATION WHICH SHOULD BE EXCHANGED BETWEEN THE USER AND THE DESIGNER OR SUPPLIER
Barrel lifters are normally used for closely defined applications. It is therefore usually possible to give the designer or supplier precise details of the task to be performed. This information should include, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:
The gross barrel weight to be lifted.
The material and composition of the barrel to be lifted, e.g. steel or plastic.
The physical dimensions and the shape of the barrel to be lifted and position of the centre of gravity.
The ‘make up’ of the load to be lifted, e.g. a liquid, powder or granules.
The method of attachment to the barrel, e.g. scissor action, screw clamp.
If the barrel is to be manipulated, the axis and extent of rotation required and method of manipulation.
The number, shape and orientation of the gripping pads.
The detail of the operating environment and service conditions, i.e. extremes of temperature, probability of shock loading and the uncertainty of the mass of the load.
The available headroom.
The type of suspension.
The speed of the hoisting mechanism.
Details of any possible surface contamination as this may be damaging to the material from which any gripping pads are made and may affect their ability to grip the barrel.