Plant Equipment Feature Library

Operations Engineer's library catalogues editorial features going back five years.

Access to all archive material is free to all, including non-members of IPlantE (the Institution of Operations Engineers) or BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors), under the umbrella of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). However, to discover the many benefits of becoming an SOE member, please click here.

16/05/2023 How to calculate outrigger mat sizes

Crane stability is the prerequisite of safety, and in an increasingly litigious society it is now highly cost-effective to set crane outriggers and mats for maximum stability first time, every time, explains Mike Ponsonby » Read More

04/10/2022 Raising standards

It is becoming increasingly important to evaluate the design working period (DWP) of cranes to ensure they are fit for purpose and safe to use » Read More

30/09/2021 Overhead crane maintenance

Electric overhead travelling cranes are a staple tool in many industrial facilities. A thorough inspection and maintenance regime is essential to keep them in prime condition. By Brian Wall » Read More

12/12/2019 Elevated status

As the operator of a tower crane, getting from the bottom to the top and vice versa takes considerable time and effort. Surely there is an easier way? » Read More

07/10/2019 Gently does it

Bringing together information from sensors has significantly reduced unwanted movement in extended booms and crane jibs when lifting materials » Read More

03/06/2019 Raising the bar

Two lightweight gantry cranes from Reid Lifting continue to play an integral role in ongoing construction and testing as the planet’s most advanced straight-line racing car, Bloodhound SSC, is prepared for its landmark world record attempt » Read More

01/03/2010 Game,set and match

The famous Wimbledon sliding roof is often held up as a triumph of engineering ingenuity. Brian Tinham takes us behind the scenes, with its designers » Read More

01/03/2010 Steelworks saves thousands on bearings

Savings of a staggering _372,558 per annum are being reported on an annealing process line accumulator sheave at a major UK steelworks, following bespoke redesign of the bearing assembly. » Read More

01/10/2008 An inspector calls

If you speak to engineer surveyors across the industry, chances are they'll mention two trends - one slightly surprising, the other plain worrying. On the surprising side of the equation, they'll probably mention that only now are some ... » Read More

01/08/2008 Driven world

Unless you're heavily involved in project work, chances are your experience of drives, motors and controls is wide - after all, it's bread and butter stuff - but not as wide as it could be. So a quick update would be useful. Especially if ... » Read More

01/12/2006 New trains of thought on lifting

Every so often lifting equipment fails, generating the kind of headlines that no one wants to see. These unfortunate incidents occur despite safety checks carried out by the manufacturer and further regular checks undertaken by the end ... » Read More

04/04/2005 SED Preview - The great outdoors

If you want to see construction plant and machinery demonstrated in as near as possible realistic working conditions, as opposed to simply static displays, Site Equipment Demonstration (SED) is the show for you. It has the largest assembly ... » Read More

01/10/2004 Lifiting and Handling - The LOLER lowdown

Wherever there is lifting equipment there will be safety issues. In December 1998 the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) came into force to help reduce the risk and occurrence of accidents through the continuing ... » Read More