Being a wind power technician is a difficult, often exposed task. You have to squeeze yourself into narrow spaces while carrying heavy tools for bolt stretching and torquing. Sharp edges and angles are potential obstacles that could disconnect a quick-connect coupling without a safety lock. "The new locking feature from CEJN makes me feel much safer," says Jonas Norrman, a wind power technician at Connected Wind Services.
Norrman loves his job. He describes it as "a free life" and likes the fact that he needs to be skilled at many things - mechanics, steering systems and hydraulics - all in one location. It is also challenging: during winter, the job is cold, harsh and slippery. Heights and risks must always be taken into consideration. "Nothing must go wrong. You are totally exposed up there," Jonas explains.
When asked about working so close to ultra-high pressure, Norrman replies, "I try not to think about it much, because if anything breaks I am in deep trouble, especially being so far from any rescuers." According to Norrman, the answer is having equipment upon which he can depend. Wind power technicians always work in pairs, and the partners always inspect the equipment thoroughly before starting work. Ultimately, however, he needs to be able to trust the components and tools he is using.
Norrman has never personally been subjected to disconnection under pressure, but the risk is ever-present in his mind. However, a problem that does occur is equipment disconnecting when being dragged. The hoses and couplings are constantly subjected to stress when sliding over edges and corners in narrow spaces. When this happens - and it often does - the tool releases and falls to the pavement, or on to the yaw gear, with a risk of hitting hands, feet or someone further below.
"The tools are big and heavy, and it's painful when they land on your feet," says Norrman. Still, it is the irritation that bothers him as it takes time to crawl back and rig it all over again. "We often have a tight schedule, and we don't have time for hassles like this," he says.
Norrman has tested The Next Generation from CEJN, and is pleased to see how well it works. He thinks that it's easy to manoeuvre with one hand, and he feels that he can trust it. The new locking feature puts an end to disconnection troubles. "CEJN's new locking ring lets me focus on my job instead of worrying about the tools I'm using," he says, adding, "I definitely want so see this coupling on my tools in the near future, if it hasn't already been ordered."
Disconnection while sliding over edges is a constantly recurring problem. Working as a wind power technician comes with many potential issues and setbacks, so the new locking feature is welcome.
CEJN is the global quick connect specialist with safe and durable couplings for pressures up to 4000 bar.
