Product Handling and Storage

Proper vessel handling and installation are essential for safe and long vessel life. The guidelines mentioned below should be followed carefully; however, they do not relieve the purchaser from full responsibility: i.e. proper inspection, handling and installation.

Damage due to improper handling or installation is the sole responsibility of the purchaser.

Vessel Storage

• Do not mount or place the vessel directly on any rigid structure.
• Do not place the vessel one above the other without sufficient cushion.
• Do not allow the bell / body of vessel to touch each other.
• Always use foam or cushion while stacking vessel one above the other.
• The minimum no. of supports for vessels of 4-element length and above, should be 3.

Handling & Movement of Crates

The crates mounted with the CodeLine™ membrane housings are extremely heavy and should be handled and moved carefully, so that no external damage is done to the membrane housing. Exterior damage to vessel can lead to premature vessel failure.

Unloading the Crate from Container

• Using a 2.0-Ton forklift insert the forks below the bottom beam of crate.
• Lift the crate 2.0” to 3.0” slightly above the ground, engage the forklift in reverse gear, and with a slow speed pull the crate from the container.
• When pulling the crate out of the container ensure that there is sufficient space between the crates and also the container wall such that the vessels are not damaged.

Movement of the Crate

As shown in Fig 1 engage a pallet truck on one side of the crate below the beam, provided at bottom of the crate and lift the crate by around 1.0” from the ground level. And on other side engage a forklift by inserting the forks below the bottom beam of crate as shown in Fig 2. and lift the crate by 2.0 ” slightly above the ground. Once the above operations are done the crate is ready for movement.

Depending on the direction of crate movement the forklift can be engaged in the forward or reverse gear. The forklift operator should intimate the operator on the pallet side regarding the direction of movement. The movement of operation requires very good co-ordination between both the operators. The crate need to be moved at a very slow speed and standard safety precaution should be taken during complete handling and movement of crates.

Vessel Unloading

Once the crate is moved to the desired location, the next very important operation is unloading of the vessel from the crates. Break the straps, which holds the vessels together, one at a time. This process needs to be carried out very carefully and should be started from the top. Remove the top saddle by cutting the metal strap with the help of a sheet metal cutter. Once the top saddle is freed, proceed with freeing the side straps and wooden batten. Free the side straps layer by layer as you proceed with unloading of the vessel layer by layer. Balance the vessel uniformly in equilibrium while unloading it from the crate.

It is advisable to use the crane for unloading the vessels due to the weight factor. Handling of vessels manually has high certainty of vessel damage and safety hazards. Use plastic mallets, nail clippers & sheet metal cutters for breaking the straps.

Precaution

• Never lift or move a vessel by placing anything inside it. The vessel is durable & ideally suited to its purpose, but careless handling can permanently damage it.
• Be careful not to scratch the inside wall of the shell, especially in the sealing area inboard of locking segment & end margin.
• Do not drop the vessel or allow it to hit hard on the ground or against other objects.
• Do not apply undue stress to the shell.
• Before using a forklift to handle the vessel, pad the forks to lessen the chance of damaging the shell. Severe scratches or gouging of the vessel can result in failure of the vessel wall.

Storage

Storing of the vessels in the received packaging & in a secure place is recommended. Ensure that the vessels are not stored in a position that they will roll over and get damaged.

Note on Impact Damage

Damage to vessel exterior can lead to premature vessel failure. Damage received in shipment should be reported to the shipping company immediately upon receipt. Minor damage such as scratches that go no deeper than the paint may be acceptable.

Please call CodeLine™ Customer Service department for advice if in doubt.