Schwing is pleased to announce the addition of Eric Smith to the growing ranks of Schwing authorized boom field inspectors. Smith is a former Schwing employee that has rejoined the company to service Schwing customers in the Northwest. He is based in Portland, Oregon. “Eric is a valuable addition to Schwing service. Not only is he a top-notch boom inspector, but he can also handle repairs,” explains Glen Grabowski, Schwing’s vice-president / general manager of parts and service.
A millwright by trade, Smith has worked for nearly 40 years in the construction industry. “Like all Schwing certified boom inspectors, Eric is insured, unlike some freelance boom inspectors, which provides peace of mind for our customers,” according to Grabowski. “We encourage pump owners to trust the same people who built and designed their boom to be sure it is safe to operate and ready for any job.” Eric, like all Schwing certified boom inspectors, is qualified to inspect and repair any issue whether it is hydraulic, electrical or structural.
According to the Concrete Pump Manufacturers Association (CPMA) Safety Standards Section 27-2.1, a boom inspection falls under the “frequent inspections” category. This requires that a qualified person conduct a boom inspection every few months, depending on the age of the boom: pumps from one to five years old should be inspected at least once a year; pumps five to 10 years old should be inspected once every six months; and pumps above 10 years old should be inspected every 500 operating hours.
The inspection process consists of both visual and hands-on inspection. “We’re concerned with every structural component on the pump, from the outriggers to the boom tower to the boom itself,” according to Grabowski. Hours of operation and actual age of the boom are two factors considered when evaluating boom health. Examinations are performed according to the Schwing standardized boom inspection checklist. Every item on the 100-point checklist is assessed during the four-to six-hour process.
The checklist begins with an exam of structural parts of the concrete pump. General items on the checklist include handrails, remote box function and the hopper grate. Inspectors also assess front and rear outrigger tubes, pads, locks, pins and safety devices. The tower’s upper and lower bearings are then measured for deflection and wear by placing the boom in a vertical configuration
When faced with an area on the pump that cannot be evaluated with a visual inspection, the inspection includes a mag particle process. The detection process involves the use of a colored iron powder, which is applied to the suspicious area. A high-powered magnet applied from the opposite side is used to attract the powder. Indication of a crack or other structural damage is apparent when the powder is attracted to the crack. For tighter areas where the magnet cannot be applied, inspectors utilize a dye penetrate to indicate structural deficiencies.
When the checklist is completed and trouble spots documented, Schwing certified welders and mechanics provide estimates for the repair of the defects. Digital photos of each defect communicate what requires maintenance or replacement.