Hatches, Lids and Covers
Many industrial sites have crucial places — either above or below ground — that need safe and reliable access. Cast covers, fabricated hatches and other types of lids can provide this access, but springs come with complications.
The Challenge: Increasing Functionality and Reducing Risk
Torsion Springs, usually used with cast covers, only open partially, leaving the operator to push the hatch the final distance — a task that can be physically challenging. And because Torsion Springs can fail, there is a need for frequent inspection, maintenance and replacement.
Gas Springs, which are used for fabricated hatches, present their own challenges. When used in harsh environments, the seals on Gas Springs can fail, causing gas to leak. If the seals fail in clean water applications — like environments involving drinking water — the failure of any counterbalance can cause contamination.
The Solution: Custom Engineered, Reliable Access
Our engineers created Incorporated Mechanical Struts. Our exclusive technology ensures hatches are easy to open, won’t leak gas or other contaminants and require little to no maintenance.
Additional advantages include:
- A full range-of-motion counterbalance, including low handle load operation (lower percentile operators included).
- Minimal clear access infringement.
- Easy replacement options.
- Additional lift assist and speed reduction (damping).
- A locking shroud (for covers weighing more than one ton).
- Dependable performance in a wider temperature range than electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic solutions.
Struggling with a challenging application or assembly? Our experts can offer custom-engineered solutions.