When we think of safety in manufacturing, we often envision robust safety protocols or advanced monitoring systems. However, industrial shock absorbers also play a crucial yet often underappreciated role in preventing disasters and ensuring smooth operations. These three compelling real-world examples highlight how shock absorbers have proven their value: from enhancing safety in oil refineries to fortifying ship locks and optimizing cable-cutting machines. These critical components are reshaping safety standards in industries where every second—and every detail—matters.
Industrial Shock Absorbers in Refinery Safety Valves
In an oil refinery in Yanbu, overpressure in pipes posed a significant risk that required rapid safety valve operation to prevent catastrophic incidents. As a potential solution, Doedijns Group International (DGI) developed custom pneumatic actuators capable of opening 24-inch safety valves 50 times faster than conventional ones, enhancing response times in emergencies. But that requires managing a substantial amount of energy produced during such rapid valve operation. That’s where ACE Controls came in. DGI integrated ACE Controls’ compact yet powerful MAGNUM industrial shock absorbers (MA3325). These absorbers act as the final line of defense, effectively controlling the piston rod’s motion and preventing damage to the actuator, cylinder, and compressor while safeguarding personnel and the environment. Their inclusion allowed enhanced safety and reliability for the refinery’s critical systems well above what would normally work.
Enormous Shock Absorbers Protecting Lock Gates
In the Netherlands, a ship lock’s safety beam sustained a crack during a collision with a cargo ship. Although a collision involving a 4,000-ton vessel typically presents significant risks, the lock’s structure remained largely intact due to the presence of custom-designed, oversized ACE shock absorbers. Installed by Mourik Lumburg during the lock’s construction, these heavy-duty dampers are specifically engineered to withstand the impact of vessels up to 4,000 tons traveling at speeds of 0.5 m/s, absorbing up to 500,000 Nm of energy. The absorbers use a hydraulic oil-based deceleration process to dissipate energy, preserving the lock gate’s structural integrity and preventing uncontrolled water flow. After the incident, ACE experts provided guidance on the repair of the beam and the reinstallation of the shock absorbers, further strengthening the system for enhanced safety and long-term durability.
Emergency Clamping Systems in Cable Cutting Machine
German engineering company Rittmeyer has enhanced the safety and precision of its BERI.CO.CUT cable cutting machine by integrating ACE Controls shock absorbers and clamping elements. Designed for processing power cables in electric and hybrid vehicles, this precision cutting machine could pose significant risks if improperly operated. To address this, ACE’s compact MC75EUM-3 miniature shock absorbers provide smooth braking of the machine’s moving head, preventing potential damage and ensuring compliance with the device’s strict operational requirements. Furthermore, LOCKED PN clamping elements offer secure static clamping along guide shafts, maintaining stability during the cutting process and safeguarding operators, even in the event of pressure loss. These cost-effective, compact solutions are highly reliable, enhancing the machine’s performance in critical applications such as automotive and aerospace manufacturing.
In life-threatening industrial environments, where safety is paramount, ACE Controls industrial shock absorbers provide the most comprehensive solutions available. While meeting safety regulations is essential, ACE’s technology goes beyond expectations, as demonstrated by a 4,000-ton cargo ship being effectively halted by a ship lock safety beam. This is a prime example of how ACE Controls transforms innovative engineering into practical, life-saving solutions, turning potential disasters into controlled, precise outcomes. By prioritizing safety, precision, and reliability, ACE Controls industrial shock absorbers continue to set the standard for performance in even the most demanding environments.