100 tonne loads that float on air

Hovair air film technology by Movetech UK, combined with new flooring from Sika UK, has provided London & Cambridge Properties with a solution that has enabled it to double capacity at its warehousing facility in Burntwood, Staffordshire.

The warehouse specialises in the storage of items up to 100t.With only a third of the unit accessible by a 100t capacity crane, a solution was needed that would allow LCP to expand its capacity for heavier items such as electric transformers.

Movetech UK, using Hovair technology, designed and made an air film transporter with a design capacity of 100t. The original version focused on a wheeled solution that used hydraulic jacks and machinery skates, but the air film option offered greater flexibility and is said to be more user-friendly. Eight 40in high pressure air bearings are incorporated into the transporter, as are a central guide wheel as a point of steering and to allow straight line moves, and 100t lifting beams.

Steering and propulsion are provided by an air powered tugger.