20.09.2010
An essential system

An essential system

The expectation which Zarges Aluminium Systeme GmbH sets for the production and installation of tower internal fittings for wind power plant towers also applies to service, according to Bernd Göpfert, Director of the Zarges Tubesca subsidiary. "For several years, Zarges has been supplying various wind power plant manufacturers with complete tower internal fittings – packaged systematically and prepared for installation according to the construction progress. It is simply a matter of course here that we place our experts, some of whom have assisted in developing the systems, in service and also work systematically in this area."

This is due to the fact that expertise and precision are particularly in demand here, as are consistent and safety-conscious work as well as circumspect action, as Göpfert explained. In order to ensure this, all employees "who are of course bilingual without exception, have all training necessary especially for placement in wind power plants," said Göpfert, referring to the major responsibility connected with the maintenance work. This includes both first aid training and rescue from heights. Qualification in the electrical field as well as arrester system components are also obligatory.

Scheduled service which is mandatory after 12 months is defined in detail in a master plan: first the fixed ladder is inspected, meaning the track of the tower traveling system. This also includes fastidious inspection of the arrester system – the life insurance for the service team of the wind power plant manufacturer. For the mobile maintenance platform, the Zarges inspectors pay special attention to the screwed and welded joints including checking all measurements and tolerances thoroughly.

"Then, the mechanical functions are tested. Should it be necessary, readjustments are made, although normally it is sufficient to lubricate moving parts to guarantee one-hundred-percent functionality," commented Jürgen Ulrich, Head of the Installation Team. This is followed by the installation of electric gauges, followed by setting the excessive load.

The maintenance of the winches and Blocstops must be handled very carefully; this is carried out in devices specially produced for this. Only personnel which has been trained and certified especially for these activities is appointed for this. Wear parts on the winches or Blocstops are replaced as part of this maintenance, as are components which are damaged or corroded. The work is completed with a test run.

After the work has been completed, an inspection record is created which is deposited in the tower traveling system, with the operator and with ZAS. "Of course, the costs for this are included in the service. All additional costs for parts not included in the warranty are listed separately. However, if we determine manipulation which could be caused by e.g. independent repair work having been carried out, restoring the original status is invoiced accordingly," stated Göpfert.

"We ensure the functionality of our tower internal fittings over a long period of time with this regular systematic maintenance," said Göpfert. "In addition, we consider this work a long-term study which will help us in guaranteeing that our products are always being enhanced according to their application."

Contact data:

Bernd Göpfert:

bernd.goepfert(at)zarges.de
tel. 0881/ 687 - 202

Die Zarges Aluminium Systeme GmbH
Tower fixtures from a single source
With ZARGES Aluminium Systeme as a partner/supplier, a unique system supplier is at your side as a general contractor and consultant who projects tower fittings or further develops existing ones with customers of all components at a high technical level in accordance with DIN and EN standards. ZARGES Aluminium Systeme manufactures all mechanical fixtures itself and can install these completely in the wind power tower upon request.