Collector columns are electromechanical components used to transfer electrical power or control signals from a stationary supply to equipment that rotates, oscillates or moves along a fixed path. They are most commonly found in overhead crane systems, hoists and other forms of industrial material handling equipment where continuous power delivery to a moving element is required.
Without a collector column, providing an uninterrupted electrical supply to moving machinery would require cables capable of following every movement. Even if this was possible, it would create significant risk of cable damage, operational downtime and safety hazards. Collector columns eliminate this problem by providing a fixed connection point through which power or signals can pass regardless of the equipment’s position or movement.
Metreel supplies a range of electrical collector columns designed to suit varying industrial environments and operational requirements, including options with fibre optic and mercury transmitters.
How Do Collector Columns Work?
A collector column consists of a series of conductive rings or shoes mounted on a central column structure. As the associated equipment moves, whether rotating, oscillating or travelling vertically, the collector shoes maintain continuous contact with the conductor tracks, allowing electrical current or control signals to pass through without interruption.
The column is typically mounted to a fixed structure such as a crane bridge, gantry or building column. The moving element of the equipment, such as a crane trolley, carries the corresponding conductor assembly that slides or rolls along the collector as it travels.
Metreel collector columns are designed to work in conjunction with festoon systems, which manage the cable routing between the stationary supply and the moving equipment. Together, the festoon system and collector column form a complete powerfeed solution for mobile industrial equipment.
When Is a Collector Column Needed?
A collector column is required whenever industrial equipment needs a continuous, reliable electrical supply during movement. In particular, where cables alone would be subject to repeated flexing, tangling or mechanical stress.
Let’s take a look at some of the top scenarios where such properties may be required.
Automated Guided Vehicles
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can be used for the purposes of material handling within industrial environments. As AGVs move along predetermined paths, collector columns can ensure a continuous power supply.
Flexible Manufacturing Systems
In any manufacturing setting where a piece of machinery needs to travel along a path, collector columns can provide power or control.
While the specific need for a collector column can depend on a number of factors, the general purpose for using one is when there is a need to prevent damage to cables and ensure smooth and continuous movement of machinery. Some key features of collector columns include collector shoes and flexible cable conductors along with a connection to a festoon system such as trolleys, tracks or cable carriers.
Hoists And Lifting Equipment
Hoists and similar material handling equipment require a reliable power supply as they travel horizontally and their load lines move vertically. Collector columns accommodate the vertical movement of the hoist, maintaining the electrical connection throughout the lifting and lowering cycle.
Rotating Equipment
Where equipment rotates continuously or oscillates through a defined arc such as turntables, rotary conveyors or indexing systems. Collector columns prevent cable wind-up and the associated risk of damage or failure.
Collector Columns vs Festoon Systems: What Is the Difference?
Collector columns and festoon systems are complementary rather than interchangeable. A festoon system manages cables along a horizontal travel path, with cables suspended from trolleys on a track that gather or extend as the equipment moves, preventing them from dragging or tangling. A collector column handles the transfer of power or signals at the point where stationary infrastructure meets rotating or oscillating equipment.
In a typical overhead crane installation, a festoon system would manage the cable run along the crane bridge, while a collector column would handle the connection between the bridge and the travelling trolley. Both components are often specified together as part of a complete powerfeed solution.
Metreel supplies both festoon systems and collector columns, and can advise on the most appropriate configuration for a given application.
Metreel – Shop Our Electrical Collector Columns UK
Are you in search of an electrical collector column for your business operations?
Whatever help you may require, the Metreel team is only a call or a click away. We are a leading UK supplier of collector columns, so head over to our collector columns product page to see our product specifications in greater detail.
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