The Pq500-AX

The PQ500-AX Ascender is a powered, yet lightweight personal lifting device that scales vertical surfaces quickly, safely and inexpensively using standard climbing equipment.  The PQ500-AX was developed specifically at the request of Royal Dutch Shell for use on oil platforms. PowerQuick coordinated and participated with Shell Engineering and Safety consultants on development and testing of the PQ500-AX. 

Operational Features

  • Lifts 500 pounds/227 kg; gross load 550 lbs (250 kg)--includes PQ 500 and battery pack.
  • Weight: 29 pounds (13 kg) w/battery 48 pounds (21.8kg)
  • Detached Battery (Ni-MH-36 VDC ); 19 lbs (8.6kg)
  • Lifting speed: 0.7 ft/sec (.22m/sec) 42 ft/min (13m/min)
  • Powered descent speed: up to 1 ft (.3m/sec) 
  • Designed for use by one person, for work positioning and/or moving tools and materials
  • Easily carries 2 people for rescue applications
  • Meets CE, EN, OSHA, CSA and other applicable safety requirements
  • Can be used with a variety of lifting chairs and platforms
  • Operating Temperature Range: 32˚ F to 104˚F (0˚ C to +40˚ C)
  • Approx. climb per battery 500'-600' per charge (152-183m)
  • Can be operated with gloves and protective clothing
  • Charge time: 2-3 hrs. (dependent on remaining charge state)
  • European and IEC Classification-Zone 2 (gases, particles)
  • North American Classification-Class 1 Division 2 (gases, particles)

Rope

  • Use with 1/2-in (12.7 mm)  static (low stretch) kernmantle  rope (PMI &  New England brand ropes recommended)

advantages

  • Clean and silent: ideal for use in confined spaces.
  • Can be used in oily/dirty environments without affecting performance (clean rope periodically during use in these areas); No negative affect from corrosive environments, e.g. salt water or spray (clean after use)
  • Compatible with standard climbing gear
  • A short setup time: quick, safe and less expensive than traditional lifts
  • Can also be used in places which cannot be reached with traditional lifts or powered platforms
  • Can be operated with gloves and protective clothing
  • Lightweight alternative for wire winches:  perfect for lifting materials and equipment
  • Safer working methods: less risk for falls; less fatigue on personnel
  • Improved ergonomics:  eliminates climbs for the user
  • Can be used in association with conventional rope tools such as pulleys to increase lifting capability 

Safety Features

  • Tested to a safety factor of 4x the rated load
  • Will not slip on rope @ 2x the rated load
  • Temperature sensor shuts unit down in event of motor temperature exceeding 85°C  (185°F)
  • Interlock switch on cover ensures that unit will not operate if rope handler cover is not properly closed
  • Rope cannot be removed from ascender when it is under a load 
  • Auto-braking in hands-off position provides for both locked-off and emergency or panic lockoff.   No force need be applied for panic lockoff
  • Load limiter: prevents lifting of load in excess of 750 lbs (340 kg)  
  • Static Load/Stationary holding capacity: 1,100 lbs (499kg)
  • Dynamic load capacity: 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) —Must survive and hold the rated load after a 0.6 meter drop test in accordance with CSA Z-259 or ANSI-Z359-4
  • Forward reverse control
  • Palm interlock must be engaged to start unit
  • Low voltage sensor detects low battery voltage and shuts unit down.  PQ500-AX  level is 26 VDC.  In the event the motor shuts down, the manual brake release allows descent mode only.
  • No pinch points
  • No sharp edges, points, etc., capable of puncturing or cutting the skin
  • Accessible surface temperature does not exceed 65° C (149°F)
  • Rotating parts protection
  • Designed to withstand 4' drop
  • No electrical shock hazard
  • Battery is protected with a sandfilled internal fuse that will disable the battery in event of a short circuit
  • Battery cable is 6' (1.8 m) with a threaded connector on both ends.  The cable connectors are such that it is impossible to connect the cable backwards

Higher Level of Protection

  • Ex - Explosion proof in accordance with ATEX
  • II - Equipment group: II surface industries
  • 2 - Category 2 equipment (suitable for us in Zone 1)
  • G - Gas: Suitable for atmospheres containing gas
  • E - European certificate in accordance with harmonised standards
  • Ex - Explosion-proof electrical equipment
  • d - Type of protection is 'Flameproof enclosure'
  • II - Gas Group II - surface industries
  • B - Gas sub group B
  • T4 - Temperature class T4 (135 degrees centigrade surface temperature)

Industry / Application

  • Oil & Gas Platforms
  • Grain Elevators
  • Military
  • Police/Tactical
  • Tower Access (electric/telecom/wind/power/water silos)
  • Rig Access
  • Mining
  • Marine-ship hold inspection/repair
  • High Rise Buildings (window washing/glass replacement/repair)
  • Entertainment (theatrical/billboards)
  • Bridges/Overpasses
  • Infrastructure (repair,painting,non-destructive testing)
  • Construction
  • Arborists (tree trimming)
  • Confined Entry (utilities/tanks/ship holds)

Use Restrictions

  • Not to be used after structural shock load in excess of 1,320 lbs (599 kg)
  • Not to be used after structural drop greater than 4 ft (1.2 meters) onto hard surface
  • (Must undergo inspection and recertification if the above events occur)