SGS was engaged as an independent third party, by a global crane manufacturing company to investigate a corrosion problem on a crane on a remote site in Western Australia.
The crane had already been repaired twice and the main hydraulic piston of the boom was replaced in both instances due to corrosion problems. Corrosion and pitting on the hydraulic piston was again occurring, causing the hydraulic oil to leak from the main cylinder. Despite decades of experience in building cranes, the manufacturer had not encountered such problems in the past.
SGS sent a lead investigator to the site to inspect the cranes corrosion and to collect necessary environmental samples to determine the possible causes of the corrosion.
Once on-site, the investigator found the crane was working on a salt-water heat exchanger and according to site personnel had done so since purchase. The heat exchanger emitted a continuous fine spray of salt water from the top covering the crane for up to 12 hours a day. Further inspection found a thin crust of salt covering the crane. The investigator concluded that the corrosion was caused by the salt. Environmental air samples were taken to confirm the findings.
Previously, no investigation was carried out and the cylinders were replaced under warranty at a cost of approximately $100,000 each. The outcome of the investigation resulted in the warranty being voided and the new cylinder was replaced at the site owner’s expense saving the client over half a million dollars.
About SGS
SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. We are recognised as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 89,000 employees, we operate a network of more than 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.
