  Arva's Ceiling Panel Erector Improves Productivity at Boston's Big DigSt. Thomas, ON, January 31, 2002By Arva Industries Erecting ceiling modules in Boston’s Big Dig pose special challenges to the contractor since these modules measure 12’ x 40’ and weigh 30,000 lbs. These modules are used for air circulation and as safety barriers. Existing methods limited installation to 3 modules a day. The ARVA solution yields 8 to 10 modules with a banner day of 14 modules during a 12-hour shift. Paul Buco, McCourt Obayashi Project Manager, wanted to do better than the 3 modules. Paul, along with his superintendents, was convinced that improvements could be made. They were looking for a solution that would increase daily installation to 6. Any more than this would be a welcomed bonus. Paul contacted ARVA Industries of St. Thomas, Ontario and presented their problem along with the framework solution. This framework included a machine that was strong enough to carry 2 modules at a time since the distance from module pick up area to installation site could reach 5 miles. It had to be self-propelled as well as self-loading, reducing the need for a piece of equipment to load modules. ARVA had to ensure that the people in the layout area were productive when the Ceiling Module Erector was installing modules. The ARVA dolly system took care of this. A set of 6 dollies allowed work crews to assemble the 5’ x 12’ modules into finished sizes. Buco and his team adopted a just in time model for the arrival and assembly of modules. Dollies had to be so designed and built so as not to mar the surface of the modules since there would be no painting once in place. Finally, McCourt Obayashi insisted that when the machine arrived it would be put to work without any assembly. Thus, the machine was designed as to ship on one carrier. Another carrier took the 6 dollies. And, for the new machine to be of value, ARVA had to go from concept to delivery in only 7 months. ARVA and McCourt Obayashi worked as a well-oiled team to meet the challenges of the project. Communications were conducted over the phone and by the internet using digital pictures. This allowed both companies to discuss ideas and problems that arose during the engineering and manufacturing stages. During the design stage, ARVA kept in mind the stiff regulations and environment the machine would be working in. The engine they selected met all MSHA standards. Included in the solution framework was the machine’s ability to perform without down time during the life of the project - 5 plus years. ARVA included in their specifications puncture resistant tires reducing the likelihood of down time due to flats. Other long wearing, maintenance-free components were used throughout the machine. When asked if the machine performed according to the original concept, Paul Buco replied, “Better. We knew that by reaching 6 modules a day we could justify the investment. We told ARVA that if we could get to 6 modules a day, McCourt Obayashi would order another machine. With daily production of up to 10 modules a shift, we don’t need another Ceiling Module Erector. Good news for us, but I guess not for ARVA.” ARVA Industries has been solving productivity and other problems for industry since 1980. This company produces innovative solutions for the military, mining, transportation, utility, and infrastructure industries. ARVA also provides engineering consulting. Companies call on ARVA for hard to find parts. The company also has a thriving business of re-building and repairing all types of cranes. This business unit also re-certifies the cranes it repairs. |
|
| For further information contact: sales@arvaindustries.on.ca |
Potash To Take 1540LP May 10, 2007 Potash Corporation Takes Delivery of the 2025LP April 2, 2007 Manufacturer Gives Old Excavators New Life As Hydraulic Cranes March 10, 2003 The World's Most Unique Work Platform Finds Home in Boston's Big Dig January 31, 2002 Arva's Ceiling Panel Erector Improves Productivity at Boston's Big Dig January 31, 2002 Mine Fan Removed in Just 35 Minutes November 7, 2001  The ARVA GIRAFFE: The World's Most Unique Work Platform |