StabLATCH
StabLATCH is a remote connection and lifting device for use when lifting floating piles in marine environments when supplied with pile sealing lift bungs. This system is particularly useful for large diameter piles such as wind farm foundations.
The StabLATCH system comprises a "spear" which is attached to the crane hook and "catcher" which is attached to the lift bung installed in the pile. The spear is "stabbed" into the catcher thus making the connection for lifting the pile. The spear is afforded some compensation against pile movement induced by wave action thus minimising shock loading within the system. The catcher is fully gimballed, minimising the effects of pile pitch and roll and enabling the pile to be lifted from horizontal to vertical without requiring a secondary hook.
The StabLATCH operates on a failsafe, that ensures that the latch cannot be released whilst under load. This ensures that once the lift commences, no unintentional release should be possible. Should lifting need to be aborted, the pile can be lowered back to horizontal, thus removing load from the system and allowing disconnection.