Eliminating Vibration at a Grain Processing Plant Using the Swivelpole™ High Vibration Maxis™ joint

Project Overview

Following the pole conversion and installation of 40 Swivelpole™ Maxis™ joints at Malteurop’s Geelong grain processing plant, a Swivelpole™ Business Development Manager visited the site and identified uncontrolled movement on one of the installed poles in a high-vibration area. The pole top and floodlight fitting were shaking significantly under sustained wind load, placing ongoing fatigue stress on both the structure and the light fitting. A Swivelpole™ HVPT Maxis™ joint was installed to address the problem directly.

Challenges

The pole was located in an area of the plant exposed to sustained high wind and vibration. The constant movement was placing unnecessary stress on the pole and light fitting, accelerating wear and reducing the long-term reliability of the installation. The issue was identified during a post-installation site visit by the Swivelpole™ team.

Solution

The existing Maxis™ joint was upgraded to a Swivelpole™ HVPT Maxis™ joint, purpose-built to absorb and mitigate vibration in demanding environments. Installation was straightforward and the result was immediate. Movement at the pole top was eliminated under the same conditions that had previously caused significant shaking.

Outcomes

• Uncontrolled pole-top movement eliminated in a high-vibration area.
• Fatigue stress on the pole and light fitting significantly reduced.
• Reliability of the lighting installation improved in a demanding environment.

“Areas of our plant had not had lighting upgrades for some time due to difficult access. The Swivelpole™ solution gave us a safe and practical way to resolve that, allowing us to convert the rigid poles and upgrade the light fittings from walkway level. It has made a real difference to how we manage and maintain lighting across the site.”

Doug AbbottAustralia Maintenance Manager - Malteurop