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Inclined Goods Lift - Loch Sloy

Opened in October 1950, the Loch Sloy Hydro-Electric Scheme runs water from Loch Sloy past four 40MW turbines and into Loch Lomand.

The Challenge

Perched next to the mountain peak of Ben Vorlich is the Loch Sloy Hydro-electric Power Scheme, the largest conventional hydro-electric power plant in the UK. This comprises of the Loch Sloy dam, a powerhouse situated on the edge of Loch Lomond, and four sets of 2m wide pipes with an inclined goods lift running alongside.

This equipment for hauling cargo up the steep inclination to the Portal Valve House (PVH) had reached end of life and required replacing with a new solution featuring modern technology.

The Solution

As part of wider refurbishment efforts, SCX Special projects was brought on board to provide a turnkey solution to engineer a bespoke inclined goods transport system, capable of travelling up a mountain with an incline of 45 degrees. The extent of supply included a heavy-duty wire rope winch, capable of resisting a breakaway load at full capacity.

A key aim was to enhance safety and efficiency to modern standards, incorporating over-speed protection, debris deflection guards, and limit and proximity switches to indicate bogie position.

A robust transportation solution

The new bogie provided by SCX can be controlled from either the main control panel in the winch house or on the pendant console in the PVH
Load monitoring is achieved through incorporating a series of load cells into the main winch mechanism
Debris deflection guards installed at the front and back of the bogie move any light obstacles off the track as the bogie moves up and down

A secure grip

The emergency hydraulic brake system consists of a hydraulic power pack and oil reservoir
In the event of power failure or oil pressure drop, the four sets of spring-activated brake callipers are designed to fail-safe in the ‘clamped’ position
The speed sensing proximity switch determines winch drum speed and will shut down automatically and apply emergency brakes if the predetermined over speed is reached

An extensive upgrade

As part of the upgrade, SCX replaced the old winch with a modern equivalent featuring all-new power, control, and safety equipment
The winch gear and its mechanical and electrical components were all installed in the PVH, with its distance from the bottom measuring at roughly 500m
A parking pin latches onto the bogey when stationary. Prior to use, the operator lowers the winch, shifting the load of the bogie onto the hook

Let's talk more about inclined goods lifts

We make your vision of moving structures a reality. They move safely, reliably, and are built to last.

We have decades of experience in creating moving structures, from bogies to bridges, to roofs to entire football pitches. Talk to us today.

Call us on +44 114 262 6199, email us at info@scx.co.uk, or complete the contact form below and we'll be in touch.

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