The Enerpac push-pull system has been used to build the world's largest observation wheel. The height of the Al Ain Dubai Observation Wheel, which opened this week, is over 250 meters, which is significantly higher than the 168-meter high roller Observation Wheel in Las Vegas and almost twice the height of the London Eye.

Building the world's largest and tallest Ferris wheel is a major engineering challenge at any time. Coupled with sandstorms, strong offshore winds, ambient temperature up to 45C and steel temperature up to 80C under direct sunlight, it is not difficult to understand the tasks faced by Enerpac Heavy Lifting Technology, which is a world-class hydraulic system engineering expert.

Located in the heart of Bluewaters, the exquisite and must-visit island destination of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the'Ain Dubai' observation wheel is large-over 250 meters in height. Enerpac can rely on more than 60 years of experience in solving construction problems on an unprecedented scale. Since the late 1950s, Enerpac has developed construction techniques beyond the scope of traditional construction techniques.

The simplest "Ain Dubai" consists of a rim, a rotating hub and a fixed spindle mounted on four supporting legs. The rim has a diameter of 240m and is assembled from eight parts, which are welded together and connected to the hub by cable spokes. Each spoke is longer than a full-size football field. For wheel assembly, the height of "Ain Dubai" is far beyond the capacity of traditional cranes, so an alternative method is needed. Enerpac proposes to use a push-pull system in the wheel structure.

The concept of the push-pull system for the wheel assembly is very simple. A pair of hydraulic clamps located at the bottom of the wheel push the wheel forward, effectively rotating it. Then use the hydraulic cylinder to release the push clamp and pull it back into place. Then repeat the push-pull operation.

The simplicity of operating Enerpac's push-pull system masks the complexity of the engineering supporting it. Implementing the concept of "Ain Dubai" means dealing with major project constraints. In addition to environmental conditions, it also includes rotating loads of up to 2,572 tons-the largest load ever handled by the push-pull system, high-precision control of rim movement, and adaptation of the system within limited space constraints. In addition, in the first six months of wheel construction, the entire load of the partially completed wheel will be borne by the push-pull system.

As each new segment is added, the wheel segments are welded together. Ensuring that the welding process can be completed successfully depends on the precise positioning of each new segment by the Enerpac Push-Pull system. Using precise hydraulic control, the push-pull system can pull the rim within a few millimeters of the previous rim and fix it there so that the two parts can be welded together. After the welding is completed, use the push-pull system to gradually feed the wheel section in order to add the next section.

The Push-Pull system is powered and operated by the Central Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU). HPU's diesel engine, main control panel, safety PLC and hydraulic oil tank are controlled by PLC and laptop.

In addition to the Push-Pull system, Enerpac also provides drive and control systems for "Ain Dubai". The company is a leading supplier of hydraulic drive and control systems for large viewing wheels, including the London Eye and the Las Vegas High Roller.

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