3.9.2026 / 6-minute read

Chemical Plant AGV Lift Platform | IP66 C4 Corrosion Protection

Overview

Client Industry: Fine Chemicals (Chemical Production).

End User: A joint venture for Kemira, a Finnish multinational chemical company. Such enterprises typically have extremely high requirements for production continuity and safety compliance.

Equipment Purpose: Used for docking with inspection robots.

Basic Parameters

Item	Specification
Equipment Type	Hydraulic Lift Platform (for AGV)
Platform Net Size	1700 mm (L) × 1800 mm (W)
Installation Size	2300 mm × 1900 mm
Entry / Exit Direction	1700 mm Through Access
Travel Height	4500 mm
Lifting Speed	0–0.3 m/s (Adjustable)
Rated Load	1000 kg
Stops / Landings	2 Stops / 2 Landings
Equipment Grade	Standard (Non-Explosion Proof)
Structure Type	2 Cylinders, 4 Rails, Double-Speed Structure
Guide Rail Specification	100 × 100 H-Beam (GB Standard)
Cylinder Specification	Φ70–50 × 2 Units
Platform Frame	100 × 50 × 4 mm Rectangular Tube
Platform Deck	4 mm Steel Plate
Lifting Cross Beam	160 × 80 × 4 mm Rectangular Tube
Lifting Frame	100 × 50 × 4 mm Rectangular Tube
Power Unit	2.2 kW × 1, AC380V, 50Hz
Hydraulic Hose	Φ18
Chain Specification	LH1244 Leaf Chain
Wire Rope	12# (Non-Leveling)
Main Structure Color	Dark Grey
Safety Fence Color	Yellow
Pit Depth	300 mm
Protection Rating	IP66
Corrosion Protection	≥ C4
Leveling Accuracy	≤ ±10 mm (Floor Level Difference)
Communication Protocol	Modbus-TCP
Safety Devices	Safety Light Curtain, Anti-Pinch Strip, Emergency Stop, Overload Alarm Light, Operation Indicator Light
Door Type	High-Speed Roller Door
2nd Floor Auxiliary Platform	L-Shaped Steel Platform: 550 × 2000 mm + 500 × 2300 mm
External Mesh Enclosure	Yellow, Frame Tube Spacing < 500 mm

Requirements

Unmanned Inspection: The robot needs to move autonomously between the 1st and 2nd floors via the lift platform to perform round-the-clock inspection tasks.
Harsh Environment Adaptation: Chemical plants contain corrosive gases and dust, demanding extremely high corrosion protection for electrical equipment and metal components.
High-Precision Docking: The robot needs to drive onto/off the platform automatically. If there are steps or gaps between the platform and the floor, it could cause the AGV to get stuck or derail.

Project Workflow

Phase 1: Requirements Research

On-site measurement (opening dimensions, beam/column positions, pit depth)
Confirm AGV model, docking method, communication protocol
Confirm environmental requirements (C4 corrosion protection, IP66)

Phase 2: Solution Design

Mechanical structure design (2-cylinder/4-rail, 2-speed, L-shaped platform)
Electrical control system design (Modbus-TCP, leveling control)
Safety system configuration (light curtains, anti-pinch strips, emergency stop)

Phase 3: Manufacturing

Steel processing (H-beam, rectangular tube cutting and welding)
Surface treatment (thickened anti-corrosion coating)
Hydraulic system assembly (cylinders, pump station, piping)
Electrical control cabinet assembly

Phase 4: Factory Testing

No-load/full-load lift test
Leveling accuracy test (≤ ±1cm)
AGV communication debugging
Safety function verification

Phase 5: On-Site Installation

Pit construction/pre-treatment
Guide rail and platform main body hoisting and fixing
High-speed roll-up door installation
Electrical wiring and debugging

Phase 6: Acceptance & Delivery

On-site test run with AGV robot
Customer operation training
Handover of as-built documentation

Solutions

Corrosion & Environmental Protection

All steel components (H-beam guides, rectangular tube frames) coated with high-adhesion anti-corrosion coating, meeting C4 protection standard
Electrical system sealed to IP66 for resistance to dust, moisture, and chemicals
Medium grey main body with yellow safety enclosure for high visibility
External mesh enclosure frame spacing < 500 mm to prevent personnel access while allowing ventilation

Precision Leveling for AGV Docking

Precision leveling control using proximity switches and encoders
Platform leveling tolerance ≤ ±1 cm
Eliminates steps or gaps between platform and floor
Ensures smooth AGV entry and exit without blockage or damage

Non-Standard Structural Design for Site Constraints

Platform net size 1700 × 1800 mm
1700 mm drive-through access for straight-line AGV movement
Custom L-shaped steel platform on the second floor
- Size: 550 × 2000 mm + 500 × 2300 mm
Expands second-floor robot operating area without building modification

High-Efficiency Lifting & Safety System

Two-speed lifting mechanism for efficient lifting over 4.5 m travel height
High-speed roll-up doors with anti-pinch strips and safety light curtains
Emergency stop buttons, overload alarm lights, and operation indicator lights
Modbus-TCP communication enabling AGV lift calling, door status check, and automated floor transfer