Vulcan offshore hammers have successfully driven piles offshore for about half a century. This sequence of photographs shows a typical use of the Vulcan offshore hammer.
The key to successful hammer operation is proper preparation on
deck. Here the cushion is packed, the parts are checked and the
hammer is securely connected to the crane via the hinged lifting bale.
The hammer is lifted slowly off of the deck. As is the case with
any heavy lift operation, safety is first and enough time is taken to
insure a successful lift.
The hammer is almost vertical. The stabbing bell at the bottom of
the hammer has a ring at the bottom to enable the crane operator to
stand the hammer and leaders up vertically before lifting the assembly
off of the deck.
The crane operator then positions the hammer over the pile and, lowers
it and seats the pipe cap firmly on the pile. The tapered stabbing
bell facilitates alignment between hammer and pile, even on a batter.
A Vulcan hammer driving yet another pile on the way for a successful
platform installation.