The double-girder bridge crane, which has a span of 18.7m, is being used to transport molten steel at up to 1,600° C into casting ladles, in three-shift operations all year round.
Challenges of the project included the shape and limited space of the casting hall, which had to be considered to optimise the wheel loads. This required a non-standard crane, with the various details in the design and production process tailored to the specifications of the project.
The limited space also prevented Brunnhuber from lifting or turning the crane inside the hall. The crane was pre-assembled in front of the building, then lifted through the hall roof, which had been opened by Stahl Gerlafingen in advance.
During the final assembly, a 130m conductor line was also installed, and the crane was connected to the IT network of the plant with wireless connections, to enable the steel manufacturer to monitor the crane and associated components.
The project took place during a three-week window, covering the assembly and commission of the crane, taking place during plant holiday so production would not be affected.
Urs Morgenegg, project manager at Steel Gerlafingen, said: "The crane has proved itself from day one and we are still very happy with the entire project handling by Brunnhuber Cranes Germany and Mr. Ronny Schmidt. Despite the short time for assembly and commissioning, we had no operational failures or problems whatsoever."
