In blast furnace projects, especially those involving Pulverized Coal Injection (PCI), tower cranes play a critical role in the efficient handling of heavy equipment, installation of large machinery, and transportation of materials in high-elevation settings. Given the scale of these projects and the nature of the equipment, tower cranes used must have high lifting capacities, extended reach, and the ability to operate in challenging environments. Here’s a breakdown of how tower cranes are utilized specifically for blast furnaces and PCI:
Heavy Equipment Installation
- Blast Furnace Components: The main components of a blast furnace, such as the furnace shell, tuyere blow pipes, and charging systems, are often very large and heavy. Tower cranes with high lifting capacities (e.g., 25 MT and above) are used to lift and position these massive components accurately.
- Coal Pulverizers: Equipment for the PCI process, such as coal pulverizers and mills, need to be lifted into place. These machines are large and heavy, often requiring cranes with high load-bearing capacities and tall lifting heights (up to 60 meters or more).
- Injection Systems: The PCI system includes equipment such as injection pipes, rotary airlocks, and pneumatic conveying systems. Tower cranes lift and position these components, some of which can be very large and awkwardly shaped.
. Building Infrastructure and Support Structures
- Coal Storage Silos: Large silos or bunkers to store pulverized coal need to be constructed in blast furnace plants. Tower cranes can lift and place the structural steel required to build these silos.
- Support Towers for Equipment: Many of the PCI systems (like pulverizers, air blowers, or separators) need to be mounted on tall support towers or platforms. Tower cranes are responsible for installing these structural components safely.
- Conveyors and Material Handling Systems: The material handling system, which carries coal and other materials to the furnace, requires the construction of overhead conveyors and hoppers. Tower cranes assist in lifting and positioning the equipment for these systems.
3. Efficient Handling of Materials
- Coal and Raw Materials: In PCI, finely ground coal is injected into the blast furnace, and transporting these materials requires special handling. Tower cranes help move coal, coke, and iron ore, especially when the operation is located across multiple levels or involves tight spaces.
- Lift and Place Equipment: Tower cranes are used for lifting heavy components and materials from storage areas and placing them into position for further installation.
Key Specifications of Tower Cranes for Blast Furnace and PCI Projects
Given the requirements of these large-scale industrial projects, the following crane specifications are commonly used:
- Lifting Capacity: 25 MT to 50 MT (depending on the size and weight of the equipment being lifted).
- Height: Cranes with heights ranging from 60 meters to 160 meters are often required, especially when working on tall furnace structures or equipment positioned high up.
- Jib Length: A jib length of 50 to 70 meters or more is typically necessary to cover the required work area, especially in larger blast furnace plants where cranes may need to operate across multiple areas.
- Operating Radius: Cranes must have a sufficient operating radius to move equipment between different locations in the plant and reach different levels of the structure.
- Double Shift Operations: Due to the scale of the construction and operation, cranes are often required to work in double shifts, especially during the peak of construction or plant maintenance.