Třinecké železármy have put the unique charging crane into full operation

Recently, Trinecke zelezarny put into full operation the charging crane with maximum load of 270 tons at the hall of the BOF steeplant. The crane is used for charging the pig iron into the oxygen converters. The investment, including ancillary works as an extension of crane tracks or moving some equipment, cost CZK 150 million.

The new crane replaces the obsolete one with a load capacity of 250 tons, which was in operation for over 20 years. "BOF steelplant has two charging cranes, which are exposed to enormous stress, especially when charging pig iron into the converter. There overheat and thus faster wear and aging of material of supporting crane girders occur," says Jan Czudek, the Investment Director adding that the converters are the core facility of the company. " We do not envision exchanging the second crane yet, since the exchanged crane is used mainly for charging the pig iron, the second crane is designed primarily for charging the scrap to the converter. Therefore, it is not exposed to such loads, as the first one and its condition is better," the Director added.

The crane track is as long as wide, i.e. about 19 meters; the crane uses 10 wheels on each side for its movement. The crane itself weighs 375 tons. Weight of ladle filled with pig iron is around 250 tons.

The investment policy of the Trinecke zelezarny – Moravia Steel Group has increasingly focused on reconstruction of production facilities and introduction of modern and environmental projects. Since 1997, Trinecke zelezarny has already invested more than CZK 13 billion, while environmental projects cost over CZK 4 billion. Last year, the company invested CZK 1.01 billion, whilst the most significant project was the modernization of coiling lines "Garret" for winding coils on light section mill.

16.7.2009