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 News Release
01 Aug 2006
Potain MD 3200 is key to recovering Chernobyl
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| A Potain MD 3200 tower crane at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Pripyat, Ukraine. |
High Resolution Photograph (173K)
A Potain MD 3200 tower crane is the key lifting apparatus in use for the
reinforcement of a collapsing wall at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, in
the town of Pripyat, Ukraine. The special application crane is instrumental in
the reinforcement of the existing wall and roof of Nuclear Reactor Number 4 –
the location of a major accident 20 years ago. Two large beams have been
supporting the roof of the building but are resting on the structurally
unsound west wall of Reactor 4. The MD 3200 is lifting steel elements to
reinforce the wall.
On-site contractor and owner of the MD 3200 is UTEM, based in the Ukrainian
capital, Kiev. The UTEM crane operators are located 100 m (328 ft) from the
reactor and operate the crane by remote control from an anti-radiation
shelter. A number of cameras attached to the crane allow the operators to
monitor all lifting operations, while feedback screens show the precise
position of the load. The MD 3200 is able to travel to and from the power
plant wall on a 15 m (49 ft) wide, 100 m (328 ft) long track.
The MD 3200 can handle a maximum load of 80 t (88 USt) when rigged with six
falls of wire rope. The MD 3200 is fitted with 70 m (230 ft) of jib and it can
handle 39 t (43 USt) at its jib end. It has a height under hook of 72 m (236
ft) and is equipped with a 250 LCC 133 hoisting winch.
Gerard Vezant, sales director for special application cranes at MCG, said
Potain’s special application cranes were the perfect choice for this sensitive
project.
“To operate a tower crane of this size, from a remote location, and on such a
sensitive project requires incredibly close control, both on the part of the
operator and the crane,” he said. “The planning on this job has been
particularly involved, which is understandable given the location. However,
the MD 3200, together with the highly skilled team from UTEM, has performed
brilliantly. This project is a real showcase for the engineering excellence of
Potain and the talents of the UTEM engineers.”
Work began at the plant in June 2006 and will finish in December 2006, but the
MD 3200 arrived on site in late 2005 in preparation for the job. The MD 3200
is the first MCG crane the company has bought.
The Chernobyl Power Station is 68 miles (110 km) north of Kiev. The present
concrete containment covering, called a sarcophagus, is not an effective
permanent enclosure for the destroyed Reactor 4. Eventually, the plant will be
covered with a new sarcophagus.
About The Manitowoc Company
The Manitowoc Company, Inc. is one
of the world's largest providers of lifting equipment for the global
construction industry, including lattice-boom cranes, tower cranes, mobile
telescopic cranes, and boom trucks. As a leading manufacturer of ice-cube
machines, ice/beverage dispensers, and commercial refrigeration equipment, the
company offers the broadest line of cold-focused equipment for the foodservice
industry. In addition, the company is a leading provider of shipbuilding, ship
repair, and conversion services for government, military, and commercial
customers throughout the U.S. maritime industry.
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About The Manitowoc Company
The Manitowoc Company, Inc. is one of the world's largest providers of lifting equipment for the global construction industry, including lattice-boom cranes,tower cranes, mobile telescopic cranes, and boom trucks. As a leading manufacturer of ice-cube machines, ice/beverage dispensers, and commercial refrigeration equipment, the company offers the broadest line of cold-focused equipment for the foodservice industry. In addition, the company is a leading provider of shipbuilding, ship repair, and conversion services for government, military, and commercial customers throughout the U.S. maritime industry.
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