New jib for Chernobyl crawler

The 2250 was installed in 2012, joining eight Potain cranes while a further Manitowoc 2250 arrived in 2013.

The 2250 can offer a 272t capacity and it can be increased up to 450t with a Max-er capacity enhancing attachment or up to 1.300t with a ringer attachment.

This crane was fitted with a 21.3m luffing jib on top of the 61m of main boom and it is being used to carry out a number of difficult lifts that require the placement of building materials inside the containment shelter. The containment shelter represents a unique engineering project, comprising a shell measuring 257m wide by 110m tall that will cover the existing object shelter.

In order to prevent the release of radioactive material from the present shelter, the new safe confinement structure is made from a huge steel frame and a stainless steel roof weighing more than 29,000t.

The Potain cranes include four MR 605 B luffing jib models, and three MD 485 B units and one MD 345 B units, both of which are from the line of regular top-slewing cranes. The cranes were all supplied by Novarka, a consortium formed by French construction companies Bouygues TP and Vinci Grand Projects.

Considering the high levels of radioactivity, employees need to complete a training program and pass strict health checks before working on the jobsite. The crane cabs in close proximity to the Objects Shelter have been reinforced and fitted with lead protection, which acts as a shield against radiation.

Volker Rodenbeck, supervisor for Manitowoc Crane Care, said: “We did as much of the assembly work as possible before shipment to the erection area, to minimize the time workers needed to spend in areas of higher radiation. To fit the luffing jib on the Manitowoc 2250 we were able to handle the work between the construction area for the new shelter and reactor number four.”

The ground preparation on the New Safe Confinement project began in 2011 and is scheduled to be completed in 2017.