The factory that builds itself
22 January 2018Enerpac Heavy Lifting Technology has recently developed a Self Erecting Facility Hall (SEFH) for power generation plants that lack an on-site workshop, and manufacturing sites needing additional capacity.
The hydraulically activated, 12.7m high SEFH features a heavy lift strand jack and ancillary crane, and is ideal for locations inaccessible to large cranes.
Many power generation plants in Africa and the Middle East are without the on-site maintenance facilities needed to handle servicing of 12m long, 3m diameter turbine rotors weighing up to 70t. In addition, space restrictions close to the turbine hall can rule out access for large cranes needed to lift the rotor for inspection, and replacement of worn rotor blades.
The Enerpac SEFH is designed to offer plant operators and contractors a temporary facility to conduct essential maintenance on turbine rotors.
As the SEFH is modular in construction, it can be readily assembled on-site, and contains a strand jack for lifting and up-ending the rotor, as well as a 10t overhead crane for changing the rotor blades and lifting ancillaries.
Weighing 130t and shipped in 19 shipping containers, the SEFH is 30m long and 21.7m wide, and comprises six side units that are bolted together in two blocks of three. A cherry picker can be used to assemble the side units, two mobile cross beams for the strand jack and ancillary crane respectively, and covered roof assembly. Both side walls can be raised simultaneously using the side units’ integral hydraulic jacks, and the side wall curtains added to provide a clean and weather protected work area
The strand jack and ancillary crane are mounted on rails allowing free movement along the entire length of the SEFH. When deployed to a power plant, the turbine rotor is brought into the SEFH, and the strand jack used to up-end the rotor by 90°, and suspend it for inspection and blade replacement.
“The Enerpac SEFH combines a heavy lift capability with a covered temporary work environment for applications where crane access is impractical,” said Jeroen Naalden, director, Enerpac Heavy Lifting Technology. “In projects so far it has performed well and is proving to be a valuable addition to the rotor service options for many gas power plants.”
