Guay uses Modulift spreaders to lift kiln sections

Initially the six pieces were assembled in pairs at ground level before the resulting sections were lifted and assembled in three subsequent lifts. Two were carried out by a Manitowoc 16000 MAX-ER and the other by a Manitowoc 2250. Lifting operations concluded with a tandem lift utilising both cranes to align the three sections in their final positions.

A pair of MOD 250/300 beams was used at spans of approximately 40ft (12m) for each lift, including the heaviest kiln section that was 618,000 lbs. and 85ft in length. The Manitowoc 16000 was rigged with a 177ft boom and 332,000 lbs plus 120,000 lbs counterweight, with 511,400 lbs on the wheeled MAX-ER.

The Manitowoc 2250, meanwhile, had a boom length of 170ft in Series 3 with 249,200 lbs plus 120,000 lbs counterweight. Both cranes worked at approximately 30ft radius to lift the heaviest loads.

In order to lift the sections to their final positions at the right angle, rigging equipment had to be adjusted according to the centre of gravities, as calculated during the planning stages of the project.

Lifting operations were carried out in early spring but equipment still had to withstand extreme weather on the Canadian coast, including heavy snowfall.

Rafael Palomar, team leader of Guay’s technical department, said: “Our scope of work for the project covered all lifting-related requirements, including selection of cranes and rigging equipment, ground preparations and logistics, in addition to lift coordination and supervision. Given the demands of the project combined with the weather, selecting suitable, durable equipment was essential to delivering our commitment to the landmark project.”

The plant is scheduled for completion later this year. McInnis has reported that it will be a ‘model of environmental performance’, meeting the highest standards in the world.