Manitowoc 2250 fitted with new jib to complete containment shelter work at Chernobyl

18 May 2016

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A Manitowoc 2250 crane has been fitted with a new luffing jib to complete containment shelter work at the disused Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine.

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 ringerattachment.

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.

Jean-Claude Guiter, key accounts director at Manitowoc, has been involved with the project at Chernobyl, said: "Working in such demanding conditions means that our engineering capabilities are continuously tested. "Adding the luffing jib to the Manitowoc 2250 is just one example of how we're continually reviewing performance on the project to see what's more can be done. Giving the extra reach to the Manitowoc 2250 has boosted its productivity while continuing to ensure the lifting work stays on schedule for this phenomenal project."

Consideringthe high levels of radioactivity, the giant new safe confinement structure is being built 180m away and it will be moved on tracks into its final position. This structure will be the biggest of its kind in the world, the company says.

In order to satisfy safety requirements, employees need to complete a training program and pass strict health checks before working on the jobsite. Additionally, to enter the exclusion zone near reactor number four, workers have to wear a full-body suit and breathing apparatus plus a dosimeter, which measures levels of radioactivity exposure. 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, explained, "the erection of the three MD 485 B tower cranes was our biggest challenge as they have been erected near reactor number four".

"Since levels of radiation increase with height, we had to plan and prepare every stage of the crane assembly in advance," he 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.

The Potain cranes include four MR 605 B luffing jib models, three MD 485 B units and one MD 345 B units.
The giant new safe confinement structure is being built 180m away due to high levels of radioactivity.
A Manitowoc 2250 crane has been fitted with a new luffing jib to complete containment shelter work at Chernobyl nuclear power plant.