CRS CraneSystems champions hazardous coal dust environment

The crane was installed into a hazardous Class 2, Division 1 Group F coal dust environment and the client also needed maintenance access to all of the crane components (motors, panels, etc.), as there was no space for man-lifts below the cranes.

Here, Chris Roots, VP sales, new equipment, CRS CraneSystems Canada, tells us more about his role within the company and the project.

“As a very congested site it limited the size of the building so the crane had to be customized to ensure the crane hooks could reach all of the process equipment that needed to be lifted by the crane for maintenance,” said Roots.

“The main trolley unit was customized to include all of the hazardous-rated electrical controls mounted on the trolley, instead of the crane girder mounted service platform. This helped to improve the hook approaches at the end of the runway. The trolley was fully decked with handrails around the perimeter for safe maintenance access to all controls and hoist components.

“CRS added a 15 ton pneumatically operated auxiliary hoist instead of an electric unit due to its smaller physical size to meet a 350mm hook approach towards the runway rail. The pneumatic hoist was incorporated into the crane electrical control system via a radio remote controlled air solenoid. Due to the space limitations, CRS provided IGUS Energy chain systems for electrical power and air supply along the 60m length of the runway and across the crane bridge.