At the end of February, a transformer core weighing around 108 tonnes was lifted out of the transformer tank by Felbermayr crane rental. The components were then dismantled and as far as possible sent for recycling. The crane operation took place at the Ernsthofen substation in Lower Austria.
The Austrian Power Grid substation at Ernsthofen, in Lower Austria, is one of four key network nodes in the Austrian power supply grid. A transformer that was 50 years old was removed at the end of February. In order to keep transport costs to a minimum, the voltage transformer had to be split into its component parts on the transformer base.
Crane operation for dismantling
However, as Felbermayr project manager Franz Brunbauer reports, the dimensions and the heavy weight of the transformer core meant that the task of removal was not to be underestimated: “After examining various options, we decided to lift the transformer core from the tank using a double lift. Two cranes, rated at a maximum load of 200 and 250 tonnes, were used. However, before this could happen, the large rail-mounted, voltage transformer had to be moved about ten metres from its original location using grip hoists. “Only after this, could the 108 tonne core be lifted out of the chassis and set down in its original location.” As Franz Brunbauer explains, the original transformer location was designed with a leak proof oil pan underneath. As a result, final dismantling of the voltage transformer into its useful constituent parts could be carried out without endangering the environment.
Cranes, rated at a maximum load of 200 and 250 tonnes, were used for the double lift.
Cranes, rated at a maximum load of 200 and 250 tonnes, were used for the double lift.
Two cranes, rated at a maximum load of 200 and 250 tonnes, were used for the tandem lift.
Before the transformer core could be lifted out of the tank, the large rail-mounted, voltage transformer had to be moved about ten metres from its original location using grip hoists.
Before the transformer core was set down the base was covered with steel plates.
The transformer core is carefully slung from the bottom hook block.
Cranes, rated at a maximum load of 200 and 250 tonnes, were used for the lift.
Cranes, rated at a maximum load of 200 and 250 tonnes, were used for the lift.
Cranes, rated at a maximum load of 200 and 250 tonnes, were used for the lift.
A coordinator controls the interaction between the two cranes.
The components of the transformer core, weighing some 108 tonnes, were subsequently dismantled and as far as possible sent for recycling.
The Austrian Power Grid substation at Ernsthofen, in Lower Austria, is one of four key network nodes in the Austrian power supply grid.
The Austrian Power Grid substation at Ernsthofen, in Lower Austria, is one of four key network nodes in the Austrian power supply grid.
