Increased lifting capacity of overhead crane at ArcelorMittal Ghent

ArcelorMittal, a large steel producer, asked Iv to verify the planned increase in the lifting capacity of an overhead crane from 1967. The crane was initially designed for 350 tonnes but had previously been modified to 400 and later to 420 tonnes. ArcelorMittal wanted to ascertain whether the capacity could be further increased to 437 tonnes. Iv carried out a check to see if this extra capacity was possible. Every component in the lifting system was analysed, from the electric motors to the lifting hooks. Among other factors, the strength and durability of the components were examined, with due consideration given to the future.

The overhead crane had to be able to lift a ladle of molten steel weighing over 437 tonnes, so safety was paramount. ArcelorMittal requested this weight increase because the company wanted to add a lid to the ladle to reduce heat loss. Iv collected all the necessary data and performed an extensive check to confirm whether the upgrade was possible. The complexity of the life analysis was mainly due to the arrangement of multiple gearboxes in series, which resulted in many possible load combinations, each of which had to be analysed individually to ensure the reliability and safety of the system.

Iv concluded that an increase to 437 tonnes was feasible and completed the project within the set time. The follow-up project included the design of the lifting mechanism to lift the lid.