Lifting equipment in the steel industry is subjected to the roughest conditions, especially extremely high and variable ambient temperatures, difficult and heavy loads, as well as ever-changing and grueling operations. Konecranes provides a wide range of reliable and versatile crane systems and other material handling solutions specially designed to operate under such extreme conditions.

Konecranes’ solutions offer high levels of flexibility, performance, and safety. They have been developed to meet the needs of the steel industry — from the raw material handling to the steelmaking, rolling and refining processes. No matter what type of steel should be managed, including slabs, coils, blooms, or tubes, Konecranes supplies all types of cranes, such as Ladle, Charging, Billet, Slab, Coil, Bar and Plate Handling, and Scrap Yard. The design conforms to the requirements of international and national standards; these cranes operate efficiently and safely in continuous use, without interruption.

Konecranes continually invests in research and development to ensure we offer the most effective and environmentally conscious lifting equipment for the steel industry on the market. We also design customized, customer-specific equipment to meet our customers’ unique requirements. Furthermore, our cranes can be equipped with automation function options, which, according to John MacDonald, Sales & Marketing Manager for Konecranes Southern Africa, enable safety and also lead to better productivity.

Intensive performance, flexibility and safety

Because of a higher risk level in transporting molten metal, special safety features are designed for the Ladle and Charging Cranes from Konecranes.

The main hoist mechanism of Konecranes Ladle Cranes includes redundant rope reeving, double service brakes on primary shafts, and backup brake acting on the rope drum. Rope equalizer beams are provided with a dampening unit to slow down equalizer beam tilting in case of wire rope failure. An upper emergency stop limit switch is also used in the main hoist. In addition, overload protection, main hoist overspeed supervision, and end limit switches are automatically standard features of the equipment.

Safety is also a key issue for the Konecranes Charging Cranes, together with a redundant control system and load-precise control. Advanced crane control features executed with modern automation technology help guide the operator in precise placement and safe transport of the load along its path. Charging Cranes are shielded from the flames and are designed to operate in high ambient temperature. Charging Cranes are applicable to include a higher lifting capacity for infrequent maintenance tasks such as lifting the furnace shell. Konecranes’ goal is zero unplanned downtime of these critical cranes.

Taking care of safety issues without reducing productivity

Konecranes Billet and Slab cranes feed the rolling mill and are, therefore, critical to its operation. Sometimes they incorporate a rotating trolley or a rotating loading device in order to position the product correctly in relationship to the conveyor. Slab and billet handling cranes must be able to handle radiant heat from the product. These are high production cranes with high speed requirements. Konecranes Sway Control is used for smooth, accurate positioning of the load and assists the operator in maximizing throughput.

The Billet Crane can be equipped with lifting magnets or with a billet tong in a case when billets are extremely hot. Furthermore, the Slab Cranes designed by Konecranes can be equipped with a mechanical or hydraulic tong for single or multi-slab handling.

Combining operating efficiency and protection of the coil

Konecranes Coil, Bar and Plate Handling Cranes are used to perform material handling in rolling mills, finishing mills, and storages. Sometimes these cranes incorporate a rotating trolley or rotating loading device in order to position the product correctly in relation to the plant layout.

Easily moving large amounts of scrap steel

Konecranes Scrap Yard Cranes can be equipped with lifting magnets, hydraulic grab or both together to move scrap steel from one place to another. To keep productivity at a high level, the traveling speed of the scrap yard cranes can go up to 140 m/min, and lifting capacity can be up to 40 metric tons with a loading device.

Dependable crane service for the steel industry

Konecranes maintains more cranes worldwide than any other company. As a global leader in overhead lifting equipment, Konecranes offers service on all makes and models of overhead cranes for diverse industry sectors, including the steel industry. Its service is focused on lowering costs through preventive maintenance and improving performance through better technology. The Konecranes service commitment includes a comprehensive offering for all makes and models of heavy-lifting equipment, including Inspections, Maintenance programs, Modernizations, Consulting and training, Spare parts services, Operator training, Crane Reliability Surveys, and 24-hour response, among others. In addition, Konecranes offers sophisticated TRUCONNECT Remote Services for on-line reporting and troubleshooting

Image caption 1: Konecranes Coil Handling Cranes.© Konecranes
            
Image caption 2: Konecranes Charging Cranes.© Konecranes
            
Image caption 3: Konecranes Magnet Cranes.© Konecranes

Konecranes is a world-leading group of Lifting Businesses™ offering lifting equipment and services that improve productivity in a wide variety of industries. The company is listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd (symbol: KCR1V). With over 12,000 employees at more than 600 locations in almost 50 countries we have the resources, technology and determination to deliver on the promise of Lifting Businesses™.

www.konecranes.co.za

Further information:

Konecranes PTY LTD South Africa
5 Jurie Street, Alrode, Alberton
P.O: Box 11713, Randhart 1457
John Macdonald, Service, Sales & Marketing Manager
E-mail: John.macdonald@konecranes.com or phone +27 11 864 2800

Lindy Nauta
E-mail: lindy@houtbaypr.co.za
Tel. +27 21 790 1198
Mobile +27 83 269 9545

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