/INS.Konecranes South Africa was commissioned to erect the main turbine hall cranes for the three new Eskom power generation plants in South Africa. Medupi and Kusile are the two latest coal-fired power stations from Eskom, and Ingula is its most recent hydroelectric power plant. Altogether, four 120/50t cranes and two 265t overhead cranes were installed at these power stations.

Cranes and other lifting equipment are an important aspect at power generation plants, especially during the erection phase and in the maintenance process. To attend the unique demands of the power industry, cranes and lifting equipment must be able to operate in demanding environments with precision, safety, and absolute reliability. Konecranes provides lifting solutions for all types of power plants — from a traditional coal power plant to a massive hydro power plant or a remote wind farm.

Konecranes designs and manufactures a broad range of suitable equipment to cover the specific needs of the various types of power generation facilities. Konecranes lifting solutions provide reliable service, promote reaching higher uptime and lower life time costs, as well as increase safety.

Wide product range tailored to customers’ needs

Furthermore, Konecranes customizes the cranes to deliver the utility and features required for the productive operation of a power generation facility. The range comprises, among others:

•    Turbine hall cranes that facilitate the installation and accurate adjustment of turbines, generators, and auxiliaries
•    Coal handling cranes with clamshell buckets
•    Compact, lightweight chain hoists that provide fast hoisting speeds inside wind turbine nacelles
•    Intake gantry cranes for lifting the gates of hydroelectric dams
•    SMARTON® maintenance cranes
•    CXT® cranes for workshops, as well as jib cranes and monorails for smaller lifting tasks

Apart from the wide range of lifting equipment, Konecranes also offers patented Smart Solutions. These technologies include Sway Control, Micro Speed, and Inching that simplify crane operation, elevating safety and productivity.

Konecranes also greatly lowers the risk of equipment breakdowns through preventive maintenance programs that are customized to operational requirements. Konecranes’ patented TRUCONNECT® Remote Monitoring and Reporting service, for example, continually keeps track of the usage and condition of the lifting equipment.

Konecranes created high-value applications to cover the needs of the different kinds of power facilities.

Hydro Power Cranes — Highest life-cycle value

Konecranes provides cranes for hydro power plants, such as turbine hall cranes, intake, and draft tube gantry cranes. The product range varies with hydro power stations cranes for up to 1000 tons and with maintenance and workshop cranes for 1 to 80 tons.

Thermal Power Cranes — Application design based on requirements

Konecranes provides cranes for all kinds of thermal power plants, such as turbine hall cranes and boiler room cranes and hoists. The product range varies with thermal power stations cranes for up to 1000 tons and with maintenance and workshop cranes for 1 to 80 tons.

Wind turbine electric chain hoist — Optimizing the space

Konecranes supplies a light-weight and compact electric hoist for wind turbine applications. The tXN Electric Chain Hoist is mounted within the nacelle of the turbine. Using the hoist for service applications allows maintenance staff to safely raise and lower turbine appliances for repair or replacement.

“In addition, Konecranes offers maintenance services as well as spare parts, and also modernizations of all makes of cranes and hoists”, says John MacDonald, Service, Sales & Marketing Director of Konecranes Southern Africa. “Worldwide service experience by Konecranes results in huge buying power, leading to competitive prices and the ability to supply parts expediently straight from our Parts Distribution Centre in Johannesburg.”

Image caption 1: Konecranes provides lifting solutions for all types of power plants.© Konecranes

Image caption 2: Konecranes provides lifting solutions for all types of power plants.© Konecranes

Image caption 3: Konecranes provides lifting solutions for all types of power plants.© 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
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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