【In-depth Discussion on Modular Installation of HaiChuan】Sinopec Refining’s Largest Steel Structure Module Successfully Hoisted
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On August 21, after more than 2 hours of meticulous work, the steel structure for the 55-meter to 90-meter levels of the coal gasification framework – the largest modular steel structure in the COSCO project – was successfully lifted into place. This paved the way for the comprehensive installation of piping systems in the unit’s gasification section and for completing the construction by the end of the year.
The installation and completion of the gasification framework for grinding is a key construction phase in coal-to-hydrogen plants. This steel structure is composed of four modules; the largest of these modules is 33 meters long, 11 meters wide, 19 meters high, and weighs around 346 tons – making it the largest steel structure module in the CAS project. This modular installation method using frame components significantly reduces the installation time compared to traditional tower cranes or truck cranes, which require assembling each beam on site one by one, while also lowering the risk of workers working at heights. To ensure the safe and steady placement of the four steel structure modules, Sinopec Shipping Company developed a safe and reliable lifting construction plan. Taking into account the conditions of the existing mechanical equipment as well as the lifting gear, a 2,000-ton crawler crane with a main boom of 84 meters was used for lifting. Through the joint efforts of various participating units such as the Science and Technology Project Department, Huaxia Supervision, Ningbo Engineering, and Shandong Junhui, the framework was ready for lifting on August 20, thereby buying time for subsequent work.
It is understood that during the lifting operations for the gasification unit of this coal-to-hydrogen plant, in addition to lifting and installing 4 large steel structure modules, 9 pieces of equipment will also be lifted, including 3 pulverized coal filters, 2 pulverized coal storage tanks, 2 filter housings, and 2 air receivers. The total weight of all equipment to be lifted is nearly 1,500 tons, with completion expected by August 25th.
The lifting process showed that the center of gravity was off – either the COG was incorrect or the lengths of the lifting straps were different, and no lifting beam was used either.
There should be adjustments to the chain hoist; steel structures don’t require lifting beams, right?
It depends on the project standards; of course, the cost increases significantly, but the safety factor improves as load tests are conducted on the whole system. However, in such cases, the margin for safety is usually quite large.
There’s a balance beam for lifting equipment that can be used; after all, it’s not good either if the angle of the steel cables is too large
The lifting height also needs to be taken into consideration; the height of this tower is already quite high