Challenges and Safety in Erection and Commissioning of 280/85 Tons Single Failure Proof EOT Crane at PFBR

Abstract

The Electric overhead traveling (EOT) crane installed in Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), Reactor Containment Building (RCB) is the largest capacity EOT crane installed in any nuclear power plants in India with some unique features of its own. It has been built with a single failure proof concept which is one of the prime requirements of a nuclear facility as per the standards of NUREG/IS. It is a double bridge girder type; the girder used in this crane is a single structure having a length of 34.8m without any joints as designed by IGCAR/BHAVINI (first of its kind). The span of the EOT crane is 33.4m and installed at a height of 42m from the ground level with the lifting height of 42.5m. This crane was manufactured by an Indian company M/s. UNIQUE CRANE, NASIK. Two hooks (280 tons / 85 tons) are connected in the same trolley sharing the Long Travel (LT). Load testing of the complete crane was done at factory before transporting it to PFBR site. The components of the crane were assembled in PFBR site. The erection methodology adopted was distinct w. r. t the site condition, as the components which were handled were very heavy, available space for installation was restricted and the head room was also very less. This erection has been completed successfully and very safely without any notable incidents. This activity is a biggest achievement / milestone in the nuclear industry in India. Later the EOT crane was commissioned, load tested with 350 tons load (negligible deflection) and being operated successfully without any incidents so far. This was achieved by accurate erection procedure, stringent Quality Assurance Plan (QAP), Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and Safe Operation Procedure (SOP). Many challenges were faced during manufacturing, testing, erection and load testing at site. This paper deliberates those challenges.