Have you ever wondered how some of the most complex and heavy equipment in nuclear power plants is installed with such precision? In China, several top-notch factories specialize in producing polar cranes, the giants of the nuclear industry. Let’s take a look at the leading polar crane manufacturers in China and what sets them apart.

Rail for polar crane installed at Xudabao 3

CNNC installs polar bridge crane at Zhangzhou Nuclear …

Product Details: The polar crane bridge, measuring 45.5 metres long, 15.2 metres wide, and 8.37 metres high, and weighing about 418 tons, was lifted into place using a 3200-ton crawler crane. It is located on a circular rail and can rotate 360 degrees. The crane is used to install key components of the reactor and the main circulation pump, as well as for reactor refueling and various lifting services during equipment maintenance. The bridge and its components were assembled on the ground and then lifted as a single unit, a new installation technique adopted to simplify the process.

Pros:
– Improves construction efficiency by reducing the time required for installation…
– Simplifies the complex disassembly and assembly process of lifting and installin…
– Enhances safety by minimizing the amount of demanding work high above ground.
– Lays a solid foundation for the subsequent commissioning of major equipment and…

Cons:
– No specific cons mentioned in the article.

Nuclear Island Polar Crane

Bridge installed for Zhangzhou plant’s polar crane

Product Details: The Hualong One is a Generation III nuclear reactor designed by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and China General Nuclear (CGN). It has a power output of 1170 MWe gross and 1090 MWe net, with a 60-year design life. The reactor uses a combination of passive and active safety systems and features a double containment structure. It has a 177 assembly core design with an 18-month refuelling cycle and a high utilisation rate of 90%.

Pros:
– Meets the highest international safety standards with active and passive safety…
– High utilisation rate of 90%.
– Long design life of 60 years.
– Domestic production of about 85% of its components.

Cons:
– Limited international deployment experience compared to older reactor designs.
– Dependence on specific supply chains which might differ between CNNC and CGN ver…

Lifting appliances for nuclear power plant

Product Details: The lifting appliances for nuclear power plants produced by DHHI are designed for thermal power plants with capacities ranging from 300,000kW to 1,000,000kW. These appliances have secured a domestic market share of over 90%. The products include lifting equipment for both 600,000kW closed-type and open-type power plants. DHHI’s lifting appliances are integral to the safe and efficient operation of nuclear power facilities, encompassing main and auxiliary equipment such as cranes, hoists, and other specialized lifting devices.

Pros:
– High domestic market share of over 90%, indicating reliability and market trust.
– Designed for a wide range of thermal power plant capacities, offering versatilit…
– Integral to the safe and efficient operation of nuclear power facilities.

Cons:
– No specific details on energy efficiency or environmental impact are provided.
– Limited information on maintenance and after-sales service for these appliances.

Nuclear polar cranes

NuCrane Manufacturing Ships First AP1000® Polar Crane …

First Polar Crane Bridge Completes Integral Hoisting at …

Product Details: The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) oversees state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in China, focusing on their reform, development, and high-quality growth. Key areas include promoting technological innovation, strategic restructuring, and professional integration. SOEs play a crucial role in national security, the lifeblood of the national economy, and people’s lives, with over 70% of their operating income coming from these sectors. They have also been involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, with overseas assets reaching nearly 8 trillion yuan across over 8,000 projects in more than 180 countries and regions.

Pros:
– Strong economic performance with total assets increasing to 259.3 trillion yuan…
– High-quality development through technological innovation and strategic restruct…
– Significant contributions to national security, the economy, and people’s lives.
– Effective in easing steel overcapacity and meeting energy conservation and emiss…
– Active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and overseas projects.

Cons:
– Dependence on state policies and support which can be subject to changes in gove…
– Potential risks and challenges in international operations, including foreign ri…
– High energy consumption and environmental impact, although efforts have been mad…

Nuclear polar cranes

CNNC Installs Fully Assembled Polar Crane Bridge at …

Product Details: The product in question is the polar crane bridge installed at the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Fujian province, China. The polar crane is located on a circular rail and can rotate 360 degrees. It is used to install key components of the reactor and the main circulation pump. The crane bridge is 45.5 meters long, 15.2 meters wide, 8.37 meters high, and weighs about 418 tons. It was installed as a single unit using a 3200-ton crawler crane, marking the first time this method has been used in China.

Pros:
– The new assembly technology simplifies the process of installing the polar crane…
– The installation of the polar crane as a single unit improves construction effic…

Cons:
– No specific cons are mentioned in the article regarding the polar crane bridge i…
– The article does not discuss any potential drawbacks or challenges associated wi…

Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions About Polar Crane Factories in China

What is the purpose of a polar crane in a nuclear power plant?

A polar crane is a crucial piece of equipment in a nuclear power plant, located at the top of the reactor building. It is used to install heavy equipment, perform reactor refueling, and handle various lifting tasks during maintenance. This crane is essential for the safe and efficient operation of the plant.

How are polar cranes typically installed in Chinese nuclear power plants?

In China, polar cranes are often installed using a combination of traditional and innovative methods. Traditionally, components are assembled on the ground, lifted into place separately, and then reassembled. However, newer techniques involve lifting the entire bridge of the polar crane as one piece, which simplifies the process and improves efficiency.

Which companies are involved in manufacturing and supplying polar cranes to Chinese nuclear power plants?

Companies like Westinghouse Electric Company, through its subsidiary NuCrane Manufacturing, and other global suppliers such as Konecranes, play significant roles in manufacturing and supplying polar cranes to Chinese nuclear power plants. Local Chinese companies, including those affiliated with China National Nuclear Corporation, are also key players in this industry.

What safety features are incorporated into polar cranes used in Chinese nuclear power plants?

Polar cranes used in Chinese nuclear power plants are designed with stringent safety standards. They often include features like single failure proof technology, which prevents accidental load drops even during a total power loss. These cranes also comply with international safety requirements and regulations, ensuring reliable and safe operation.

How do polar crane factories contribute to job creation and economic development?

The manufacturing of polar cranes contributes significantly to job creation and economic development, both locally and internationally. For example, the production of these cranes in the U.S. supports thousands of jobs across multiple states and fosters long-term cooperative relationships between the U.S. and China, promoting economic growth and infrastructure development in both countries.