Have you ever wondered how the massive equipment in nuclear power plants gets installed? The answer lies in the impressive technology of polar cranes. In China, several factories are leading the way in manufacturing these crucial lifting machines. Let’s take a look at the top polar crane lift factories in China and see what sets them apart.

Bridge installed for Zhangzhou plant’s polar crane

Product Details: The bridge of the polar crane for unit 1 of the Zhangzhou nuclear power plant in East China’s Fujian province was lifted into place and installed as one whole piece on August 24. This is the first time the components of the bridge for a Hualong One unit have been hoisted as a whole. The polar crane is a significant piece of lifting equipment located on top of the reactor building, used to install heavy equipment and lighter loads, and for reactor refueling and various lifting services during equipment maintenance. The installation was carried out using a 3,200-ton crawler crane,

with components like electrical beams, non-electric beams, end beams, horizontal wheels, and a rotating mechanism assembled on the ground before being lifted and installed.

Pros:
– The new installation technique simplifies the complex disassembly and assembly p…
– This method greatly improves installation efficiency by avoiding the need for de…

Cons:
– The traditional method, although mature, requires a large amount of demanding wo…
– The traditional method involves disassembling the components after data measurem…

CNNC installs polar bridge crane at Zhangzhou Nuclear …

Product Details: The polar crane is located on a circular rail and can rotate 360 degrees. It is used to install the key components of the reactor and the inner dome, as well as for reactor refueling and various lifting services required in equipment maintenance. The bridge of the polar crane was lifted into place as a whole piece using a 3,200-ton crawler crane. Components like electrical beams, non-electric beams, end beams, horizontal wheels, and a rotating mechanism were assembled on the ground before being hoisted and installed.

Pros:
– Improves installation efficiency by simplifying the complex disassembly and asse…
– Reduces the amount of demanding work required high above ground.
– Enhances the overall installation process by adopting a new technique that analy…

Cons:
– The traditional method, although mature, involves disassembling components after…

Rail for polar crane installed at Xudabao 3

Product Details: Polar cranes are specialized cranes used in nuclear plants for the assembly and disassembly of reactor vessels during refueling operations. They operate on a large circular runway within the containment or reactor building, featuring a main hoist and auxiliary hoists. The RB polar crane, for example, has a rated capacity of 320 metric tons and is supported by a single trolley. It includes multiple safety features such as redundant limit switches, power circuit-limits, and balanced-load limit switches to ensure safe operation[1][4].

Pros:
– High lifting capacity, capable of handling extremely heavy loads, such as the 10…
– Multifunctionality, allowing for various tasks including refueling, maintenance,…
– Fail-safe operator controls and single failure proof hoist assembly ensure relia…
– Designed to withstand stringent environmental conditions, including seismic rest…

Cons:
– Complex and expensive to design, implement, and maintain due to the high precisi…
– Requires specialized training for operators and maintenance personnel[1][4].
– Installation and operation are heavily regulated, requiring strict compliance wi…

Lifting appliances for nuclear power plant

Product Details: The products of DHHI for lifting appliances in nuclear power plants include those for 300,000-1,000,000kW thermal power plants. These appliances have a domestic market share of over 90%. Specifically, DHHI provides lifting solutions for 600,000kW closed-type and open-type nuclear power plants. The equipment is designed to meet the stringent safety and reliability requirements of nuclear power facilities.

Pros:
– High domestic market share of over 90% for thermal power plants
– Designed to meet stringent safety and reliability requirements of nuclear power…

Cons:
– No specific details on international market performance or global competitivenes…
– Limited information on customization options or specific technical features

Nuclear polar cranes

Product Details: Konecranes nuclear polar cranes are designed for multipurpose usage in nuclear power plants, primarily for fuel assembly, reactor head removal and replacement, and various maintenance and operational duties. These cranes operate on a circular runway near the containment/reactor building and feature a main hoist, auxiliary hoist, maintenance jib crane, and containment inspection man lift. They are compliant with stringent international safety requirements, including 10CFR50 Appendix B, NQA-1, NUREG-0554, and NUREG-0612. The cranes are equipped with single failure proof hoist assembly, seismic durability classification, emergency retrieval system, and redundant travel motors. They also include features like telescoping maintenance lift, removable operator

console, dual bridge encoder, and continuous-duty variable frequency motor drive[2].

Pros:
– Improved safety with redundancy in all critical components and single failure pr…
– Optimized dead weight supports building structural cost savings
– Modular electrical enclosure designed for quick maintenance
– 360-degree circular movement with end carriages design
– Wheel and axle load-drop protection
– Longer wheel and rail lifetime due to forged steel wheels with precision bearing…
– Precise positioning with absolute encoders
– User-friendly and fail-safe operator controls
– Precise movements and automated positioning with continuous-duty variable freque…
– Safe and accurate alignment brought by dual bridge encoder
– Full bridge walkways for operator safety and ease of maintenance

Cons:
– High initial cost due to advanced and compliant design
– Complex installation and maintenance requirements
– Potential for material-specific failure modes, such as polymer creep over time,…

CNNC Installs Fully Assembled Polar Crane Bridge at …

Product Details: The World Energy Council provides various tools and reports to facilitate energy transitions. Key products include the World Energy Issues Monitor, Energy Trilemma Index, World Energy Scenarios, and the Dynamic Resilience Framework. These tools are designed to help energy leaders make strategic, policy, and business decisions.

Pros:
– Provides comprehensive insights from over 1,800 energy leaders and global expert…
– Helps in balancing energy security, equity, and environmental sustainability.
– Offers flexible, scalable, and adaptable tools for developing strategies.
– Enhances resilience and risk management in the energy sector.

Cons:
– Requires significant investment in infrastructure and new technologies.
– Faces challenges such as geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions.
– May have varying levels of investor confidence across different regions.

Zhejiang san ao Nuclear Power Project:Polar crane of unit …

Product Details: CGNP™ is a high purity nickel powder developed specifically for dissolving applications. It is produced by a unique carbonyl gas refining process at the Copper Cliff Nickel Refinery in Sudbury, Canada. The powder has a typical nickel content of >99.8%, with low iron and sulfur content. It is used in applications such as electroplating, Li-ion batteries, catalysts, and other demanding applications. CGNP™ is also used in metallurgical applications like welding. It is non-explosive and non-flammable, and it complies with the ISO 9001:2015 quality standard.

Pros:
– High purity nickel content (>99.8%)
– Low iron and sulfur content
– Fine, uniform size distribution for faster dissolution
– Non-explosive and non-flammable
– Preferred nickel feed for the production of nickel sulphamate
– Complies with ISO 9001:2015 quality standard

Cons:
– High carbon intensity (7.3 t CO₂e/t Ni as of 2020)
– Requires regular reassessment of carbon intensity

Sanmen-2 Polar Crane Lifted Into Place

Product Details: The Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant features the AP1000 reactor, a third-generation pressurized water reactor designed by Westinghouse. Key components include the Containment Vessel Bottom Head (CVBH), reactor pressure vessel, steam generators, and a polar crane. The polar crane, used for lifting heavy components like the CVBH and the containment vessel top head, is 38 meters long and crucial for the construction process. The AP1000 reactor has a gross power rating of 3,415MW and a nominal net output of 1,117MW, with a modular design and passive safety system[2][3][5].

Pros:
– Modular design allows for faster and more reliable construction
– Passive safety system enhances safety by functioning without electricity for up…
– Greater efficiency and easier operation compared to previous reactor designs
– Reduced construction risk due to factory-fabricated modules under repeatable qua…

Cons:
– High initial capital costs despite potential long-term savings
– Complexity in the initial setup and integration of various components
– Dependence on specialized manufacturing and construction facilities

World’s biggest crane lifts spectacular dome onto £26bn …

Nuclear Island Polar Crane

Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions About Polar Cranes in China

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

A polar crane is crucial for handling key components during the construction and maintenance of a nuclear power plant. It is used to lift parts of the reactor vessel, internal components, and other critical equipment. These cranes also play a vital role in fuel assembly, reactor head removal and replacement, and refueling outages.

How does a polar crane operate in a nuclear power plant?

A polar crane operates on a circular rail, allowing it to rotate 360 degrees. This flexibility enables it to access all areas of the reactor building. The crane is equipped with multiple lifting systems, including a main hoist, auxiliary hoist, maintenance jib crane, and containment inspection lift, making it a multipurpose tool for various operational and maintenance tasks.

What makes polar cranes safe and reliable?

Polar cranes are designed with safety and reliability in mind. They feature single failure proof technology, which almost entirely eliminates the risk of accidental load drops, even during a total loss of power. These cranes also comply with stringent international safety standards and are equipped with redundant systems, fail-safe controls, and advanced diagnostics to ensure continuous safe operation.

How has the installation process of polar cranes been improved in China?

Recently, a new technique has been adopted in China where the polar crane bridge and its components are assembled on the ground and then lifted into place as a single unit. This method simplifies the installation process, reducing the time required by 15 days compared to the traditional method of disassembling and reassembling the components on site.

Who are the key players involved in the construction and installation of polar cranes in China?

China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is a major player in the construction and installation of polar cranes in China. CNNC, often in partnership with other companies like China Guodian Corporation, oversees the entire process from design to installation, ensuring that the polar cranes meet the highest safety and operational standards.