Automated Crane Enhances Safety at Nuclear-Waste Facility

Overhead Crane Ensures Precise Positioning of Loads, Shields Operators from Exposure

APPLICATION:  

Automated Overhead Crane

INDUSTRY:

Nuclear-Waste Handling and Disposal

KEY COMPONENTS:

• Hoist
• Bridge
• End Trucks
• Encoders
• Electrical Components
• Customized Controls with remote operator interface

BUSINESS ISSUE:
To reduce the risks involved in processing nuclear waste, a HAN-TEK customer wanted an automated system that would allow an operator working outside the “hot cell” to remotely direct an overhead crane to position drums of waste in precise locations. The mandates: The automated crane would need to position loads within a half-inch tolerance, and the entire system would need to fit in a space allowing only 27.5 inches of headroom.

SITUATION:
The customer, a global engineering and construction company providing services and products to a broad range of utilities and other industries, operates a plant that receives and processes radioactive waste for disposal.

Working with a highly restrictive headroom of 27.5 inches, HAN-TEK developed an overhead crane that can position a load in any spot bounded by a 27-foot runway and 16-foot bridge. So sophisticated are the HAN-TEK system’s customized controls that a load can be positioned within a quarter-inch tolerance – exceeding the customer’s requirement of half-inch tolerances.

Consistent with the customer’s specs, HAN-TEK programmed seven preset positions into the system. Using a touch screen, an operator can easily reprogram up to 200 preset positions.

In addition to the safety advantages of a remote control center, the HAN-TEK automated crane functioning improves on typical cranes in several ways. Tight positioning tolerances avoid the time-consuming, trial-and-error jogging typical of manual crane operation. Further, the crane’s variable-speed drives – which allow speeds of up to 25 feet per minute – generate smooth accelerations and decelerations, minimizing the hook swing synonymous with manual crane operation. Precise positioning is crucial when dealing with highly dangerous materials.

CUSTOMER VALUE:

• Safety. The operator runs the HAN-TEK Automated Crane remotely, working outside 2-foot-thick walls enclosing the hot cell. In case of power failure, the crane will stop in a safe position and a brake will secure the load. Once power is restored, the operator restarts the system using the remote control panel.
  
• Precision. The HAN-TEK Automated Crane positions drums within a quarter-inch of the desired locations, exceeding the customer’s requirement. Variable-speed drives provide smooth acceleration and deceleration, minimizing the swing of the crane’s hook and enhancing the precision of load placement.
  
• Compactness. The HAN-TEK Automated Crane operates with only 27.5 inches of headroom – less than a typical crane.
  
• Flexibility. The operator of the HAN-TEK system can choose from among seven preset locations, or can program up to 200 new locations as needed.
  
• Ease of maintenance. Controls for the HAN-TEK Automated Crane are accessed easily in a safe area, enhancing maintenance and reprogramming capabilities.
  
• Compliance. HAN-TEK provides proof of compliance with all codes governing nuclear-waste management.

To learn more about HAN-TEK crane, hoist, or other solutions, contact HAN-TEK at 800-836-0237 or email sales at Sales@HAN-TEK.com.

HAN-TEK, Inc., an ISO 9001:2000 registered company, headquartered in Victor, New York
(suburban Rochester), customizes advanced automation technology to optimize
manufacturing-assembly and product-distribution systems. Founded in 1961, HAN-TEK
specializes in overhead cranes, integrated conveyors, and systems automation and controls.