- Apr 29, 2025
- Case Studies
50/15 ton Ladle Overhead Canes for Pakistan Steel Mill
Yuantai Crane supplied two overhead cranes (50/15T and 30/15T) to a Pakistani steel mill, designed for operations at up to 50°C.
A leading steel mill in Karachi, Pakistan, required a specialized ladle crane to handle molten metal transfer between blast furnaces and casting stations. The crane needed to manage 150-ton ladles at temperatures exceeding 1,600°C while adhering to Punjab HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) regulations. Key challenges included frequent power fluctuations and airborne particulate matter from steelmaking processes.
Product We Provided
After communication between the two parties, we determined the customer's needs and issued the following plan:
1. Steel Mill Overhead Crane (without main beam)
Double Girder Overhead Crane with hook
- 30/15T-24M H=14/16M
- Power supply: 400V 50Hz 3Phase
- Working condition: regular use, scrap steel straddles scrap steel
- Ambient temperature: 50℃
- Working level: A7
2. Ladel Overhead Crane
- 50/15T-24M H18/20M;
- Power supply: 400V 50Hz 3Phase
- Working condition: furnace room, lifting ladle
- Ambient temperature: 50℃
- Working level: A7
Technical Specifications And Custom Design
The Yuantaicrane ladle overhead crane was engineered with:
- Safety Margin:125% of rated capacity.
- Heat Protection: Refractory-lined hook block and ceramic-coated wire ropes.
- AC motors with UPS backup for 30-minute emergency operation.
- Control Features: Anti-sway automation and variable-speed hoisting for precise ladle positioning.
- Fail-Safes: Dual braking (mechanical + electromagnetic) and load cell-based overload protection.
- Emergency Protocols: Battery-powered ladle descent system activated during grid failures.
- Monitoring: Infrared thermography detected abnormal heat buildup in critical components.
Maintenance Protocols For Harsh Environments
Since the steel mill is located in a harsh environment with extremely high temperatures and dusty working environment, regular maintenance of the crane contributes to the long-term stability and safe operation of the equipment.
1. Regular Inspections
Routine inspections are essential to detect issues early and prevent failures. Key areas to focus on include:
- Structural Integrity: Check the crane's bridge, trolley, and end trucks for wear, corrosion, or heat-induced damage.
- Mechanical Parts: Examine gears, bearings, and pulleys for wear, misalignment, or unusual noises.
- Electrical Systems: Inspect motors, wiring, and control panels for overheating or damage, ensuring heat-resistant cables are intact.
- Wire Ropes and Hooks: Look for abrasion, corrosion, or cracks, replacing any compromised components immediately.
Regular inspections mitigate risks and ensure compliance with safety standards.
2. Lubrication
Proper lubrication reduces friction and wear, especially in high-temperature environments:
- High-Temperature Lubricants: Use specialized lubricants designed to withstand extreme heat.
- Frequent Application: Increase lubrication frequency due to rapid degradation in harsh conditions.
- Centralized Systems: If equipped, maintain centralized lubrication systems for consistent performance.
Lubrication extends component life and maintains operational efficiency.
3. Handling Harsh Environments
Ladle cranes face unique challenges from heat, dust, and molten metal exposure:
- Heat-Resistant Materials: Verify that cables, coatings, and insulation can endure high temperatures.
- Debris Removal: Clean dust and corrosive substances regularly to protect mechanical and electrical systems.
- Thermal Protection: Ensure thermal insulation on girders remains effective against heat radiation.
Specialized care safeguards the crane against environmental wear.
If you also have a need for a pouring crane, you can provide us with your lifting capacity, span and lifting height requirements, and we can provide you with a suitable lifting solution based on your needs. If you require another type of crane, we can provide that as well.
