Bigge on 544 tonne steam generator

Components for a power plant in Front Royal, Virginia, USA, have been installed by Bigge Crane & Rigging Co.

For the project, Bigge, working with Warren County Energy Partners, used two 580 US ton (526 tonne) strand jacks from an elevated girder system, to hoist the pieces into place. The jacks were propelled by an electric trolley.

The biggest piece to be lifted was a 544 tonne Mitsubishi steam generator. The units, including parts of the steam turbine, were moved using 185 feet (36.5 metres) of girder runway, which was set 60 feet (18 m) above the ground.

Due to the size of the site, precise planning had to be carried out. Commenting on the project planning, Josh McCord, Warren County Energy Partners planning manager, said, “It was great working with the design staff but, following it up with clear communication, planning and safe execution, was essential to a successful lift.”