2nd AIST-IAS Crane Symposium
Conference Details: 23–25 October 2017 • Rosario, SF, Argentina
Conference Highlights: This second installment of the AIST-IAS Crane Symposium included 29 presentations over two days. The presentations focused on safe work practices and ergonomics, electrical, mechanical and structural maintenance techniques, crane inspection technologies, and best practices in electric overhead traveling (EOT) crane inspection and modernizations. Also included in the event was a tour of the steelmaking and the rolling facilities at Acindar (ArcelorMittal Group).
The event drew 139 attendees from eight different countries, representing plant maintenance staff; applications, electrical, mechanical, safety, service and design engineers; operations and maintenance personnel and management; as well as others who supply parts, equipment and services to the industry. There were 79 attendees who are crane users. Ternium Siderar, Acindar, Tenaris Siderca, Gerdau, Acerbrag, ArcelorMittal and Nucor Steel were all represented, as was Aluar Aluminio Argentino from the aluminum industry. The event was organized by the joint efforts of the AIST Cranes Technology Committee and the Instituto Argentino de Siderurgia.
Some of the highlight presentations were:
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“Remaining Lifetime Prediction of Structures and Components,” by Stijn Droessaert, ArcelorMittal Gent. By analyzing cracks, cycles, weld details and load histories in crane structural members, ArcelorMittal Ghent gained an understanding as to how to predict life expectancy of the crane. Initially tracked in an spreadsheet, these factors were used to calculate the percent chance of failure for the members. Eventually the system was connected to the on-line measurements already being taken via sensors. By reviewing the data collected, a better, more regular maintenance schedule was established. The system then maintains a history for each monitored component.
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“3D Interactive Virtual Safety Training Simulation,” by Chenn Zhou, Purdue University Northwest. By utilizing a 3D virtual world, safety training for employees can be conducted in fall protection, lockout/tagout, arc flash and confined space. By working with industry, a virtual reality world is created where the employee has to navigate through an area or perform a task safely. At the end, the employee is graded on how they safely performed the task.
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“Ore Bridge Upgrading,” by Albert Antonelli, Ternium. Ternium had purchased two ore bridge cranes from Japan. The cranes required extensive work to modernize the components. Some of the upgrades included: a safety shed for the operators, independent rooms for electrical components, corrosion abatement, joint reinforcement and stress abatement, and the installation of variable frequency drive systems. The steps taken to make these upgrades were reviewed in detail.
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“Variables Involved in the Calculation and Selection of Steel Wire Rope for Cranes,” by German Menne of IPH. Many factors should be considered when selecting wire rope for EOT cranes. Factors impacting the rope design include: applications, load factor, service life factor and service environment. These factors impact how the rope is constructed in terms of the wire wraps, the internal rope core and the quality of wire used. Information was also provided on matching the proper rope diameter to the sheave groove contour.