Nuclear polar cranes

Konecranes nuclear polar crane
Konecranes nuclear polar crane

Next step in the evolution of design

Polar cranes are used for fuel assembly and reactor head removal and replacement. Used to handle multipurpose lifting needs, polar cranes are comprised of a main hoist, auxiliary hoist, maintenance jib crane, and containment inspection man lift. These cranes can perform various maintenance and operational duties while providing optimal quality and safety. Polar cranes operate on a circular runway located near the spring line of the containment/reactor building. These cranes are primarily used to removal and replacement of the reactor head, as well as during the refueling outages.

Konecranes polar cranes are designed for multipurpose usage that maximizes operational capability by combining numerous lifting features into a single compact and weight-efficient trolley.

  • Single failure proof hoist assembly
  • Seismic durability classification
  • Emergency retrieval system
  • Nuclear quality compliant
  • Telescoping maintenance lift for reactor dome maintenance and inspection
  • Single failure proof main hoist for critical lifts
  • Redundant travel motors
  • Removable operator console
  • Dual bridge encoder
  • Continuous-duty variable frequency motor drive
  • Fail-safe operator controls
  • Electric cable reels for cameras and sensors
  • Pneumatic cable reels for grapple operation
  • Full bridge walkways 
  • Power rotational mast 
  • Stainless steel mast and fuel grapple
  • Single failure proof design provides improved safety with redundancy in all critical components.
  • Optimized dead weight supports building structural cost savings.
  • Modular electrical enclosure designed for quick maintenance.
  • 360-degree circular movement with end carriages design for wheel and axle load-drop protection.
  • Longer wheel and rail lifetime due to forged steel wheels with precision bearing housing. 
  • Precise positioning with absolute encoders.
  • Precise movements and automated positioning with continuous-duty variable frequency motor drive.
  • Dual bridge encoder provides safe and accurate alignement.
  • Full bridge walkways provide operator safety and ease of maintenance.

Our knowledge sets us apart

We take pride in being able to offer our customers a complete line of products and services for virtually every type of lifting equipment relevant to the nuclear industry. We can expertly provide all nuclear material handling equipment, service, and equipment modernization needed in nuclear power plants, nuclear waste storage and fuel processing facilities including the most critical safety-related lifting equipment. Get in touch with our experts using the form below to learn more about our offering for the nuclear industry.

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