November 25, 2015 works on the west bridge jacking of the NSC main cranes system (MCS) were commenced in the new safe confinement installation area at ChNPP site.
The main cranes system is designed to perform the dismantling of unstable structures of the existing Shelter Object after the completion of NSC construction. MCS consists of:
• Two bridges 96 meters long each, moving along 6 rail tracks in the west-east direction at the level of + 82.000m;
• One standard carriage with a load capacity of 50 tons, which moves over the bridge in the north-south direction, the dead weight of the carriage is 60 tons;
• One secure carriage (with emergency winch) with a load capacity of 50 tons, moving over the bridge in the north-south direction. Its own weight is about 70 tons;
• One carriage equipped with a mobile tool platform (MTP). MTP weight is approximately 110 tons.
25 November 2015, the west bridge was lifted to 100 mm, testing activities of the jacking system were carried out, and geodetic works were performed. November 26-27, work was continued and now the west bridge is lifted to the height of over 30 meters.
MCS lifting will be performed in two stages. Lifting 1, which has already begun, comprising the west bridge, standard carriage and secure carriage, is scheduled to be completed in November this year. Lifting 2, comprising the east bridge and the mobile tool platform, is scheduled for March 2016.
MCS weight at the first lifting will be 825 tons, while at the second one – 813 tons.
Lifting activities and their accuracy are coordinated with the MCS manufacturer (PaR Systems, USA) the subcontractor for the lifting is VSL Company, Switzerland, which has 40 years of experience in heavy loads lifting worldwide.
