Category Archive: News and Events Post
American Crane is thrilled to announce the installation of one of our innovative Underhung Crane Systems for Boeing in North Charleston, South Carolina. Calling on 40 years of experience, our entire team was able to design, manufacture, and install the 80-ton capacity custom Underhung Crane System. The system, whose runway alone boasts 3.6 million pounds of steel, includes a number of unique custom features that make it a landmark in our history of innovation:
- A complex yet easy-to-operate control system with infinite position possibilities that allows for the lifting of a wide variety of objects
- 14 bridges and 3 trolley carriers; with carrier ability to rotate +/- 180 degrees
- The operator chair is located in the carrier and comes with a large color touch screen that allows real-time information gathering.
- The system includes 1,216 bridge wheels and over 6 miles of flexible cables
To say that we are proud of Boeing’s new crane is a ridiculous understatement. It was truly a great combination of form and function, which we know, will give Boeing outstanding and consistent service for many years to come.
The Boeing South Carolina Facility Custom Crane System
American Crane & Equipment Corporation is located in Douglassville, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. American Crane is a custom crane supplier specializing in engineered products for aerospace, commercial nuclear, DOE nuclear, NRF, and automated systems, and is known for tackling unique “critical lift” applications. American Crane also performs repairs, inspections, retrofits, and on-site maintenance as well as the sale of spare parts and standard equipment.
This project included the design, manufacture and installation of an 80 ton capacity custom Underhung Crane System with multiple bridges. These bridges can be interlocked to allow the trolley (carrier) to be transferred from one bridge to another throughout the system. The 460 ft x 1000 ft building is designed without columns, which allows 100% accessibility from the crane system.
Crane System Description
American Crane manufactured and installed the overhead crane system used in the Boeing South Carolina 787 final assembly building. There are 14 interlocking underhung bridges on the building runways. Twelve of the bridges are suspended in the main hanger bay, which is 1000′ long and 460′ wide. The main bay houses four (4) 1000′ runways each containing three (3) bridges. There are two auxiliary runways, one above the West mezzanine and one above the East mezzanine, with an underhung interlocking bridge on each runway.
The heart of the crane system is the three (3) “carriers” the operators use to lift airplane components. The carriers can move anywhere in the hanger runway system by transferring from bridge to bridge. The operator can link up to three (3) adjacent bridges together to lift very wide loads (tandem carriers 300′ apart).There are also four (4) 75′ long fixed carrier runways above the Southwest mezzanine used for carrier maintenance. In addition, a moveable work platform is used for workers to perform inspections, maintenance, and repairs on the bridges and runways.
Each carrier is controlled by an operator’s chair which has 10 joysticks and numerous switches and pilot lights. The operator moves the bridge, from which the carrier is suspended, using one of the joysticks. The lower carrier structure rotates 370º. There are two hoist beams which move in and out and are suspended from the lower carrier structure. Each beam has two underhung hoists with each hoist movable along the beam. Including the bridge and the hoist, each of the four crane hooks is movable along six axes. The hoists can be used singularly or in any combination up to a maximum of four (4). Each bridge can hold two 40 ton capacity carriers.
Electrical Control System
Each bridge and carrier is controlled by an on-board PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The entire crane system is monitored by a separate Supervisory PLC installed in the maintenance area. This Supervisory PLC controls collision avoidance, emergency stop functions, and system status. Each axis of the six crane axes has an absolute positioning system accurate to 1/4”. The positioning system for the bridge and the carrier is a magnetic linear transducer type while all others use absolute rotary encoders. The Supervisory PLC also controls the adjacent linked bridges when multiple bridges are moved simultaneously. All crane inputs (limit switches, relays) and operator inputs are routed to the on-board PLC and mimicked to the Supervisory PLC. The on-board PLC then directs the motor controller (contactors or VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) in the appropriate crane movement. All the bridge E-Stop pushbuttons are hard-wired to the Supervisory PLC control panel through runway energy chain systems. The on-board bridge PLCs communicate to the Supervisory PLC through fiber optic industrial Ethernet cables also in the runway energy chain systems. The on-board bridge PLC relays the on-board carrier PLC communications to the Supervisory PLC. The on-board carrier PLC communicates to the bridge PLC via wireless industrial Ethernet waveguide system installed on each bridge.
The Supervisory PLC control panel is connected to a desktop PC with a color touch-screen monitor. This is the HMI (Human Machine Interface) for the operators and maintenance personnel to access the entire crane system status. Each carrier has an industrial integrated PC with a color touch-screen adjacent to the operator’s chair. This is the HMI for the operator to access individual crane (bridge & carrier) status dynamically and perform some high-level crane functions.
The bridges and carriers are powered by three phase 480 vac conductor bars which are installed on both the bridge runways and bridge girders. The bridges can be moved without a carrier using a local control panel with minimal pushbutton controls.
Project Highlights
- Crane system has 14 bridges and three (3) trolleys (carriers).
- The main runway is 460 ft x 1,000 ft for a total building coverage of 460,000 sq ft.
- Project was complex with an aggressive installation schedule.
- Large capacity (80 ton) for Underhung Crane System.
- The system has three (3) trolleys (carriers) which have the ability to rotate +/-180 degrees. Each trolley (carrier) features two (2) single girder beams supporting two (2) 10 ton hoists on each, four (4) hoists total. Each hoist has its own trolley allowing for movement in all directions.
- Controls system has infinite position possibilities providing precision control. This allows for lifting objects of various shapes and difficult centers of gravity. The supervisory PLC/PC is located in the “maintenance barn” and communicates to the bridge PLC via Ethernet fiber optic network (7,800 ft of fiber optic cabling). The carrier PLC communicates to the bridge PLC via wireless Ethernet waveguide system (1,530 ft of waveguide).
- The operator chair is located in the carrier and is complete with a color touch screen which provides critical real-time information about the crane systems to the operators.
- System includes 1,216 bridge wheels, 216 bridge bumpers, 76 bridge end trucks, and 250,000+ pieces of hardware (such as bolts, nuts and screws).
- Runway contains 3.6 million lbs of steel (1,800 tons).
- The crane system can connect four (4) bridges together, creating a bridge crane with a span of 460 ft.
- Six 130 ft bridges: 141,000 lbs of steel each.
- Six 100 ft bridges: 116,000 lbs of steel each.
- Two 75 ft bridges: 103,000 lbs each.
- Entire project over 5 million lbs (2,500 tons) of steel.
- Installation was completed by assembling the bridge on the floor. A custom lifting device aided in lift actions and also served as a transport structure.
- The bridge and carrier absolute position is determined by non-contact linear transducers which use uniquely placed magnets in the bars along the runways to produce the position within ½ inch. There is 9,680 ft of transducer bars along the runways and bridges.
- The bridge uses energy chain (flexible cable track) for the hardwired E-stops and fiber cables to connect to the building wiring at the supervisory PLC. The chain lies in a metal trough for support along the building runway. There are two multi-conductor cables in each chain for each bridge, and every cable includes 12 copper wires.
- Total length of bridge entry chain is 6,150 ft.
- Total length of trough is 11,550 ft.
- Total length of multi-conductor cable is 12,300 ft.
- Total length of individual wires is 147,600 ft.
- The carrier uses energy chain to connect the moveable components together. There are 146 multi-conductor cables on each carrier.
- Total length of carrier energy chain is 700 ft (each carrier).
- Total length of multi-conductor cable is 7,300 ft (each carrier).
- Total length of individual wires is 55,300 ft (each carrier).
- Total length of flexible cables for the bridges and the three (3) carriers: 34,200 ft (over six miles).
- Wire in those cables: 313,500 ft (almost 60 miles).
To learn more about our custom capabilities visit our Custom Engineered Material Handling Equipment and Aerospace pages.
For more information contact: Karen Norheim, Vice President of Marketing & IT
1-877-877-6778 Ext. 227 or email at knorheim@americancrane.com
We are excited to announce the completion of our custom designed 80 Ton Underhung Crane System installed at the new Boeing facility located in South Carolina. This facility was built to assemble the world’s first composite aircraft; the 787 Dreamliner. Our integrated crane system, which lifts the parts of this state-of-the-art aircraft, has unique structural and functional advantages.
Find out more in the article link below…
https://viewer.zmags.com/publication/562fc1e9#/562fc1e9/29
Over the past 40 years, American Crane has been involved with the innovative work of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Recently, despite budget cuts, NASA has been in the news with its groundbreaking Mars rover, Curiosity. This uptick in interest for space travel and exploration has renewed the public’s fascination with everything NASA. On top of all of this media interest, it also happens to be the 50th anniversary of the famed Kennedy Space Center. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the folks over at Google Maps have recently added a self-guided virtual tour of the historic facility as if it were just any other house-by-house neighborhood in America. Some of the highlights of the virtual tour include the Space Shuttle Launch Pad, the Vehicle Assembly Building, the Saturn V rocket, and the Atlantis Orbiter. The collection includes over 6,000 stunning panoramic images and you can take the tour anywhere you can get Google Maps.
Everyone at American Crane is thrilled and honored that we finally get to see some of the areas that otherwise have been safeguarded for years. It is also an affirming thing to know that without the kind of crane technology you can find at American Crane, few of NASA’s most ambitious projects would have ever have found their way off the launch-pad and into orbit. Take some time today to “experience” this amazing stimulated tour for yourself. It is truly worthwhile… and you might even see a crane or two!
There’s no two ways about it, the nuclear power industry is at best misunderstood. No one industry has had more half-truths and un-researched opinions written about it. The Nuclear Literacy Project was created to help reduce intimidation often associated with the subject of Nuclear Energy.
Margaret Harding is a nuclear engineer with almost 30 years of hands-on experience in almost all aspects of the industry. She worked on reactor designs for GE and now has her own firm, 4Factor Consulting. Following last year’s tragedy at Fukushima in Japan, the media called upon Margaret to provide background information about nuclear energy and nuclear accidents. In place of rumors and dire speculations, Margaret gave the public solid facts and the truth about how nuclear energy works.
It was during this difficult time that Margaret and a small group of professionals and supporters of nuclear energy got together to create the Nuclear Literacy Project. The project’s main goal was to be an independent resource to help the public learn more about nuclear technologies and to understand how they really affect our daily lives. Most of the public is not aware that nuclear reactors power our aircraft carriers and submarines and help create medicines that millions of Americans benefit from. More importantly, nuclear power supplies 20% of our energy. That’s a lot of air-conditioners and TV’s that wouldn’t run if safe and clean nuclear energy disappeared.
At American Crane, we are big fans of the Nuclear Literacy Project because it helps separate the fact and fiction of nuclear energy. We are proud that our cranes play a major role in making safe, affordable, and reliable nuclear power. If you want to learn more about the Nuclear Literacy Project, please visit their website today at NuclearLiteracy.org.
It takes a lot to keep a business thriving for 40 years. You need an abundance of innovation, expertise, quality, and amazing customer service. Turns out that at American Crane, we’ve been offering all four since the day we opened our doors back in 1972.
We started with 10 employees and the goal of becoming one of the leading custom manufacturers of cranes, hoists, and material handling equipment. In many ways, we’ve turned what once seemed like a far-off dream into a reality. Today, American Crane is an industry leader with 190 employees and 3 state-of-the-art plants covering a total of 220,000 sq. feet.
Right from the beginning, our founders made the strategic decision to keep everything in-house. From engineering to manufacturing to field services, doing everything under one roof has allowed us to maintain a high level of quality and consistency. In addition, our seasoned staff of mechanical, electrical, and structural engineers has enabled us to provide our customers with innovative specialty lifting, outstanding complex material handling solutions, and service that just can’t be beat.
It certainly helps that we’ve always had the best tools and minds in the industry, but none of it would mean much without the loyal support of our customers and our dedicated staff. Therefore, as we celebrate our fortieth year, we want to take a moment to say “thank you” and acknowledge everyone who has played a role in our success. We also want to let you know that as we go forward, we’re going to keep offering our customers the same safe and reliable material handling solutions that made American Crane the industry leader it is today.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers and vendors for your continued support and business throughout this past year. We value our relationship with you and we will do our best to meet your service and product needs in 2012!
First off…our website has a “new” look. We’ve added drop down menus which enable you to Browse through our Products by Category, Industry, and Manufacturer along with Browsing by the various Services we offer. We’ve also incorporated features such as easier Navigation and a Resource Center which includes: Downloadable Drawings, Brochures, Crane and Hoist Classifications, Industry Links, a Crane Buyer’s Guide/Glossary, and a News and Events page. Our News and Events page will keep you informed and up to date regarding all of our products, custom capabilities, and services.
In addition we will be adding a new line of vacuum lifting products which takes material handling to a new level in terms of efficiency and affordability. Stay tuned for more information in 2012!
Counting down to 2012….
Visit us at //www.americancrane.com/
Did you know that American Crane can provide you with a Mini Lever Hoist which is small enough to fit in your toolbox? The Columbus McKinnon Mini Lever Hoist’s (Series 602 & 603) light weight, compact construction makes it the tool of choice for rigging and various other jobs. Don’t be fooled by its small size. It is tough, durable and capable of lifting or pulling up to 1100 lbs (Series 603) making it a competent device for small industrial applications and for home use as well. For example, using the mini lever hoist for felling trees, enables complete control of the landing location. So the job is done quicker, more efficiently, and with less risk of injury to the operator and the surrounding environment. This is just one of many ways to employ this conveniently easy to operate lever hoist. For more information on our Mini Lever Hoists click here or contact our sales department at sales@americancrane.com
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Margaret Harding is a nuclear engineer with almost 30 years of hands-on experience in almost all aspects of the industry. She worked on reactor designs for GE and now has her own firm, 4Factor Consulting. Following last year’s tragedy at Fukushima in Japan, the media called upon Margaret to provide background information about nuclear energy and nuclear accidents. In place of rumors and dire speculations, Margaret gave the public solid facts and the truth about how nuclear energy works.
We started with 10 employees and the goal of becoming one of the leading custom manufacturers of cranes, hoists, and material handling equipment. In many ways, we’ve turned what once seemed like a far-off dream into a reality. Today, American Crane is an industry leader with 190 employees and 3 state-of-the-art plants covering a total of 220,000 sq. feet.
