Shaft Crane (Ladle Handling)

Shaft cranes are built for handling molten metal ladles in the iron, steel and foundry industries. The nature of the load shapes the entire design.

Why it is a class of its own

If molten metal is spilled the outcome cannot be undone: human life, the plant and production are all at risk at once. The equipment is therefore arranged so that failure of a single component cannot drop the load.

The hoisting mechanism carries a dual brake system; if one fails to hold, the other takes the load. The hook mechanism is designed specifically for the ladle trunnion — a standard hook does not seat safely on a ladle's lugs. Rope and hook block are selected with a higher breaking safety factor than in normal lifting.

Heat load

Radiant heat around the ladle rapidly fatigues the oil, seals, cables and electrical equipment of a standard crane. Structure and equipment are selected for this heat load: heat-resistant oil and seal materials, heat shields, protected cable routes and additional coating on exposed surfaces.

Heat affects not only materials but dimensions: steel expands as it heats, which is taken into account on components with fine tolerances.

Duty class and tempo

The source catalogue states duty class FEM 4m for this product. Casting lines run at a continuous tempo; the crane makes a large number of cycles over its life and carries close to rated load in most of them. The class reflects that reality.

Sizing

Capacity, hook arrangement, span and speeds follow the facility's casting scenario: ladle weight, casting frequency, route and waiting points are assessed together.