Like grasping a bowl of cereal
Contrary to the vast majority of ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ machine components, the modules that form the central solenoid cannot be lifted by way of hooks and attachments. The 110-tonne cylindrical components provide no space for a robust structure for the bolting or welding of lift devices; instead, a central solenoid module needs to be handled like one would grasp a giant bowl of cereal, by exerting pressure from the outside.
A bowl of cereal can be grasped and moved with two hands. A central solenoid module requires nine powerful wedge pads located at the bottom of a lifting fixture, each one exerting a radial force of 220 kN (equivalent to 22 tf (tonne-force)) on nine friction pads distributed around the cylinder.
Designed and manufactured by US ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ, who procures the central solenoid, the system has once again proved its efficiency. On Thursday 11 April, the third module was successfully lifted and positioned with a slight radial offset on top of the existing two-module stack. The 325-millimetre offset provides room for equipment and connection work to be completed before the module gets positioned in its final location, aligned on the central solenoid axis.
