Table of Contents
Installation of floating universal cranes is to be made in the factory. On construction, they usually come already in working form.
When passing through inland waterways because of the lack of under-dimensions, the height of some universal cranes can be reduced by partial dismantling of the structure and mechanisms for changing the reach of the boom. These structures are usually located above the machine room of the crane and, due to their small weight, can be easily disassembled and assembled by shore or floating cranes with a carrying capacity of 5-10 tons.
Bringing in transport position
Bringing the cranes into the transport position is for most of them in lowering the boom along the pontoon and fixing it on the stand. In this form, if necessary – with partial dismantling of the above constructions, the cranes can be transported along inland waterways. The route of the crane should be pre-surveyed in the part of the depths, under the bridge dimensions, taking into account the actual water level while the crane is traveling, the width of the locks and bridge spans. These data can be obtained from the relevant river basin management departments and the river fleet departments.
For the passage of floating cranes in sluices, the width of their pontoons along the private beam should be 0.8 m less than the width of the locks by a hole of 10-18 m and by 1.0 m – with an opening exceeding 18 m. In exceptional cases, in agreement with the corresponding BCP, these distances may be reduced to 0.4 m. At the same time, the uneven bars from the pontoons can be removed.
Crane transportation
Transportation of floating cranes in sea conditions over long distances is a very difficult task, performed every time by the rules specially developed by the Ministry of the Navy, therefore only requirements for short sea cruising (along the seacoasts) are considered here. The crane is brought into transport condition in accordance with the instructions provided in the passport of the crane and the requirements of the Port Control and the Marine Register.
The arrow is turned towards the stern along the pontoon with the largest reach; remove the concrete counterweight blocks (120 tons) located behind the engine room, and lay 1/3 of them on the deck, and 2/3 – in the fore-hold spaces. The arrow with cable extensions is fixed to the deck. The turning part of the crane and the swivel part are stretched to the deck. The cargo blocks are stretched with cables to the deck. For transportation, in addition to the crane’s own travel, there must be a towboat with a capacity of at least 400 liters. Transportation is allowed when water excitement does not exceed 4 points (wave height 1,25-2,0 m).
The order of transportation of floating cranes of other types and in other sea basins will be different. Therefore, the issues of relocation of cranes by sea are decided in each case individually.