×
INTELLIGENT WORK FORUMS
FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS

Log In

Come Join Us!

Are you an
Engineering professional?
Join Eng-Tips Forums!
  • Talk With Other Members
  • Be Notified Of Responses
    To Your Posts
  • Keyword Search
  • One-Click Access To Your
    Favorite Forums
  • Automated Signatures
    On Your Posts
  • Best Of All, It's Free!
  • Students Click Here

*Eng-Tips's functionality depends on members receiving e-mail. By joining you are opting in to receive e-mail.

Posting Guidelines

Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden.

Students Click Here

Jobs

Transformer Lifting Technologies

Transformer Lifting Technologies

Transformer Lifting Technologies

(OP)
Hi there.

Anyone know of possible methods for lifting/moving 1500kva and above dry type transformers out of low head room spaces? Anyone know of a mobile hydraulic lift that can be placed undre the transformer and lift it up that way?

Thanks.
b

RE: Transformer Lifting Technologies

If you do no have the head room for a direct lift with a crane you can put it onto rollers, long rigid pipes; floor,must be smooth. A few people will be able to move it about in any directions just like building the pyramid blocks.

get it into an area accessible with a proper and then lift using the appropriate lifting hooks, sling and spreaders.

RE: Transformer Lifting Technologies

I would get in touch with a good rigging contractor (aka crane service or millwright). They have all the right tools and methods that make it look simple. If you don't know what you're doing, things can go horribly wrong very quickly. Transformers don't like to get banged around too much!!!

RE: Transformer Lifting Technologies

I agree with Jebb: get some help from an experienced rigging crew.

In the mean time, what about something like skoots? We've used them to move switchgear modules of roughly 2 tonnes each and have been impressed. They aren't perfect for all applications and the item being lifted needs to be reasonably sturdy but big awkward objects become very maneuverable. I expect a 1.5MVA transformer will be near the top end of their 5-tonne lifting capability.

RE: Transformer Lifting Technologies

Usually transformers are pulled out using the pulling lugs provided.Pull over wooden planks or over lubricated steel rods after jacking up the unit.

RE: Transformer Lifting Technologies

Often due to head room and load weight most rigging contractors will use what's call "Jack & Slide" to move a load. This is where they will jack it up high enough to put rails under it then they will push it along those rails with hydraulic jacks.

The better systems have catch pawls that the ends of the cylinders will drop into when they are retracted after pushing the load along.

I've seen lots of transformers moved this way and it's very effective.

RE: Transformer Lifting Technologies

Don't forget this is a small dry type, not a big system or GSU transformer. Most are within the capability of a decent-sized HIAB crane, given overhead space to operate.

How was it originally installed? Someone has already solved this problem once - look at their solution.

RE: Transformer Lifting Technologies

Look at moving just the core and windings, not the enclosure. Dismantling the enclosure may save a few feet and provide more room to jack and slide the transformer.

RE: Transformer Lifting Technologies

You have'nt mentioned where the transformer is installed, whether it has an IP23 enclosure ? usually these encapsulated cast resign transformers have wheels ( if not in an enclosure), so that one can disconnect the cables and wheel it away into an area where it can be lifted and loaded onto a truck.

Red Flag This Post

Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework.

Red Flag Submitted

Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.
The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action.

Reply To This Thread

Posting in the Eng-Tips forums is a member-only feature.

Click Here to join Eng-Tips and talk with other members!


Resources