Chimney challenge for Crane Rental Corp

Crane Rental Corporation in the USA handled another unique lift earlier this year when it was hired to safely remove a fallen chimney stack at a paper mill in Georgia. IC reports

After a 100 foot (30 m) chimney stack fell down at a paper mill in Georgia, USA, Crane Rental Corporation (CRC) used a pair of cranes to remove it. The stack had fallen unexpectedly and the 68,000 pound (31 tonne) load was balanced between the old plant and new boiler house more than 160 feet (49 m) above the ground.

After laying out and analysing the situation, CRC decided that two cranes would be used to give maximum control of the stack as it was hoisted out. A Manitowoc Model 18000 crawler crane and Grove GMK7550 (GMK7450 outside the USA) wheeled telescopic mobile were picked for the task.

The 660 US ton (600 tonne) tonne capacity Model 18000 had the Max-er capacity enhancement attachment, which raises capacity to 826 tons (750 tonnes). It was rigged with 300 feet (91 m) of Number 55 boom, 110 feet (34 m) of Number 79A jib. There was 492,000 pounds (223 tonnes) of counterweight, 320,000 pounds (145 tonnes) of carbody weight. The Max-er was 772,000 pounds (350 tonnes) of wheeled counterweight on 59 foot (18 m) wagon.

The 550 ton (450 tonne) capacity GMK7550 was rigged with 179 feet (55 m) main boom, 161 foot 49 m) luffing jib and 264,500 pounds (120 tonnes) of counterweight. Both cranes were erected within five days of being given the order.

Working at a 290 foot (88 m) radius for the 18000 and a 155 foot (47 m) radius for the 7550, Crane Rental Corporation's rigging crews attached rolling blocks, spreader bars, and 60 foot x 1½ inch (18 m x 38 mm) cables to choke the stack.

The stack was safely removed without incident and the paper mill owners decided to remove and replace several other stacks and some miscellaneous equipment within the facility while the cranes and crews were on site.