Allelys in big cylinder lift and move operation

Allelys 1,000 tonne capacity lattice boom pedestal crane about to lower the dryer into the building. Photo: Allelys

A range of equipment was needed to unload, transport and then install a large industrial paper drying cylinder weighing 146 tonnes.

The project started in Ellesmere Port, north west England, and ended at Shotton Mill in Flintshire, Scotland. It was engineered and managed by UK-based transport and lifting specialist Allelys.

The Yankee dryer, made by Valmet, is a large steel drum that rotates on journals at each end and uses steam in a process to dry pulp to make paper. On arrival at Ellesmere Port near Liverpool the dryer, measuring 8.9 x 4.62 x 5.72 metres (lwh), was lifted from the vessel using Allelys’ 550 tonne capacity Liebherr LG 1550 lattice boom truck crane.

Off the vessel and onto a flat top trailer for transit across the port. Photo: Allelys

For transport across the port the dryer was loaded onto a 12 axle flat top trailer. A 450 tonne capacity hydraulic gantry system was then used to move it from the flat top to a 16 axle Goldhofer girder frame trailer for the onward transport.

Then it hit the road. “Due to the size of the load, a motorway closure was required on the M56 to allow the transport configuration to travel contraflow, therefore the journey was split into two legs with a holding location during the transport operation.” commented Matthew Rushton, Allelys head of project delivery.

“We also co-ordinated the removal of street furniture, extensive tree trimming and the lifting of telecom lines and overhead power lines to allow the trailer to safely travel through,” Rushton continued.

On site

Two pairs of 400 tonne capacity telescopic hydraulic gantry lifting systems taking the dryer out of the girder frame at the delivery site. Photo: Allelys

With the girder frame and its load at the destination, the same telescopic hydraulic gantry system as before was used to lift the dryer out of the girder frame. It was set down on mats and stools.

“The Yankee dryer was required to be lifted through the roof of an existing building, and with minimal clearance around the opening, expert precision would be pivotal,” said Mitchell Smith, Allelys commercial engineer.

“The height of the building, combined with the reach and radius required, meant that our [Gottwald] AK 912 mobile crane was the only crane within the fleet that could make the lift possible,” Smith continued.

The pedestal mounted crane was rigged with 83 metres of boom. Lifting at a radius of 46 metres, the AK 912 put its large load through the opening in the roof and lowered it to its final position.

“Witnessing the 146 tonne Yankee dryer cylinder being lifted into place with such precision was truly breathtaking,” said Omer Baykir, Shotton Mill tissue plant and investment manager.

“This operation was a testament to the incredible engineering expertise and collaborative effort that went into making it happen. We extend our sincere gratitude to Allelys and Valmet AB for their exceptional expertise and precision in executing this operation.”

Allelys Liebherr LG 1550 lattice boom hydraulic truck crane lifts the dryer from the delivery ship. Photo: Allelys

The Yankee dryer loaded into the Goldhofer girder frame trailer for onward transport to Shotton Mill. Photo: Allelys

Allelys Gottwald AK 912 pedestal crane starts to lift the dryer into the building. Photo: Allelys