Cranes at Steel Production

Maximum Safety and Reliability for Crane Operations in Steel Production

Overhead Cranes play a vital role in steel production, handling everything from raw materials to ladle transport. Steel mills' extreme conditions and heavy loads require highly accurate and durable electrical systems. Conductix-Wampfler provides solutions that ensure maximum efficiency, safety, and reliability. Our technologies enable seamless operations and provide robust support for the rigorous demands of steel production processes. 

Charge Cranes

Precise Control for Uninterrupted Steel Operations

Charge cranes are critical to steel production and are responsible for feeding electric arc furnaces (EAFs), ladle furnaces (LFs), and continuous casting machines (CCMs) with precision and reliability. These heavy-duty, double-girder overhead cranes operate in high-temperature environments, facing flames, radiant heat, and intense thermal exposure. Designed for continuous operation, they handle extreme loads and play a vital role in ensuring smooth and efficient steel production.

A reliable power supply is essential to maintain uninterrupted crane operation. Our conductor rails, festoon systems, and cable reels provide a consistent and secure energy transmission, even under extreme conditions. These solutions ensure high-duty cycle performance, reduce downtime, and support the efficient handling of scrap metal and molten steel.

Charge Cranes also rely on precise and interference-free data transmission to coordinate material movements and ensure seamless integration with other production processes. Radio remote controls enhance operational flexibility and safety by allowing operators to control crane movements wirelessly from a secure distance. This reduces exposure to extreme heat and hazardous environments while ensuring precise load handling.

Tailored Solutions for You:

  • Delivering reliable power transmission, Conductor Rails like 0813, Hevibar II and III, and Copperhead are well-suited for Charge Cranes.
  • For smooth cable management, Festoon Systems ensures durability and efficiency in demanding waste-to-energy environments.
  • Cable reels, whether electric motor-driven or spring motor-driven, are typically used for the lifting motion when the hoist includes a below-the-hook device requiring power or control
  • Radio Remote Controls enable safe and precise crane handling.

Coil Handling Cranes

Optimized Lifting and Handling with Reliable Power Supply

Coil Handling Cranes are top-running, double-girder bridge cranes designed to lift and transport steel or aluminum coils throughout the manufacturing process or during shipping. Operating in high-speed production environments, these cranes require a reliable and continuous power supply to ensure smooth and precise material handling.

Our conductor rails, festoon systems, and cable reels provide uninterrupted energy transmission, supporting high-duty cycles and reducing downtime. By delivering consistent and stable power, these solutions improve crane responsiveness, minimize downtime, and extend the lifespan of critical components. This keeps production lines running efficiently, reducing costly delays and optimizing throughput.

Radio remote controls enhance operational efficiency and safety by allowing operators to manage crane functions from a safe distance, reducing manual intervention and improving workflow accuracy. Whether in fully automated systems or cab-operated cranes, these controls ensure smooth, responsive performance, even under demanding conditions.

Tailored Solutions for You:

  • Conductor Rails are the standard solution for supplying power to the long travel motion of process-type bridge cranes. Key considerations include power requirements, voltage drop, and operating environment.
  • Festoon Systems are the most widely used method for cross-travel motion. They are mounted to the girders to manage power and control cables. When Coil Handling Cranes are automated or controlled from a remote control room, festoon systems also support long travel motion.
  • To power below-the-hook devices, Cable Reels provide a reliable solution for lifting motion, with electric motor-driven or spring motor-driven options depending on speed, travel distance, and cable size.
  • Radio Remote Controls enhance operational efficiency by enabling precise crane maneuvering from a safe distance.

Coker Cranes

Reliable Energy and Data Transmission for Heavy-Duty Coker Cranes

Coker Cranes operate in some of the harshest industrial environments, handling petroleum coke in refinery delayed coker units. These cranes transport coke from the discharge point at the coke drums to intermediate storage and then to the crusher or hopper for further processing. Operating above the coke pit, they must withstand extreme heat, abrasive coke dust, and corrosive vapors that can damage mechanical and electrical components.

A reliable power supply is essential to maintain continuous crane operation in these demanding conditions. Conductor rails, festoon systems, and cable reels provide a stable and uninterrupted energy transmission, ensuring smooth crane movement and reducing the risk of unplanned downtime. Designed for high duty cycles, these solutions minimize wear and extend equipment lifespan, making them ideal for the harsh environment of coker units.

Electrification solutions for coker cranes offer increased durability, reduced maintenance, and improved operational efficiency, ensuring that coke handling processes in refinery operations run smoothly and reliably.

Tailored Solutions for You:

  • Our Conductor Rails like 0813, Hevibar II, and Copperhead ensure reliable power supply for coker crane operations.
  • Festoon Systems provides a flexible and durable solution for managing cables in demanding environments.
  • Motor-Driven Cable Reels are commonly used to power gantry-style cranes for long travel motion and to supply energy to the clamshell bucket for lifting, ensuring efficient operation.

Ladle Cranes

Intelligent Energy and Data Systems for Efficient Material Handling

Ladle Cranes are mission-critical in metallurgy, safely transporting molten metal in extreme heat and harsh industrial environments. To operate reliably, they need a robust and uninterrupted energy supply. That's where our solutions come in. Our products, such as conductor rails and festoon systems, ensure seamless power transmission even in the harshest conditions. By minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency, our solutions keep Ladle Cranes moving.

Accuracy is key. Our advanced wireless and contactless data transmission systems enable real-time monitoring of crucial metrics such as crane position, temperature, and load weight. Even in high-interference environments, our solutions provide seamless communication, giving operators complete control and increasing safety and efficiency.

Intelligent automation drives efficiency. We provide state-of-the-art remote control and automation technologies that make ladle crane operations safer, faster, and more precise. Our control systems optimize movements, reduce human error, and integrate seamlessly into modern production environments.

Tailored Solutions for You:

  • Our Conductor Rails, such as 0813, HBII, HB3, SL3, Bare Bar, and Copperhead Rail, ensure reliable power supply for ladle cranes.
  • I-Beam Festoon Systems, including Series 0330, 0350, 0360, and 0364, provide a robust energy supply solution for moving crane components.
  • Efficient and controlled cable handling is provided by Motorized Cable Reels, optimizing crane performance.
  • ProfiDAT delivers a high-performance communication solution for seamless data and power transmission.

Ore Bridge Cranes

Advanced Solutions for Ore Handling

Ore Bridge Cranes are mission-critical for Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) steel mills, handling huge volumes of raw materials such as iron ore, coke, and limestone. Operating over wide stockpiles, they transport materials from stockyards to processing areas such as blast furnaces or conveyor systems. To meet these heavy-duty demands, our robust energy transmission systems ensure reliable crane performance around the clock. We offer motorized cable reels for long travels and lifting motion, as well as conductor rails for continuous power supply along the bridge and trolley movements. Our heavy-duty festoon systems provide safe and organized cable management for cross-bridge motion.

Reliable power and signal transmission are essential to support smooth, uninterrupted operation. Our slip ring assemblies and festoon systems are built to withstand extreme conditions while ensuring a continuous flow of electrical signals for hoist and grab control. These solutions enable precise material handling, from lifting with clamshell grabs or magnets to precise placement in charging areas, maintaining material flow to the furnace, and minimizing operational delays.

Ore Bridge Cranes are typically cab-driven, giving the operator direct visual control of crane functions. While advanced automation may be implemented in some facilities, our technologies serve as the backbone for integrating such systems by ensuring consistent energy and signal transmission. With robust components, we help operators achieve efficient, safe, and reliable crane operation shift after shift.

Tailored Solutions for You:

  • Motorized Cable Reels ensure a reliable energy supply for both long travel and lifting motion, enabling smooth and efficient crane operations.
  • Designed for long travel and cross-bridge motion, Single Pole Conductor Rails (Hevi Bar Mill Duty, Hevi Bar II, 0813 series) provide a durable and consistent power supply in demanding environments.
  • For organized and protected cable management, Heavy Duty I-beam Festoon Systems (Series 0360, 0365) support cross-bridge motion while withstanding harsh operational conditions.

Scrap Handling Cranes

Continuous Operation with Reliable Power and Data Supply

Scrap Handling Cranes are indispensable in steel mills, handling massive loads around the clock. To meet these demands, they require a robust and uninterrupted power supply. Our high-performance conductor rail systems, festoon systems, and motorized cable reels are designed for extreme durability, ensuring seamless power transmission that minimizes downtime and maximizes productivity. Our electrification technologies keep cranes moving - and steel production on schedule.

Today's Scrap Handling Cranes demand real-time precision. Whether transferring scrap from ships, unloading railcars, or feeding furnaces, precise crane control is essential. Our advanced data transmission solutions provide lightning-fast, interference-free data transfer, enabling seamless crane operation. In addition, our technology supports predictive maintenance by ensuring uninterrupted data communication, reducing costly downtime before it occurs.

Whether semi-automated or fully autonomous, our intelligent electrification solutions integrate easily with existing control systems. We enable intelligent video and sensor data transmission via radio remote controls, enabling safer, more efficient crane operation. The result? Higher throughput, reduced operational risks, and a streamlined steel production process.

Tailored Solutions for You: 

  • Our Conductor Rails like 0813, HBII, HB3, SL3, Bare Bar, and Copperhead Rail, ensure a stable and efficient power supply.
  • For reliable energy transmission, I-beam Festoon Systems from Series 0330, 0350, 0360, and 0364 are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of steel production.
  • To optimize cable management, Spring and Motorized Cable Reels provide a flexible and efficient solution for continuous operation.
  • Radio Remote Controls enablesafe and precise crane maneuvering.
  • High-speed and secure data communication is achieved through ProfiDAT, supporting advanced automation.
  • Nexus BB utilizes powerline communication to provide a stable connection between the crane and control systems.

Innovative Energy and Data Management Starts with Conductix-Wampfler!