Crane technology for BGH Group New 20 + 5 t double girder bridge crane
From precision to heavy-duty
What do a washing machine, a scalpel and a wristwatch have in common? Their size is unlikely, as is their application. Nothing at first glance. But on closer inspection, a great deal: STEEL.
BGH Group
The BGH Group supplies stainless steel and nickel alloys of the highest quality for applications including mechanical engineering, shipbuilding and electric cars, as well as surgical instruments and wristwatches. BGH's gear steels are also used in sustainable energy production for wind and hydroelectric power. The steel is available in diameters ranging from less than a tenth of a millimetre to over a metre.
In the production hall at the melting plant, forged parts weighing several tonnes must be moved safely. This can only be done with the aid of a crane. A new crane system has recently been put into operation at BGH Edelstahl Lippendorf GmbH near Leipzig. The company relies on Blumenbecker's expertise and crane technology.
Double girder bridge crane for smelting operations Delivered and assembled by Blumenbecker
The melting process never stops. Work is carried out 24/7 in three shifts. It is hot. It is loud. Individual electrodes are remelted into large blocks in the remelting and butt welding machine. The aim is to obtain a homogeneous piece and to produce the steel in accordance with the customer's quality specifications. Since mid-2024, the double-girder bridge crane, supplied and installed by Blumenbecker, has been responsible for transporting the forged parts. The crane has an open wind mechanism with a load capacity of 20 tonnes and an auxiliary hoist designed for a maximum of five tonnes.
A frequency converter with radio control was also included in the scope of delivery, as was the 165-metre-long safety conductor rail for the power supply. ‘The wind gear is better suited to the conditions on site than a closed gear. It is durable, the components can be rotated more easily and the crane can be operated at higher speeds,’ explains Torsten Fischer, Head of Cranes Department at Blumenbecker in Bad Lauchstädt. The dead weight of the crane system with trolley is over 21 tonnes.
Robust crane system with wind gear
Originally, a different crane system with a closed hoist was ordered. However, the order was cancelled by the manufacturer because this model is no longer in production. So Blumenbecker reconsidered and found a more suitable windlass solution, which also convinced the BGH. ‘However, we then had to start from scratch and adapt the technology,’ says Fischer.
The new crane is used several times per shift. ‘Melting operations are tough going. The crane has to be able to withstand a lot,’ says Torsten Lange, Head of Plant Engineering. He has been with BGH in Lippendorf since 1997 and is responsible for electrical systems, buildings, maintenance and environmental protection.
Our customer says:
‘The cooperation with Blumenbecker is very good, trusting and always solution-oriented, even when problems arise.’
Torsten Lange, Head of Plant Engineering,
BGH Edelstahl Lippendorf GmbH
Challenging delivery
‘The biggest challenge was installing the crane: limited space and low hall height. Creativity was required. Using the open hall roof and a mobile crane, we were finally able to lift the crane into the hall from outside,’ explains Lange.
The crane was then installed and commissioned by Blumenbecker service technicians. The old crane was actually supposed to be dismantled. BGH changed its mind at short notice. The crane was relocated and now serves as a reserve for use.
When it comes to crane technology, BGH has long relied on Blumenbecker's expertise. This includes recurring inspections, maintenance, repairs, retrofits and – as in this project – the delivery and installation of cranes and hoists. This was the largest project for BGH to date. ‘The cooperation with Blumenbecker is very good, trusting and always solution-oriented, even when problems arise. We have been working together successfully for many years,’ says Lange happily.
Steel. Indispensable for scalpels, wristwatches and washing machines. And right in the middle of it all: crane solutions from Blumenbecker.
