The Detroit Free Press published a front page article about a 110-ton container fully loaded with radioactive waste left dangling for 55 hours from a stuck crane on March 18, 2006. The container was hanging above the irradiated fuel storage pool of the reactor. Without permission from the management and lacking proper knowledge in crane operations, plant personnel inappropriately manipulated the brake system of the crane, increasing the risk of the container crashing out of control into the pool. Imagine if it really crashed into the pool. It could have damaged it starting a radioactive waste fire that could result to thousands of cancer deaths due to exposure to radiation.
Uses for Cranes
That’s a perfect example of how public safety literally hangs on industrial devices like the crane. The crane is a mechanical lifting equipment with wire ropes, a winder, and sheaves. It can be used to lift or lower objects and to move them horizontally. It uses a combination of simple machines to move materials whose weight is beyond the normal capability of a human. It is commonly used in the construction industry to move materials, in manufacturing industry to assemble heavy equipment, and transport industry to load and unload freight.
Importance of Crane Brakes
One of the most important parts of a crane is its brake. The crane brake is important in slowing down or stopping the movement of the crane. For example, when the crane is lowering a heavy load, the brake makes sure that the operator can put the material down slowly and carefully. This prevents the material from crashing down and protects them from massive damage. In the example above, loosening the brake could have made the toxic container crash down. When the brake is actuated, it slows down the vertical movement and fights gravity.
Most crane brakes today are electrically or electromagnetically operated. Electric brakes are easier to control and are more efficient. Cranes require precise tension control and fast response times. This is crucial because cranes do a very critical and dangerous job of moving heavy objects. Like all brakes, crane brakes are invented to ensure people’s safety. The machine must respond immediately to the operator.