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Participant

Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 3

Creative Rigging and Equipment Removal

01/16/2007 7:04 AM

My organization is replacing live tank power circuit breakers. For most of the work, the use of overhead cranes is sufficient for the disassemble of the circuit breakers. In this particular location in the switchyard, overhead power lines prevent proper electrical clearances for conventional crane use. I am looking to engage some creative rigging for disassemble and removal of the existing circuit breakers. Assembly of the new power circuit breakers is such that the electrical clearance is not an issue. The original devices will be junked so preservation of the original devices is not required. Any leads will be greatly appreciated.

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#1

Re: Creative Rigging and Equipment Removal

01/16/2007 3:09 PM

Any pictures or sketch of the obstacles? Its kind of tough to give ideas without fully understanding the hazards.

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Power-User

Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Colorado
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#2

Re: Creative Rigging and Equipment Removal

01/17/2007 11:54 AM

I agree with stilljester - we need more information and pictures or sketches to fully grasp the situation if constructive help is to be provided.

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Participant

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#4
In reply to #2

Re: Creative Rigging and Equipment Removal

01/18/2007 3:13 PM

Hi,

I replied to jester with a photo. Here is the photo

power engineer 49

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Power-User
Engineering Fields - Piping Design Engineering - Environmental Contractor United States - Member - Born, raised and proud to be Texan Safety - Hazmat - New Member

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#3

Re: Creative Rigging and Equipment Removal

01/17/2007 1:37 PM

I assume a temporary outage is out of the question. Sounds like an interesting project.

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Participant

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#8
In reply to #3

Re: Creative Rigging and Equipment Removal

01/19/2007 7:14 AM

We currently have temporary outages scheduled. The sequence is rather complicated and if we can reduce the need for taking the overhead lines out of service it simplifies the planning.

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Associate

Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 43
#5

Re: Creative Rigging and Equipment Removal

01/18/2007 8:00 PM

Buy a electric powered jib crane with powered rotation for the size/height of you needs. Be sure to buy one that is long enough to reach and has a weight rating for the job of dissasembly and installation of the new components. Be sure to order a jib crane with power rotation as well to have better control of the boomas you will want to hoist the components all the way up to the end of the jib to have better control and less swaying of all units involved.also make sure wiring is outdoor exposure protected as you will be able to use it again for the same job eventually.

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Power-User

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#6

Re: Creative Rigging and Equipment Removal

01/18/2007 9:41 PM

How heavy are the breakers? It's kind of hard to tell from the picture but it looks like you might be able to get a Genie-Lift near it - you may be able to tie it off to the bucket on the Genie-Lift and lift it off. I'm not sure, but I bet OSHA will have a cow if they see you doing it! That is a tough one - without cutting power, there may not be a legal way, much less a safe way.

I'm thinking with the right crane and a good crew, you could rehearse your plan a few times to limit your down-time, then cut the power and do it. That might be your only option to do it without killing anybody.

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#7
In reply to #6

Re: Creative Rigging and Equipment Removal

01/19/2007 1:11 AM

My 1st choice would be as per Sleddriver's last paragraph. If not, it depends on the actual clearances & voltages - the owner of the substation (if not yourself) should know these. It is difficult to estimate from the photo what your clearances and voltages are. Clearances and regulations allowing, consider one or a combination of:

  • If the breakers are not too heavy, you could use an A-frame or derrick-pole type of arrangement, hook up the breaker & lower it. Clearance to be observed from the top of the pole to the closest conductors, vertically as well as horizontally.
  • A truck-mounted hydraulic jib crane can also do the job. I'll ensure that the crane is earthed properly, and if at all possible, put a mechanical height limiting device on it so that it cannot inadvertently be raised too high. You'll still have to check your horizontal clearances.
  • Consider using temporary non-conductive screens or barriers to guard against horizontal clearances being encroached upon.
  • Simply demolish the breakers - loosen the bolts on the mountings & pull them over! If you want to keep them intact, attach a block & tackle to a fixture (transformer bottom, LCV parked on the opposite side, etc.), attach the other end as close to the top of the breaker as you are safely allowed to, and lower slowly

Just remember, on a job like this safety is paramount - when in doubt, don't do it! Think, calculate en rethink until all safety criteria has been met.

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#9
In reply to #6

Re: Creative Rigging and Equipment Removal

01/19/2007 10:06 AM

OSHA would have an entire herd of cows.

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Users who posted comments:

gideon (1); mtararat (1); Pepper (2); Power engineer 49 (2); Sleddriver (2); stilljester (1)

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