For Immediate Release

August 17, 2005

Manitowoc Model 18000 helps to build heavyweight Chinese power station

A Manitowoc 18000 at work on the Fuyang power plant.

Construction of the Fuyang Power Plant near the Zhoupeng Township in Anhui Province, China, is progressing well thanks to a Manitowoc Model 18000 crawler crane. The crane, rated at a maximum capacity of 750 t (827 USt), is owned by Anhui Electric Power Corporation (AEPC), which is building the two-unit facility on behalf of the Anhui Fuyang Hengyuan Power Generating Company (HYGC).

The development incorporates a relatively new design and consists of identical 600 MW coal-fired power plants. It boasts a wider powerhouse than normal, which requires stronger and heavier structural support beams. Because of the larger size of the structural components, AEPC specified a Manitowoc Model 18000 for this project. The crane has been used to erect a variety of heavy components on the first of two 600 MW units, including structural beams, turbines, and coal buckets. The heaviest lift involved setting the 250 t (276 USt) rotary section of the turbine, which measured 10 m (33 ft) in length and 4 m (13 ft) in diameter. Other large lifts included two transformers – each weighing approximately 100 t (110 USt).

The Model 18000 has been rigged with 106 m (348 ft) of main boom and 39.6 m (130 ft) of luffing jib for its work on the Anhui site. This configuration provides ample reach for the Model 18000’s work on the first structure, which relies on a team of three operators each working an eight-hour shift. Support for the 18000 is provided by Manitowoc Crane CARE, which covers all service for the heavy lift crawler as well as organizing on-site training courses for AEPC staff.

Chief engineer for AEPC, Yu Jing He, explains how work for the Model 18000 has developed on the project.

“The heavy lift work for the Model 18000 has increased as this job has progressed. We’re assembling more and more of the structure on the ground, then lifting large pieces into position. We needed a high-capacity crane like the Model 18000 for this job. It’s the ideal crane for power plant construction.”

The construction of the Fuyang Power Plant is just one part of the Anhui Fuyang Thermal Power Project. There are two additional parts of the project: one to improve the supply infrastructure for power to homes and businesses in the region and the second to offset the environmental impact of the power plant through a major program of reforestation.

As part of the electrical distribution improvement process approximately 100 new substations are being built throughout the region. Twenty-one smaller, aging, and inefficient power stations have been closed. The reforestation program, meanwhile, was begun in 1998 and will increase the forested area to about 72 million trees.

A shortage of adequate electricity to the Fuyang City area has been a major reason for the area’s suppressed economic growth. The new power plant, which is scheduled to commence operation next year, will put an end to all such shortages and will benefit populations not only in the nearby region, but across Eastern China’s power network.

About The Manitowoc Company
The Manitowoc Company, Inc. is one of the world's largest providers of lifting equipment for the global construction industry, including lattice-boom cranes,tower cranes, mobile telescopic cranes, and boom trucks. As a leading manufacturer of ice-cube machines, ice/beverage dispensers, and commercial refrigeration equipment, the company offers the broadest line of cold-focused equipment for the foodservice industry. In addition, the company is a leading provider of shipbuilding, ship repair, and conversion services for government, military, and commercial customers throughout the U.S. maritime industry.

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