When a Midwest utility decided to replace the turbine runners of a 1962 vintage hydroelectric station they faced a significant problem – how to remove the 580t rotors from the vertical shaft generators. The original plant was originally constructed slowly from individual components. During this rebuild, the utility could not afford a long outage of the plant so they sought an innovative solution to allow one piece removal.

Sound engineering and old-fashioned detective work on the part of Barnhart accomplished this goal. While other contractors proposed building a temporary structure to lift the rotors, Barnhart researched the original codes and found that through proper distribution, the existing 300t bridge could make the lift.

Barnhart used two 450t strand jacks, an innovative rigging system and digital control to perform the removal and replacement of both rotors. Barnhart methodology and skilled personnel brought the project to a safe and economic close.

Equipment Used in this Project

• Strand Jacks