As cranes 4-5-6 were built in the mid 1980s, the cranes work with outdated analog control drives amongst other components which have reached the end of their efficient work lifespan. As such, Crane Management has scheduled the upgrade of these cranes to digital technology along with replacing other outdated and troublesome components.
After the electrification was completed in December 2005 we commenced the upgrading work and as of May 2007 we have approximately completed 70% of the work. The first components to be replaced were the two main hoist electric motors on crane 4, the gantry motors on crane 5 and the storm brakes on all three cranes. In addition to this work we have installed new operator’s cabin on all three cranes.
In March 2006 Crane 6 went through the final upgrade phase when the electrical controls system and other critical components were upgrade. A new festoon system was installed to include power cables and fiber optics from operator’s cabin to drive system in electric room. The outdated drive system was upgraded from Tyrak L to DCS600 and DCR600, the PLC from MP200 to a new AC410 Advant Controller with CMS. In addition to the upgrade of the drives, new remote I/Os modules were required to be install in the operator’s cabin and trolley house. This included a new operator’s chair and consoles.
On April 5, 2007 crane 5 was taken out of service to go through the final phase of upgrade. During this time a new festoon system was installed to include power cables and fiber optics from operator’s cabin to drive system in electric room. Additionally, two (2) newer model main hoist motors were installed as well as the upgrade of drive system was performed. The drive upgrade included replacing the outdated drive system from Tyrak L to DCS600 and DCR600, the PLC from MP200 to a new AC410 Advant Controller with CMS. In addition to the upgrade of the drives, new remote I/Os modules were required and install in the operator’s cabin and trolley house. Crane 5 was returned to service on May 25, 2007, ahead of it scheduled return to service of June 1, 2007.
As of May 30, 2007 the upgrades of crane 6 and 5 have been completed. Remaining is the upgrade of crane 4 which is scheduled to commence in October 2007. As such, removal of the crane from service we will be coordinated and scheduled with Port Operation.
