Material Handling Equipment Specialist Turns Over New Rail-Welding Facility
09/22/2015 - U.S.-based JBS Cranes & Accessories Inc. recently handed over the keys to what it claims is the world’s largest seamless rail welding facility.
The project, commissioned by Union Pacific railroad, takes 480 foot long imported rails and welds them together to make 1,290-foot-long “ribbons,” more than one-half of a kilometer. Once welded, the ribbons are loaded onto specially designed railcars for delivery.
“The nature and size of this facility is precedent-setting and makes it unique in the world,” the company said in a statement.
The trusses span 200 feet, and the bottom chord is 40 feet from the floor. The material handling equipment features eight 20-ton hoists that raise and lower beam magnets. The system, which has autocorrect-on-the-fly capabilities, is synchronized by a programmable logic controller.
The system is operated by a single person through a radio controller.
JBS designed and built the facility, but several other companies were involved in the project, which was completed in 24 months. More information about the project can be found here.
“The nature and size of this facility is precedent-setting and makes it unique in the world,” the company said in a statement.
The trusses span 200 feet, and the bottom chord is 40 feet from the floor. The material handling equipment features eight 20-ton hoists that raise and lower beam magnets. The system, which has autocorrect-on-the-fly capabilities, is synchronized by a programmable logic controller.
The system is operated by a single person through a radio controller.
JBS designed and built the facility, but several other companies were involved in the project, which was completed in 24 months. More information about the project can be found here.
