Overhead Crane for Metallurgic Plants: Tonnage & Selection
Key Points Overhead cranes for metallurgic plants (YZ/YQ series) offer lifting capacities from 5 to 320 short tons (4.5 to 290 metric tons), spans from 33 to 115 ft (10 to 35 m), and duty classifications of A6 to A8. The main girder features a thermal insulation layer, heat-resistant motor, heat-resistant cable, and a dual braking system. Reference pricing: 10 t YZ models approximately $30,000–$52,000; 32 t YZ models approximately $67,000–$111,000; 75 t YZ models approximately $148,000–$267,000. These units run 30–60% higher than standard bridge cranes of equivalent capacity and fall under special equipment regulatory oversight.
Overhead cranes for metallurgic plants are purpose-built lifting systems engineered for high-temperature environments such as steelmaking, continuous casting, rolling, and forging workshops. Available in two primary series—YZ (metallurgy-specific) and YQ (metallurgic lifting)—these cranes differ fundamentally from general bridge cranes in duty classification, heat protection, braking systems, and safety redundancy. They are indispensable for critical lifting and transport operations in the iron and steel industry. This article provides a systematic overview of technical parameters, pricing, heat resistance ratings, and key selection considerations.
YZ/YQ Series Product Line Overview
Kelude Heavy Industry's metallurgic overhead cranes come in two series—YZ (metallurgy-specific) and YQ (metallurgic lifting)—with lifting capacities from 5 to 320 short tons (4.5 to 290 metric tons), spans from 33 to 115 ft (10 to 35 m), and duty classifications of A6 to A8. The YZ series is designed for core metallurgic processes such as molten steel handling and ladle tilting, while the YQ series is typically deployed for auxiliary stations and raw material transfer. Key heat-resistant features include: a thermal insulation layer on the main girder (temperature resistance ≥ 200°C), heat-resistant motors (Class H insulation, rated for 180°C), heat-resistant silicone-rubber-insulated cables, a dual braking system (service brake + safety brake), redundant limit switches, and dust protection measures.
Both series feature a twin main girder box structure, with thermal insulation flanges on the end carriages to prevent radiant heat from reaching the travel mechanisms. The electrical control system incorporates high-temperature-rated VFDs, and the control cabinet is equipped with independent forced-air cooling. All electrical components carry a minimum IP54 protection rating.
Technical Parameters and Price Reference
The table below summarizes mainstream configuration parameters and market reference pricing for each metallurgic crane model:
| Model | Lifting Capacity | Span | Duty Classification | Reference Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YZ 10 t | 10 short tons (9 metric tons) | 33–115 ft (10–35 m) | A6 | $30,000 – $52,000 |
| YZ 32 t | 32 short tons (29 metric tons) | 33–115 ft (10–35 m) | A7 | $67,000 – $111,000 |
| YZ 75 t | 75 short tons (68 metric tons) | 33–115 ft (10–35 m) | A6 | $148,000 – $267,000 |
| Model | Lifting Capacity(t) | Span(m) | Work Duty / Classification | reference price(10K CNY) | Applicable Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YZ10t | 10 | 10~28.5 | A6~A7 | 20~35 | Continuous Casting/Tundish |
| YZ32t | 32 | 13~31.5 | A6~A7 | 45~75 | Converter Charging/Ladle |
| YZ75t | 75 | 16~35 | A7~A8 | 100~180 | Molten Steel Lifting and transport/Tilting |
| YQ20t | 20 | 10~31.5 | A5~A7 | 28~50 | Raw Material Handling |
Compared to a standard bridge crane of the same tonnage, the metallurgic series typically costs 30–60% more. The premium reflects the added expense of heat-resistant materials, a dual braking system, Class H insulated motors, and specialized certifications. Kelude's full range of overhead cranes for metallurgic plants is type-test certified, with heat resistance class and span configurations customizable to your actual operating conditions. We provide end-to-end support, from equipment selection to installation and commissioning.
Heat Resistance Class and Structural Configuration
Overhead cranes for metallurgic plants are classified into three heat resistance grades based on the ambient temperature of the work area. Selection should be guided by actual temperature measurements taken in the workshop:
| heat resistance class | Applicable Ambient Temperature | Main Girderguards | motor insulation | Applicable Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Heat-Resistant | ≤60°C | thermal insulation layer10mm | FClass(155°C) | Raw Material Warehouse/Steel Rolling Cooling Zone |
| Intermediate Heat-Resistant | 60~100°C | thermal insulation layer20mm+reflector plate | HClass(180°C) | Continuous Casting/Rolling Mill Line |
| High-Grade Heat-Resistant | 100~200°C | thermal insulation layer30mm+Water-Cooled/Forced Ventilation | HClass+heat-resistant cable | Molten Steel Lifting and transport/Ladle Tilting |
Special Equipment Management and Annual Inspection
Overhead cranes for metallurgic plants fall under the management of the Special Equipment Catalog. Equipment with a lifting capacity of ≥3t and a lifting height of ≥2m must undergo use registration and periodic inspection. The user unit must complete registration with the market supervision authority within 30 days before or after the equipment is put into operation. The periodic inspection interval is once a year. In addition to routine inspection items, the inspection covers: main girder deflection measurement, thermal insulation layer condition check, heat-resistant motor insulation resistance testing, Dual Braking System linkage testing, and cable temperature resistance and aging detection.
For overhead cranes already in service, a quarterly heat-resistant routine inspection is recommended, focusing on thermal insulation layer detachment, junction box seal aging, and wheel block lubrication condition. Before the annual inspection, it is advisable to commission a professional agency for a pre-inspection, with particular attention to the fatigue life assessment of the main girder for cranes classified under A7~A8 work duty.
5~320t Lifting Capacity Full Range | 10~35m Span Full Range | A6~A8 Work Duty / Classification | 20Starting from 10K CNY Entry-Level Price | Dual Brake safety redundancy | 30~60% Premium Working radius |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between an overhead crane for metallurgic plants and a general bridge crane?
A: The core difference lies in the duty classification: metallurgic cranes operate at a higher work duty (A6~A8 vs. A3~A5). They also feature a thermal insulation layer on the main girder (temperature resistant up to 200°C), H-class insulated motors (rated for 180°C), a dual braking system as standard, and high-temperature silicone rubber insulated cables. Additionally, the end carriages are fitted with heat shields, and the electrical control cabinet has its own forced ventilation and cooling.
Q: What is the difference between the YZ and YQ series metallurgic overhead cranes?
A: The YZ series (metallurgy-specific) is designed for core processes such as molten steel handling and ladle tilting, with a higher duty classification of A7~A8 and a more robust configuration. The YQ series (metallurgic lifting) is typically used for auxiliary stations and raw material transfer, with a duty classification of A5~A7. Both series offer similar lifting capacity and span ranges, but the YZ series provides superior heat resistance and safety redundancy.
Q: Why is a dual braking system required on metallurgic overhead cranes?
A: Metallurgic overhead cranes handle hazardous loads such as molten steel and ladles. A brake failure could lead to a serious safety incident. The dual braking system consists of two independent brakes: the service brake handles normal stopping, while the safety brake automatically engages during a sudden power loss or if the service brake fails, ensuring the load cannot drop.
Q: What special inspections are included in the annual examination of metallurgic overhead cranes?
A: In addition to routine checks, the annual inspection must include: main girder deflection measurement (per L/2000 standard), inspection of thermal insulation layer integrity and detachment, insulation resistance testing of heat-resistant motors (≥0.5MΩ), and dual braking system linkage testing (cranes rated below A6 may brake with the service brake alone, while those rated A7 and above require both brakes to operate simultaneously). Cable aging and temperature resistance checks are also required. Equipment with a duty classification of A7~A8 must undergo a fatigue life assessment every 3 years.
When selecting and purchasing an overhead crane for metallurgic plants, defining the operating area temperature, lifting capacity requirements, and duty classification is the foundation for an efficient match. We recommend finalizing the technical solution first, then choosing the most suitable heat resistance class and duty configuration based on measured ambient temperature data and lifting frequency at your site.
