Explosion-Proof Bridge Crane Delivery for Oil Refining Unit
Key Highlights A coastal petrochemical base ordered five QB-type explosion-proof bridge cranes from Kelude Heavy Industry (3 × 32t + 2 × 20t), with dual Ex dⅡCT4 + Ex tD A21 explosion protection certification, for use in oil refining unit maintenance and coal chemical coking workshops. Full delivery from design to handover was completed in 75 days, with all units passing CCC Ex certification and load tests on the first attempt — the client has since placed a follow-up order for Phase II.
In July 2026, Kelude Heavy Industry completed delivery of explosion-proof bridge cranes for an integrated refining and chemical project at a coastal petrochemical base — a total of five QB-type explosion-proof bridge cranes (three 32t × 28m × 16m units and two 20t × 25m × 12m units), all carrying dual Ex dⅡCT4 + Ex tD A21 explosion protection certification for service in oil refining unit maintenance and coal chemical coking workshops. The full-process delivery — from design and manufacturing through CCC Ex certification to on-site installation and acceptance — was completed in just 75 days after contract signing, cutting 25–40% off the industry average lead time.
Project Background
This petrochemical base is a key project under the national petrochemical industry plan, with Phase I refining capacity of 20 million tons per year, supported by a million-ton-class ethylene unit. The project imposed exceptionally stringent technical requirements for the explosion-proof cranes:
- Explosion Protection Class: Dual certification — Ex dⅡCT4 (gas atmosphere) + Ex tD A21 (dusty environment)
- Work Duty Classification: A5~A6, meeting the demands of frequent maintenance operations
- Hoisting Mechanism: Dual-brake configuration, compliant with ISO 4301 Crane Design Standard safety requirements
- Control System: Dual-mode — explosion-proof remote control plus explosion-proof electrical box
- Protection Rating (IP): IP55 for the complete crane, IP65 for electrical cabinets
- Ambient Temperature: -20°C to +55°C (including high summer heat radiation)
Solution Configuration
| Equipment | Quantity | Lifting Capacity | Span | Lifting Height | Explosion Protection Class | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB Type Explosion-proofoverhead type | 3Unit | 32t | 28m | 16m | Ex dⅡCT4 | oil refining unit Maintenance |
| QB Type Explosion-proofoverhead type | 2Unit | 20t | 25m | 12m | Ex dⅡCT4 | Coal Chemical & Coking Workshop |
Project Highlights
1. Explosion-Proof Certification on First Attempt
Kelude's technical team worked alongside the CCC Ex certification body from the project's earliest stages, ensuring full compliance with GB/T 3836 series standards throughout material selection, electrical component sourcing, and complete machine assembly. All five cranes passed the mandatory CCC Ex certification for explosion-proof electrical equipment on the first attempt, with zero rectification items.
2. Dual Explosion-Proof Zone Coverage
The project involved both gas explosion-proof (Ex dⅡCT4) and dust explosion-proof (Ex tD A21) scenarios. Kelude adopted a modular explosion-proof design, allowing the same equipment to meet requirements for both zones simultaneously—reducing the customer's equipment procurement costs by approximately 15%.
3. Fast-Track Delivery
From contract signing to site acceptance in just 75 days: 15 days for design confirmation and material procurement, 40 days for manufacturing and assembly, 10 days for CCC Ex certification plus shipping, and 10 days for installation and commissioning. The project team employed a concurrent engineering model, running certification testing in parallel with assembly and commissioning.
Delivery & Acceptance
All five explosion-proof bridge cranes passed load tests and explosion-proof performance verification, with each unit accepted in accordance with TSG 51-2023 Crane Safety Technical Supervision Regulation. The customer has signed the Acceptance Report and placed a follow-up order for three additional units (16t Ex dⅡCT4).
If your petrochemical or chemical project requires explosion-proof cranes, contact Kelude's selection engineers with your explosion protection zone classification, lifting capacity, and factory building specifications. We'll provide a solution and quotation within two business days.
FAQ
Q: What does the explosion protection grade Ex dⅡCT4 mean?
A: Ex denotes explosion-proof electrical equipment; d indicates a flameproof enclosure; ⅡC means it is applicable to the most demanding gas groups including hydrogen and acetylene; T4 specifies a maximum surface temperature of ≤135°C. This is one of the most commonly specified explosion protection grades in the petrochemical industry.
Q: How much more does an explosion-proof bridge crane cost than a standard one?
A: Approximately 1.5 to 2 times for Ex dⅡBT4, and 2 to 3 times for Ex dⅡCT4. The price difference mainly comes from the certification costs of core components such as explosion-proof motors, explosion-proof electrical boxes, and explosion-proof remote controls.
Q: How long does CCC Ex certification take for explosion-proof cranes?
A: Typically 30 to 45 working days. Kelude compresses this to 20 to 25 working days through a proactive certification strategy, engaging with the certification body during the design phase.
Q: Can an explosion-proof crane be used in a standard workshop?
A: It can, but there's no reason to—explosion-proof components cost far more than standard crane parts, and using them in non-hazardous areas is simply wasted investment.
