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MAY-JUNE 2014
SITE REPORT
Engineering the machine
In its first incarnation, MQP Global’ s HRD
88 began life as a modified three stage
telescopic high reach version of a Cat
5110 mining shovel with a maximum pin
height of 100 m (328 ft), with the design
and fabrication carried out by Rusch Special
Products in the Netherlands.
Subsequently, the machine was involved
with the accident that claimed the life of
STC’s Ad Swaninck at that company’s yard
when further modification work was being
carried out to the Rusch design.
It was handed over to Eureka
Engineering based in Ulft, Netherlands,
who completely reworked the machine.
This involved completely redesigning
and fabricating a new undercarriage
and chassis on the carrier, as well as
redesigning and adjusting the lower stick.
The physical fabrication was carried out
by Beco Beforce, who has substantial
experience in the fabrication of booms
and new undercarriage. In addition,
a completely new control system was
developed by Riwo Engineering BV.
The only elements that remain from
the initial Rusch design are the high-tensile
steel telescopic boom sections and the
single cylinder telescoping mechanism
that results in a lighter structure as well
as giving the ability to reach to greater
heights and/or carry heavier tool weights.
However, in its initial incarnation either
one or both telescopic sections had to be fully extended when the machine was working.
The 88 UHD can now operate with the lower section fully extended and the second
extended just to 50% of its full length. This is one reason why the control and telescoping
system software had to be reworked to take account of this, since an additional pin in the
telescoping section had to be installed.
To assist the operator, an internal light and cameras have been fitted inside the boom
sections to allow a clear view of telescoping operations and locking pin engagement.
The HRD 88
in its first
incarnation as
the Rusch 100
m telescopic
machine
Redesigned and re-engineered, the HRD 88 carries a 10 tonne tool at 70 m during the demolition by Wanty of
the Langerbrugge power station in Ghent
December 2013.
Using this machine offers a number of
benefits. First, it reduces the number of
man-hours required for the task and the cost
of the gases necessary for manual cutting
operations. It is also inherently a much
safer means of achieving the desired result
since there is much less need for workers
to be exposed in the area where demolition
operations are taking place. Thirdly, and most
importantly, its use results in a substantial
increase in productivity.
In addition, using mechanical cutting
instead of gas techniques reduces the emission
of gas and fumes to the environment and a
consequent improvement in conditions for
the workers, as well as substantially reducing
the risk of fire, a major concern during work
in chemical and industrial sites.
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