Method for installing a heavy load in a supporting structure and system built according to the method

Abstract

In a method for installing a heavy load in a supporting structure (15), the at least one heavy load is conveyed upwards in said supporting structure (15) and secured so that it can be fixed in the operating position. The heavy load to be moved is in particular a reactor (20) for metal extraction in an at least nearly ready-to-operate state. The heavy load is moved horizontally by a transportation means (11) until partially reaching into the supporting structure (15). It is then swivelled upwards by a lifting system (25) mounted in the supporting structure (15) and moved upwards in the supporting structure (15) to its operating position and secured. The heavy load is tilitably mounted on the transportation means (11) so that it can be swivelled up, and is lifted off the transportation means (11) by the lifting system (25). In this way, despite the enormously high weight load, this heavy load can be guided to the supporting structure preassembled and be swiveled into same and hoisted up into the operating position.

Description

[0001] DSD Heavy Lift AG, 6315 Oberägeri, Switzerland

[0002] Method for installing a heavy load in a supporting structure and a system constructed according to the method

[0003] The invention relates to a method for installing a heavy load in a support structure, in which the at least one heavy load is transported upwards in this support structure and fastened so that it can be fixed in the operating position, as well as to a method for installing the support structure and a system, this according to the preamble of claims 1, 10 and 14, respectively.

[0004] In order to sustainably minimize environmentally harmful emissions in metal production, as well as in the iron and steel industry, efforts are underway to implement new technologies that can virtually eliminate CO2 emissions. For example, in the extraction of iron from ore, instead of conventional blast furnaces that use coking coal as a fuel, new processes are being sought in the production processes that can preferably achieve direct reduction of iron ore based on renewable energies. Natural gas, or even better, hydrogen, is advantageous for this, as it enables the reduction process to be largely free of CO2 emissions.

[0005] For this purpose, new facilities are being built, each of which, similar to blast furnaces, features a complex reactor vessel as a heavy load within a supporting structure or similar. The facility for operation with the complex reactor vessel is designed to ensure optimal logistical flow of iron ore and other components, as well as energy, into the reactor, and also to ensure the cooling of the reactor walls.

[0006] Such complex reactor vessels can each have empty weights of over 1,000 tons and are therefore usually assembled at the operating site from a large number of individual parts in the support structure and simultaneously secured within this support structure. This procedure is complex and, due to the use of large cranes for erecting the support structure and assembling and installing the reactor within it, is associated with correspondingly high costs. Furthermore, the reactor must be designed in such a way that it can be assembled into the support structure or similar structure, taking the circumstances into account, which can lead to a situation where it cannot be optimally designed.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of creating a method for installing a heavy load in a supporting structure, by means of which such installation in the operational state in the supporting structure can be carried out more safely, more quickly and thus more cost-effectively and the heavy load can be designed in such a way that restrictions such as those required for assembly in the supporting structure do not have to be taken into account.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, claim 10 and claim 14.

[0009] In the method according to the invention, the heavy load to be transported is, in particular, a reactor for metal extraction in a state that is at least almost ready for operation. This heavy load is moved horizontally by a transport means up to or partially into the support structure and is then pivoted upwards by a lifting system mounted in the support structure, preferably a strand lifting system, and pulled up into the support structure and secured to its operating position. For pivoting up into the upright position, this heavy load is tiltably mounted on the transport means and is lifted from the transport means by this lifting system.

[0010] With this inventive method, this heavy load, which is in particular a reactor for metal extraction, can be guided to the support structure in its assembled state, despite the enormous weight load, which can vary, and can be safely pivoted into this support structure and hoisted into the operational position. Preferably, a known SPMT (Self-Propelled Modular Transporter) is used as the transport means. The platform consists of such a large number of axles and wheels that the load per wheel corresponds to its possible weight load.

[0011] The lifting system mounted in the supporting structure preferably uses a strand lifting system, which is also known per se. Such strand jacks are suitable for lifting or carrying extremely heavy loads, and by using several of them pulling simultaneously, this heavy load can be hoisted into the operating position.

[0012] Conveniently, the heavy load, equipped with a removable reinforcement device at the front, is moved through the transport device partially into the interior of the support structure, and at least one longitudinal element of the lifting system, preferably designed as a strand, is connected to a connection point on the reinforcement device of the heavy load. This extremely simple coupling allows this heavy load to be connected to the lifting system and swung upwards without any complicated manipulation.

[0013] A tilting rod is detachably attached to the underside of the heavy load in its horizontal transport position and is pivotally mounted to the transport vehicle. This rod is pivoted upwards together with the heavy load and, before the heavy load reaches the upright position, hits a stop on the underside, stopping the pivoting of the heavy load. This tilting rod ensures that the reactor, with its outer shape formed with different diameters, rests at several points in the tilting rod above the platform of the transport vehicle, similar to a torpedo, and is mounted horizontally on this tilting rod or on the transport vehicle.

[0014] It is very advantageous to control the transport device in such a way that, when the heavy load is swiveled upwards, it travels partially into the interior of the supporting structure at a speed corresponding to the swivel movement. This ensures that the connection point on the container and at least one longitudinal element of the lifting system acting on it move approximately vertically upwards within the supporting structure, thus ensuring a controlled and safe swiveling of the heavy load.

[0015] For lifting the heavy load after it has been lifted from the means of transport in the upright position, the invention provides that additional longitudinal elements of the lifting system are coupled to a connection point of the reinforcement device, preferably on the opposite side to the one or more already connected longitudinal elements of the heavy load, in order to apply the necessary tensile force to the heavy load.

[0016] According to the invention, the support structure is constructed to a specific intermediate height, and then this lifting system is mounted on the support structure. The heavy load can then be transported to this intermediate height and secured using the lifting system. Simultaneously with the assembly of the heavy load, the crane system, which has already installed the support structure up to this intermediate height and the lifting system on top, can complete the installation of additional loads up to their full height. This results in significant time savings during the entire assembly process, while simultaneously reducing the operating time of the crane system to a minimum.

[0017] The invention and further advantages thereof are explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0018] Fig. 1 is a perspective side view of the lower part of the plant according to the invention with a heavy load designed as a reactor in a support structure as well as a means of transport carrying the heavy load and, above the heavy load, the lifting system in the support structure;

[0019] Fig. 2 is a perspective side view of the plant according to Fig. 1 in the horizontal transport position of the reactor on the transport means shown, in which this reactor is inserted with its front head part into the indicated support structure;

[0020] Fig. 3 is a perspective side view of the reactor and the lifting system according to Fig. 1, wherein the reactor is shown in the raised position on the transport means without the support structure;

[0021] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the assembled plant according to Fig. 1 with the reactor installed in the support structure and a cooler tank, as well as a crane system next to the plant; Fig. 5 is a perspective side view of a variant of a partially shown support structure with the installed reactor and lifting system, as well as a lifting device;

[0022] Fig. 6 is a perspective side view of the partially illustrated support structure and the lifting device according to Fig. 5 dismantling a cross member;

[0023] Fig. 7 is a perspective top view of the lifting device according to Fig. 5;

[0024] Fig. 8 is a perspective side view of the partially illustrated support structure according to Fig. 5 with two built-in auxiliary devices for transporting loads in the support structure;

[0025] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the auxiliary device according to Fig. 8; and

[0026] Fig. 10 is a perspective side view of the partially illustrated support structure according to Fig. 5 in the operating state with mounted platforms for operational and maintenance purposes.

[0027] Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 show a schematic diagram of a system 10 with a support structure 15 and a heavy load to be installed in the latter as a reactor 20. This support structure 15 consists of a lattice-like structure as a basic framework with longitudinal and transverse elements 16, 17, wherein it is designed with a hollow space 18 on the inside and, due to the required height, as a tower. As mentioned, it is only shown schematically. In any case, it must be provided with such statics that it can permanently absorb the enormous load forces of the heavy load to be installed. This support structure can be designed differently depending on the circumstances and requirements and can be located free-standing in a factory area or be designed as part of a building with several floors or the like.

[0028] In the method according to the invention, the heavy load to be transported is, in particular, a reactor 20 for metal extraction in a state that is at least approximately ready for operation. This reactor 20, as a heavy load, is moved horizontally by a transport means 11, preferably by an SPMT (Self-Propelled Modular Transporter), up to or partially into the cavity 18 of the support structure 15. It is pivoted upwards by a lifting system 25, preferably a strand lifting system, mounted in the support structure 15, and pulled up and secured in the support structure 15 to its operating position. For pivoting upwards into its approximately upright position, the reactor 20 is tiltably mounted on the underside of the transport means 11 and is pivoted about an articulated connection 31.

[0029] The invention is characterized by the fact that it allows, in particular, such a reactor 20, in a nearly operational state with an empty weight of over 1,000 tons, to be lifted into the required operating position to a height of, for example, 80 m in a completely new way. The reactor is, in particular, one that processes iron ore through direct reduction using renewable energy sources and extracts iron from it in a multi-stage process, primarily for the metal industry.

[0030] The reactor 20, designed as a container, with its torpedo-like outer shape, consists of a front, stepped cylindrical section 22 with a head section 21 with several upwardly projecting connecting pieces 21 (not explained in detail), as well as a hull 23 of enlarged diameter with a support frame 39 and a conical lower section 24 extending approximately to a point. A reinforcement device 26 is mounted on the outer shell of the cylindrical section 22, which is either permanently or, advantageously, removably installed. It has two spaced-apart reinforcement elements 27, 28, which are removably attached as rings to the outer circumference of the reactor 20 and are connected to one another by at least one connecting web 29.On the front reinforcement element 27, two spaced-apart connection points 32, 33 are advantageously mounted protrudingly on opposite sides, which can be connected to longitudinal elements 34 of the lifting system 25. When pivoting the reactor 20 upwards, only the two connection points 32 on its upper side need to be coupled to longitudinal elements 34, while the opposite connection points 33 are only connected to such longitudinal elements 34 after pivoting for lifting the reactor 20, so that this lifting system 25 is capable of lifting the reactor 20 upwards to its final position.

[0031] In addition, the reinforcement elements 27, 28 are each assigned an adjustable tensioning device 40 (not explained in detail) on the outside of the reactor, each consisting of an elongated tensioning element 37 and a tensioning element 36 coupled to the elongated tensioning element, each generating a selectable tensile stress in its longitudinal direction. At each of the four connection points 32, 33, one such tensioning element 37 engages with one end, which extends parallel to the axial direction of the reactor and is held at the other end by the annular support frame 39. These tensioning devices 40 can be used to coordinate with one another to generate tensile forces on the front reinforcement element 27 in the opposite direction to the lifting force of the longitudinal elements 34, in order to counteract this lifting force on the reinforcement element 27.

[0032] This illustrated reactor 20 can, of course, be shaped differently than shown. Likewise, this reinforcement device 26 can also be equipped, for example, with only one reinforcement element and without these tensioning devices 40. Depending on the weight of the heavy load, fewer or more than four such connection points 32, 33 can be provided.

[0033] As can be seen from Fig. 1, the front head part 21 of the reactor 20 with the reinforcing element 27 of the reinforcing device 26 is moved by the transport means 11 into the interior of the support structure 15 and the two longitudinal elements 32 of the lifting system 25, which are preferably designed as strands, are connected in this position to the respective connection point 32 at the reinforcing device 26 and the reactor 20 is pivoted upwards as a heavy load by actuating the lifting system.

[0034] The transport means 11 with an upper platform 11' is preferably formed by two independently movable transport units 12, 13, which together transport the heavy load partially to the support structure 15, as illustrated in Fig. 2. These transport units 12, 13 consist of such a plurality of axles and wheels that the load per wheel corresponds to the predetermined weight load, wherein the axles are each individually driven. After the longitudinal elements 32 of the lifting system 25 are connected to the reactor 20 and its lifting, the front transport unit 12 is removed, while the rear transport unit 13, with a tilting rod 45 articulated to it, and with it the reactor, moves into the cavity 18 of the support structure 15 and at the same time the reactor is pivoted upwards in the cavity.

[0035] The reactor 20, similar to a torpedo, rests with its outer shape formed with different diameters above the platform 11' of the transport means 11 at several preferably flat points on the tilting rod 45 and is securely supported on this tilting rod or on the transport means during approach in a horizontal orientation. This box-shaped tilting rod 45 is composed of longitudinally and transversely connected support elements 48, 49, this articulated connection 31, and a support element 52 that holds the support frame 39 of the reactor 20 on the underside. This tilting rod can be designed differently depending on the outer shape of the heavy load and can consist of several modules.

[0036] This rear transport unit 13 of the transport means 11 is moved into the interior of the support structure when the reactor 20 is pivoted upwards at a speed controlled corresponding to the pivoting speed, so that the connection point 32 at the reactor and the longitudinal element 34 of the lifting system 25 engaging it move approximately vertically upwards in the support structure 15, and the reactor is lifted with a linear pivoting movement without any disturbing vibrations occurring. The reactor 20 is pivoted upwards to a position, as shown in Fig. 1, in which the tilting rod 45 rests with its underside opposite the articulated connection 31 against at least one stop 43 on the transport unit 13. Then, the two longitudinal elements 34 of the lifting system 25 on the other side are articulated to the connection points 33 of the reinforcing device 26, in addition to the already connected longitudinal elements 34.The reactor is pivoted into this inclined position rather than the upright position to prevent it from tipping over to the other side. In principle, however, it could be pivoted into a nearly upright position and the additional longitudinal elements 34 then attached.

[0037] This articulated connection 31 on the transport means, as well as the tilting linkage 45, are then detached from the reactor and dismantled so that it can be lifted by the longitudinal elements 34 with equal amounts of force. Further longitudinal elements (not shown) are provided, which are articulated at connection points 38 on the support frame 39 below the fuselage 23, so that the reactor 20 can be guided through the lifting system 25 to its final position and secured in the support structure, as can be seen in Fig. 4 for the fully erected system 10.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows the lifting system 25 arranged in the support structure 15, in which a strand lifting system is preferably used. This lifting system 25 consists of a base frame 44 carried on the support structure 15, of solid cross beams 46, 47 standing thereon in pairs, and of several lifting units 50, 51, in each of which these longitudinal elements 34 are held displaceably in their longitudinal direction. The one lifting unit 50 and the two cross beams 46, or the other lifting unit 51 and the two cross beams 47, are positioned on the base frame 44 such that the longitudinal elements 34 extending through them and hinged at the connection points 32, 33, and 38 of the reactor 20 are aligned approximately vertically in order to avoid bending moments in these longitudinal elements, which are usually manufactured as strands.

[0039] Essentially, these lifting units 50, which are known per se and not shown in detail, each consist of a hydraulic or pneumatic piston-cylinder unit which is fixed to one of the crossbeams 46, 47 and has a central through-opening on the inside for receiving one or more longitudinal elements 34. The cylinder is provided with an annular chamber in which the sleeve-shaped piston is guided in the axial direction. At the upper end of the piston and at the lower end of the cylinder, respectively, a clamping device with radially adjustable clamps is provided for holding the longitudinal element(s) 34 in place. When the piston is retracted, its clamps hold the longitudinal element 34 in place, and a medium is pressed into a chamber in the cylinder by a pump, so that the piston and with it the longitudinal element are moved upwards.As soon as the piston is extended, the open clamps on the cylinder are closed and those on the piston are opened, before the latter is then retracted. This process is repeated until the heavy load to be lifted has reached its final position. When the heavy load is lifted, these strands are moved upwards through and beyond the lifting units 50 and can be accommodated in straight or rounded guides above the lifting system 25 (not shown in detail). The control of the multiple piston / cylinder units is coordinated synchronously, which can be achieved through pressure equalization to achieve even load distribution.

[0040] It goes without saying that lowering the heavy load with these lifting units 50 is also possible in the opposite direction, although this is not explained in detail. Accordingly, the individual steps for lowering would have to be performed in reverse order.

[0041] The method according to the invention also extends to the installation of the support structure 15 for receiving the heavy load, wherein the support structure 15 consists of these stackable longitudinal and transverse elements 16, 17 and / or other support elements, which are erected on a vehicle 59 by at least one known crane system 55 with several lattice masts 56, 57, 58, as illustrated in Fig. 4. Very advantageously, the support structure 15 is erected to a certain intermediate height, and then the lifting system 25, of which this base frame 44 can be seen, is mounted on the approximately half-built support structure 15. Subsequently, the reactor 20 is transported as a heavy load by the lifting system 25 to this intermediate height and held and secured in the base frame 44 by its support frame 39. This attachment can be achieved using sufficiently strong fasteners.Practically simultaneously, the crane system 55 installs the support structure 15 to its full height, with the heavy load to be transported being, in particular, this reactor 20 for metal extraction in a state that is at least nearly ready for operation. The reactor 20, lifted in the support structure 15 up to the lifting system 25, is guided through this frame-shaped lifting system and, with support frames 39 attached to its outer shell, is secured below the hull 23, preferably at this intermediate height in the support structure 15. The transport means 11 is moved away after the heavy load has been lifted, and it can be used to feed additional heavy loads into the support structure.

[0042] While the support structure 15 is being completed by the crane system 55 to its total height above the installed heavy load, the lifting system 25 can simultaneously lift and install additional components, such as at least one cooler tank 60, support elements 62, platform floors 61, etc., as additional heavy loads in the lower area or below the reactor. Once the reactor is secured in the support structure 15, the same transport means for feeding and the same longitudinal elements 34 of the lifting system 25 as for lifting the reactor can also be used for this purpose, advantageously those assigned to the lifting units 51 at the crossbeams 46, because these extend outside the outer shell of the reactor.

[0043] By simultaneously mounting it on the lower and upper sections of the support structure 15, the first platform in the upper construction section is used as a protective platform 63. This platform is reinforced with additional protective measures to protect the people working below.

[0044] The lifting system 25 with the crossbeams 46, 47, temporarily mounted at this specific height in the support structure 15, is preferably dismantled again after the heavy load and other components have been completely installed. The support structure and the area surrounding it are designed such that this lifting system 25 with the crossbeams 46, 47 can be reinstalled in the support structure, particularly for dismantling the heavy load and components. In principle, however, it could also remain in the support structure, especially if components need to be replaced or overhauled from time to time.

[0045] Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 show a lifting device 65 for assembling or disassembling cross beams 46, 47 of the lifting system 25 into or from a partially illustrated support structure 70. The same reference numerals as in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 are used below for the same components. In this support structure 70, the reactor 20 installed according to the invention can be seen, which is held with its support frame 39 in the base frame 40 of the support structure 70. The lifting system 25 supported on the base frame 44 comprises two pairs of solid cross beams 46, 47 lying opposite one another and a plurality of lifting units 50, 51 placed on the latter, in each of which these longitudinal elements 34 are held so as to be displaceable in their longitudinal direction, as can be seen in Fig. 3.

[0046] The partially shown support structure 70 with the stacked longitudinal, transverse, and oblique elements 75, 76, 77 as support elements is designed in the area of ​​the base frame 44, in which the reactor 20 is mounted, such that the longitudinal elements 75 extend diagonally inward below the base frame 44, thus reducing the square or other-shaped cross-section of the support structure 70 from a larger to a smaller cross-sectional area towards the top, in order to save material in the upper, less heavily loaded part of the support structure 70. The lower part of the support structure is also constructed with a larger cross-sectional area to provide sufficient space for the reactor 20 to be moved upwards during installation.

[0047] After the reactor 20 and the additional components have been installed, the lifting units 50, 51 and subsequently the crossbeams 46, 47, 66, or both together, are normally dismantled because they are no longer needed and can be used for other structures. For this purpose, a lifting device 65 is used, which consists of a guide rail 67, a fastening device 72, and a counterweight 64 with an adjusting element 71. During operation, the lifting device 65 is suspended from crane ropes 68, 69. Its fastening means 72 is fixedly attached at one end to the guide rail 67, while the counterweight 64 is guided displaceably from a first to a second end position 64', 64" on the guide rail 67, so that this guide rail 67 is always horizontally balanced, whether with or without the cross member 46, 47, 66 to be conveyed.The guide rail 67 can be designed as a double-T support and the counterweight 64 can be guided therein with a T-slot.

[0048] The adjusting element 71 consists of a cable pulley 71 arranged on each side of the guide rail 67, each with a cable winch 7T, a rotary motor that can be controlled by the winch, a cable 73 guided parallel to the guide rail 67, and a holder 78 for the cable end. The two cable pulleys are arranged in an inverted arrangement so that the counterweight 64 can be pulled in one direction or the other by the respective cable 73 and the cable winch 71'. The cable winches 71' are each rotatably mounted on a base 79 on the guide rail 67, while the holders 78 for the cables 73 are anchored to the counterweight 64. The counterweight 64 is adjustable between the first and second end positions 64', 64" on the guide rail 67 by the adjusting member 71. In principle, only one cable pull could be provided, which, for example, would be equipped with a cable winch at each end.In addition, the counterweight incorporates a braking device that interacts with the guide rail. This braking device is not shown in detail and serves to additionally fix the counterweight in a particular end position. This adjusting element could also be designed differently than shown, for example, with a rack on the guide rail and a driven pinion on the counterweight that engages with the rack.

[0049] Fig. 5 illustrates this lifting device 65, which is lifted next to the support structure 70 and is lifted by a crane (not shown) next to the lifting system 25 of the support structure 70 in order to dismantle these cross members 46, 47, 66. In the unloaded state, as shown, the counterweight 64 is pushed by the adjusting member 71 into this first end position 64', so that the guide rail 67, which is provided with the lateral fastening means 72 and is preferably suspended from two crane cables 68, is horizontally balanced.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, a cross member 46 is preferably screwed to the side of the fastening means 72 of the guide rail 67 and then led transversely out of the support structure 70 and placed downwards, for example, on a motor vehicle for transporting the same. This process is then repeated until all cross members 46, 47, 66 have been dismantled, including those held transversely below the base frame 44 in corners of the cross elements 76. For reasons of space, the lifting device 65 suspended from the crane rope 69 can be inserted into the open interior of the support structure 70 with only part of its guide rail 67 and then connected to a respective cross member 46, 47, 66 by this lateral fastening, and the latter can be pulled out of the support structure.

[0051] When assembling the lifting system 25 into the support structure 70, the procedure is reversed to that explained above for disassembly. Therefore, not all details are explained again below. The crossbeams 46, 47 are lifted individually by the crane using the lifting device 65 from below next to the support structure 70 in the assembly position of the lifting system 25, and the respective crossbeam 46, 47 is then pushed into the support structure 70. As soon as they are placed therein and secured, the fastening means 72 of the guide rail 67 are released, and the counterweight 64 is pushed by the adjusting element 71 in the guide rail 67 from the second to this first end position 64'. The lifting device 65 can then be guided transversely out of the support structure 70, lowered, and lift the next crossbeam 46, 47 from the ground into the assembled position.

[0052] Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show an auxiliary device 80 built into the support structure 70 for transporting loads during installation and operation of the reactor 20, respectively. This auxiliary device 80 consists of a rail guide 81, 82 and at least one trolley 85 sliding thereon, which in the usual way has a cable pull with a motor and an indicated crane hook 86. This rail guide comprises a boom 81 projecting away from the support structure 70 and an arcuate rail 82 continuing from the boom below a grate-like platform 83, which is advantageously arranged in the outer region of the platform 83 held within the horizontally extending cross elements 76. The rail 82 is advantageously assembled from part-circular rail parts, so that it can be easily assembled and, if necessary, disassembled again. Instead of being curved, the rail 82 could also be guided in a serpentine or other shape.The grate-like platform 83 consists of a number of longitudinally and transversely arranged beams 84 which rest on the outside of the cross elements 76 of the supporting structure.

[0053] This auxiliary device 80 enables this trolley 85 to grasp a load from the ground area by hand or by a drive in the position outside the support structure 70 at the boom 81 and to pull it up to the platform 83 and then to be transported to a parking position in the support structure 70 by moving the trolley 85 and the load along the curved rail 82.

[0054] In the support structure 70 according to Fig. 8, two such platforms 83 are shown, each with an auxiliary device 80 at different heights, one of which is installed, for example, above the base frame 44 and one above the cooler tank 60. Of course, more than two such auxiliary devices can be installed as needed, with the platforms 83, due to their lattice shape, each forming a reinforcement for the auxiliary device attached to it below, so that the latter can support loads of up to 10 tons or even more.

[0055] Fig. 8 also shows a tray-like platform 86, which is fixed to the outside of the support structure 70 by a rod 87, for example, in the lower region of the reactor. This platform 86 could also be pivotably mounted on the support structure 70, in which case this rod 87 could be detachable from the platform 86, allowing the latter to be pivoted downward when not in use. Of course, several of these platforms 86 could be provided, and their sizes could vary.

[0056] Fig. 10 shows the support structure 70 in the operating state, partially in the lower area of ​​the installed reactor 20, with additional platforms 88, 89, 91, particularly for maintenance operations, which can advantageously either be lifted to specific positions by lifting devices 90 or are fixedly mounted, as can be seen with the platforms 89. One platform 91 can be moved up or down in front of a respective fixed platform 89 and thus serve as an extension of the latter. The fixed platforms 89 can be fastened to the support structure 70 by plug-in systems 97 and can preferably be dismantled again. The lifting devices 90 are provided with two outwardly projecting booms 92 and cable pulleys 93 that grasp the platforms. These booms 92 are preferably designed to be telescopically retractable and extendable and can be retracted when not in use or extended when in use.However, it would also be possible to use only a single boom with a rope strand similar to that used in the lifting device 65, which could, for example, be folded in and out of the supporting structure, using crane ropes 68, 69 as used in the lifting device 65 according to Fig. 5.

[0057] Depending on requirements, an elevator (shown here) with a cabin 95 is preferably installed on the side of the support structure 70. The elevator is guided along a support rail arrangement 94, which is held externally to the support structure 70 by corresponding support elements 96. This elevator is primarily installed for transporting workers from below to the respective platforms or vice versa. However, it can also be used to transport cargo.

[0058] The invention is sufficiently illustrated by the exemplary embodiments explained above. However, it could of course be further explained by further variants.

[0059] As a variant, the lifting system could be equipped with a different number of lifting units 50, 51 and longitudinal elements 34 than those shown, and the cross beams 46, 47 could be arranged differently than shown. Likewise, the supporting structure could be arranged, for example, in a building and be primarily formed from supporting pillars made of concrete or similar material.

[0060] Instead of an SPMT, another feed system, such as a vehicle sliding on a plastic or a vehicle traveling on rails or the like, could be used as the transport means 11.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A method for installing a heavy load in a support structure, in which the at least one heavy load is transported upwards in this support structure (15) and secured so that it is fixed in the operating position, characterized in that the heavy load to be transported is in particular a reactor (20) for metal extraction in a state that is at least approximately ready for operation, wherein this heavy load is moved by a transport means (11), preferably by an SPMT (Self-Propelled Modular Transporter), in a horizontal direction up to or partially into the support structure (15), and that this heavy load is pivoted upwards by a lifting system (25) mounted in the support structure (15), preferably a strand lifting system, and is moved upwards in the support structure (15) into its operating position and secured,wherein this heavy load is tiltably mounted on the transport means (11) for pivoting upwards and is then lifted off the transport means (11) by the lifting system (25).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the heavy load provided in the front area with a removable reinforcement device (26) is moved by the transport means (11) partly into the interior of the support structure (15) and at least one longitudinal element (34), preferably designed as a strand, of the lifting system (25) is connected to a connection point at the reinforcement device (26) of the heavy load and the latter is pivoted upwards by actuation of the lifting system (25).

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the transport means (11) moves into the interior of the support structure (15) at a correspondingly controlled travel speed when the heavy load is pivoted upwards by the lifting system (25), so that the connection point at the reactor (20) and the at least one longitudinal element (34) of the lifting system (25) acting on it move approximately vertically upwards in the support structure.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the heavy load, upon reaching at least its approximately upright orientation, is coupled by at least one additional longitudinal element (34) of the lifting system (25), preferably on the opposite side to the already connected longitudinal element (34) of the heavy load, to a connection point (33) of the reinforcing device (26), and the heavy load is then pulled up by at least both longitudinal elements (34).

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that a tilting rod (45) which is articulated on the transport means (11) is detachably fastened to the heavy load in its lower region, which is pivoted upwards together with the heavy load and preferably abuts against a stop (43) on the underside before the heavy load reaches the upright position and causes the pivoting of the heavy load to stop.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in this upwardly pivoted position at least one additional longitudinal element (34) of the lifting system (25) is connected to the reinforcement device (26) and / or to a support frame (39) of the heavy load, and that the heavy load is consequently lifted by the longitudinal elements (34) together with equal lifting force components.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the transport means (11) is moved away after the heavy load held on the longitudinal elements (34) has been lifted off and at least one support element fed into the support structure (15) is attached to a support in the lower region of the heavy load by at least one further longitudinal element (34) of the lifting system (25), and that the heavy load is consequently lifted up by the longitudinal elements (34) together with the same lifting force components.

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lifting system (25) with cross beams (46, 47) is mounted at a certain height in the support structure (15) and is dismantled again after the complete assembly of the heavy load and further components, such as at least one cooler container (60), stage floors (61), support elements (62), etc., wherein the support structure (15) and the area surrounding it are designed in such a way that this lifting system (25) with the cross beams (46, 47) can be reinstalled in the support structure (15), in particular for dismantling the heavy load and / or the components.

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transport means (11) for the heavy load is formed from preferably two independently movable transport units (12, 13) which together transport the heavy load, wherein the front transport unit (12) is removed after the heavy load has been lifted and the rear transport unit (13) with a tilting rod (45) articulated to it and the heavy load moves partly into the interior of the support structure (15) and at the same time the heavy load is pivoted upwards.

10. A method for installing a support structure for receiving a heavy load, which is installed in the support structure preferably according to the method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the support structure (15) consists of support elements which can be assembled one above the other and it is erected by at least one crane system (55), characterized in that the support structure (15) is erected to a certain intermediate height by the crane system (55) and then a lifting system (25), preferably a strand lifting system, is mounted on the support structure (15) and that consequently the heavy load is conveyed and secured to this intermediate height by means of the lifting system (25), and that at the same time the support structure (15) can be installed up to its total height by the crane system (55), wherein the heavy load to be conveyed is in particular a reactor (20) for metal extraction in a state that is at least approximately ready for operation.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the heavy load lifted in the support structure (15) up to the lifting system (25) is guided through this frame-shaped lifting system (25) and is fastened in the support structure (15) preferably at this intermediate height by means of support frames (39) attached to its outer casing, preferably in the lower region.

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the support structure (15) is completed by the crane system up to its total height above the installed heavy load, while at the same time further components, such as at least one cooler tank (60), stage floors (61), support elements (62) or the like are mounted in the lower area or below the heavy load in this support structure.

13. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the lifting system (25) can be mounted in the support structure (15, 70), that it can be removed from this support structure, in particular after the installation of the system (10) has been completed, and can preferably be reinstalled therein if at least one heavy load has to be dismantled from the support structure.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that a lifting device (65) is used for assembling or disassembling cross members (46, 47, 66) of the lifting system (25) into or from the support structure (15, 70).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the lifting device (65) is lifted during dismantling, preferably by means of a crane, next to the lifting system (25) of the support structure (15, 70), is connected to a respective cross member (46, 47, 66) and the latter is transported laterally away from the support structure (15, 70).

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the lifting device (65) is connected to a respective cross member (46, 47, 66) during assembly and lifted up to the assembly position of the lifting system (25) in the support structure (15, 70), and the cross member (46, 47, 66) is pushed laterally into the support structure (15, 70) by it and fastened.

17. Plant with a supporting structure and at least one heavy load held therein, wherein the plant has preferably been built according to the method according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the supporting structure (15, 70) is provided with support elements assembled one above the other and the heavy load is mounted therein, characterized in that a lifting system (25), preferably a strand lifting system, is fastened in the supporting structure (15), preferably at a certain intermediate height, and likewise the heavy load transported by means of the lifting system (25) is preferably fastened in the region of the intermediate height, wherein the heavy load is designed in particular as a reactor for metal extraction, which is mounted in the supporting structure in an at least approximately operational state.

18. System according to claim 17, characterized in that further components, such as at least one cooler tank (60), stage floors (61), support elements (62) or the like are mounted in the lower region or below the heavy load in the support structure.

19. System according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the lifting device (65) is composed of a guide rail (67), a fastening means (72) and a counterweight (64) with an adjusting member (71), wherein it can be conveyed by a crane next to the cross beams (46, 47, 66) of the lifting system (25) and the guide rail (67) with the end fastening means (72) can be connected laterally to the respective cross beam (46, 47, 66) and the latter can be conveyed laterally out of the support structure.

20. Installation according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that Longitudinal elements (75) of the supporting structure (70) below the base frame (44) extend obliquely inwards, deviating from the vertical, and thus the square or other-shaped cross-section of the supporting structure (70) is reduced from a larger to a smaller cross-sectional area.

21. Plant according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that at least one auxiliary device (80) for conveying loads for installation purposes and during operation of the reactor (20) is installed in the support structure (70), which has at least one rail guide (81, 82) and at least one trolley (85) or the like sliding thereon with a motor-driven cable pull and a crane hook (86).

22. Installation according to one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that additional platforms (86, 88, 89, 91), in particular laterally at the support structure (70), are either height-adjustable to specific positions by lifting means (90) or that they are fixedly mounted.

23. Heavy load for a plant according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the heavy load is designed as a container-shaped reactor (20), in particular for metal extraction, which is provided with its outer shell with preferably cylindrical sections, in which a Strengthening device (26) and / or a support frame (39) is mounted in the lower region of the container-shaped reactor.

24. Heavy load according to claim 23, characterized in that the reinforcing device (26) comprises at least two reinforcing elements (27, 28) arranged at a distance from one another, which are removably fastened to the outer circumference of the reactor and are fastened to one another by at least one connecting web (29), wherein at least one connection point (32) for articulating one longitudinal element (34) of the lifting system (25) is provided on the upper reinforcing element (27).

25. Heavy load according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that a preferably box-shaped tilting rod (45) can be mounted on the underside of the reactor (20), by means of which the reactor (20) is pivotally mounted on the transport means (11).

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