ADVANCED CRANES FOR £80 MILLION GLASS PLANT
European materials giant, Saint Gobain, have opened their newest glass plant at a green-field site in Yorkshire.  The half mile long, fully integrated plant, incorporates cranes and handling systems with a value of £530,000 by Street Crane Company.
	Designed for continuous production of up to 650 tonnes of flat glass per day and continuous operation for next twelve years, the plant demanded cranes of high efficiency and exceptional reliability.  Street were invited to design, build and supply cranes and hoists to meet these exacting requirements.  Their unique Compucrane design software produced simulations of real-life use to refine specifications.
	Street delivered ten cranes and hoists.  There are five, 16 tonne, double-girder cranes and a single, six tonne, double-girder dual-speed crane in the main production and warehouse area.  The larger cranes transfer 12 tonne glass packs to the warehouse, using glass handling devices supplied by Teodori Impianti of Italy.  The smaller crane provides a flexible back-up in the production area.
	Crane and hoist solutions were also developed to assist in maintenance procedures.  These allow large sections of refractory and heavy plant to be removed and replaced quickly, so that full capacity is restored as soon as possible.
	Precise control over the movement of the glass and operator safety were vital considerations.  SC Smartdrive inverter speed controls ensure smooth and finely adjustable acceleration and deceleration.  Remote radio controls allow operators to secure better visibility, safety and fine control over final manoeuvring.  The speeds used at this stage are only a fraction of the maximum possible in general movement.  Radio sets are less liable to damage and can be easily swapped-out if a problem arises.
		
More information: Gus Zona, Street Crane Co Ltd, Tel. +44 (0)1298 812456, Fax. + 44 (0)1298 814945, E-mail: admin@streetcrane.co.uk  Web: www.streetcrane.co.uk