Maxim gantry system sets 440 MW power block at Turney Energy Center

Gantry instead of a big crawler

For the heaviest rotating equipment, Maxim opted for a 700 ton J&R Engineering Lift & Lock T1402-4-39 hydraulic gantry system fitted with power-links rather than mobilising a large crawler crane. The power-links let operators position the gas turbine and generator precisely over the foundation anchor bolts, and Maxim says the gantry proved the more cost-effective tool for the job. Each major component arrived on hydraulic platform trailers, was unloaded, traversed and set to benchmarks on its foundation pedestal. The gantry campaign ran roughly four weeks, paced by the component delivery schedule, and lifted a combined 1,376,000 lb.

Nine machines on site

Around the centreline erection, Maxim supported EPC contractor Black & Veatch Construction with a mixed fleet of eight cranes. Rough terrains included a 50 ton Link-Belt RTC8050, a 65 ton Grove RT765E and an 80 ton Grove RT880E, joined by Grove GHC110 and GHC140 telescopic crawlers. The conventional crawler line-up comprised a 275 ton Kobelco CK2750G-3, a 300 ton Manitowoc 2250 Series 3 and a 330 ton Liebherr LR 1300. Both the gas turbine and the generator were lifted and rough-set on schedule.

Quick-start power for rural Missouri

The US$520 million plant is being built for owner Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. in response to NW Electric Power Cooperative’s need for more transmission capacity to rural Missouri communities. When it comes online in 2027, Turney Energy Center is billed as the most advanced commercially operated combustion turbine in the state, able to quick-start and run on demand during periods of peak load.

Source: Maxim Crane Works — Photos: Maxim Crane Works