Modulift spreader beam lifts Yankee Dryer to Barrow-in-Furness paper mill

Allelys, one of the largest transport and heavy lift companies in the UK, used a Modulift MOD 250 spreader beam below-the-hook of a LG1550 crane, to lift a Yankee paper dryer in Barrow-in-Furness. These huge pressure vessels remove excess moisture during the paper making process and are the beating heart of machines used to make tissue paper.

The MOD 250 spreader beam, which offers up to 250t capacity and a span of between 2 and 21m, was employed at a length of 6.5m for this specific project. The Yankee Dryer, weighing 137t and measuring 5.62m in diameter and 9m in length, was moved safely into position aboard flat top trailers before being transported 3 miles to the mill in a transport configuration with a total length of 27m.

The MOD 250 provided the ideal lifting solution, ensuring the paper dryer was lifted safely and ensuring the weight was distributed evenly.

Allelys accepted the lifting project from a local paper mill in the UK. The dryer was delivered from Karlstad, Sweden to Buccleuch Dock, one of the four docks which make up the Port of Barrow in Barrow-in-Furness. Zac Smout, Senior Project Manager at Allelys, explained the biggest challenge was presented by the total length of the transport configuration. The MOD 250 provided the ideal lifting solution, used at a length of 6.5m to safely balanced the weight of the dryer during the lift.

He said: “For this operation our experts undertook the complete full service solution by providing project management and engineering support, including a route survey, swept path analysis, lift plan and lift management. To navigate such a long transportation arrangement on A-roads is no mean feat and I’m proud that the team delivered this safely and on schedule.”

Allelys already had the MOD 250 spreader beam, and it made sense to re-use this beam for the paper dryer. Modulift spreader beams can be reused without the need to re-test or re-certify, wherever the lift is, anywhere in the world. This makes them a reliable and cost-effective solution for multiple lifts and projects.

Despite the short distance, the sheer size of the load meant that the route required street furniture to be removed and a police escort. Once on-site, the transport arrangement was reversed into storage and the dryer was stooled off.

John Baker, commercial director at Modulift, says, “We have worked with Allelys for many years and are pleased that our MOD 250 spreader beam has been used for yet another project to carry out a safe lift.”

Allelys are at the forefront of global Heavy Lift and project cargo logistics, providing customers with a dedicated UK and European “Factory to Foundation” service for the UK’s Energy Sectors and Heavy Industries.