The successful operation of this crane aligns with current trends toward high-tonnage, long-span, high-speed, and automated crane systems, marking another outstanding achievement for our company's product line.

I. Product Introduction

II. Technical Parameters

Table 2

III. Classification and Characteristics

1. Slab handling crane 

2. Slab tongs 

IV. Working Principle

Slab handling overhead crane with tongs grip slabs from the side or from above using a tong mechanism. The gripping action relies on principles of leverage-based force multiplication and self-locking: as the tongs lift the slab, the slab's weight is converted into clamping force via a linkage mechanism—meaning the heavier the slab, the greater the clamping force. Based on the gripping method, slab tongs are categorized into vertical tongs (gripping the slab's width from the side, suitable for stacking) and horizontal tongs (gripping the slab's length from above, suitable for transfer). Since slabs in storage yards can reach temperatures of 400–800°C, the tongs must be capable of withstanding high temperatures. The tong jaws automatically adjust to the slab width, with the spacing between them controlled by electric or hydraulic drives.

V. Heat-Resistant Structural Design

1. High-Temperature Material Matrix Application

The main and end beams use Q690 high-strength heat-resistant steel. Using a "fatigue-resistant collaborative design method based on distortion energy theory," the design passed 100,000 high-temperature fatigue checks, ensuring structural strength drops by no more than 5% in a 1200℃ radiant heat environment. Key stressed welds are made using automated robotic welding, achieving zero defects and boosting high-temperature oxidation resistance by 40% over traditional methods.

2. Thermal Insulation and Cooling Design

The hoisting mechanism cover uses a double-layer high-temperature-resistant ceramic coating (withstanding up to 1300℃) with built-in air-cooling channels, keeping the core parts below 60℃. The wheel assemblies feature an automatic graphite-based grease lubrication system that stays stable at 300℃, extending service life to 15,000 hours.

3. Lightweight and Load Balance

Using crane topology optimization technology and keeping the 100t (50+50) rated load, the total machine weight is reduced by 18% and wheel pressure is cut by 22%. The double main girder box-shaped design controls maximum high-temperature deflection to within L/1000 (where L is the span), making it well-suited for complex metallurgical plant conditions.

VI. Intelligent Control and Monitoring System

Built on Henan Mine Crane’s advanced smart manufacturing technology, this slab handling crane features a full-chain "sensing-analyzing-control" smart system for precise work in extreme high-temperature environments:

1. 3D Temperature Measurement and Adaptive Control: Equipped with an infrared array temperature sensor and a fiber-optic temperature monitoring system, it creates a 3D temperature network to track slab surface temperature (with an accuracy of ±5℃) and the crane's structural heat distribution in real time. When the slab temperature exceeds 1000°C, the system automatically lowers the lifting speed to 0.8m/min and starts a cooling program to protect the equipment from heat shock.

2. Dual-Hook Synchronization and Path Optimization: Using a "50+50t" dual-hoist modular setup, it relies on absolute encoders and PLC closed-loop control to keep the dual-hook sync error at ≤2mm. Using digital twin technology, it simulates slab transport paths in a virtual environment to avoid crashes with columns and other factory equipment, boosting work efficiency by 25%.

3. 5G + Cloud Collaboration Management: Connected to the Henan Mine Crane "Crane Remote O&M Cloud Platform," it combines sensors, IoT, and cloud computing to monitor equipment status in real time, supporting remote debugging, fault diagnosis, and predictive maintenance. It uses a 5G network to instantly transmit 16 key running parameters, such as motor temperature, wire rope tension, and tong pressure. The platform's built-in AI algorithm can predict the lifespan of vulnerable parts (like predicting the remaining life of high-temperature wire ropes with 93% accuracy) and automatically create maintenance work orders, cutting unplanned downtime by 40%.

VII. Safety Protection System

Designed for the harsh metallurgical environment characterized by high temperatures, heavy dust, and high risks, this slab handling crane builds a dual safety barrier combining "proactive early warning" with "passive protection," achieving industry-leading technical standards:

1. Multi-Dimensional Safety Warning System: Integrates seven major warning functions, including load eccentricity warnings (triggers an alarm when the load deviation exceeds 5%), high-temperature limits, and wire rope broken wire detection (with a 98% accuracy rate). When abnormal temperatures or insufficient clamp pressure are detected in the hoisting mechanism, the system immediately triggers sound and light alarms, cuts off the power supply within 1.2 seconds, and initiates emergency braking.

2. AI Anti-Collision and Personnel Protection: Utilizing industrial-grade AI anti-collision technology, high-definition cameras and LiDAR identify personnel and obstacles in the working area, flexibly dividing warning zones and danger zones. When personnel mistakenly enter a danger zone, the equipment automatically stops and activates laser projection warnings to achieve "zero-collision" operations.

3. Redundant Design and Emergency Response: The hoisting mechanism adopts a dual-braking system. If the main brake fails, the backup brake responds within 0.6 seconds, controlling the braking distance to within 0.3 meters. Equipped with an independent emergency power supply, it safely lowers slabs during a power outage to prevent high-temperature slab drops and subsequent safety accidents. 

 VIII. Application Scenarios

1. Continuous Casting Workshop (Hot Slab Handling): At the end of the production line, this crane grips newly cut hot slabs with surface temperatures between 600°C and 1000°C. It quickly transports them to the cooling bed area or directly to insulation pits to support energy-saving "hot charging" processes.

2. Rolling Mill Workshop (Reheating Furnace Charging/Discharging): This crane accurately moves room-temperature or warm slabs from the transition zone onto the input roller table right in front of the reheating furnace. It is a vital hub that keeps the hot rolling mill running continuously, requiring extremely high positioning accuracy and operational stability.

3. Slab Yard and Outdoor Storage (Stacking and Grouping): In semi-finished and finished product warehouses, gravity or motorized tongs are used to tightly stack, restack, and sort slabs by heat/batch numbers. These slab cranes usually handle one or multiple slabs at a time (e.g., 2 to 4 blocks), significantly boosting storage capacity in limited spaces.

4. Ports and Railway Freight Yards (Logistics Loading and Unloading): Used widely at heavy-duty logistics hubs for shipping and receiving. It safely lifts and unloads batches of slabs from heavy trucks, railway flatcars, or inland cargo ships, ensuring efficient, large-scale transport across regions. 

IX. Conclusion

The strategic alliance between Henan Mine Crane and the Rizhao Premium Base of Shandong Iron & Steel Group not only powerfully demonstrates Henan Mine Crane’s ever-growing capacity for innovation and creativity but also sees both parties joining forces once again to drive the transformation and upgrading of the steel industry. Moving forward, Henan Mine Crane will continue to contribute its strength to China’s industrial development, fueled by a spirit of passion, a drive for innovation, and the courage to take responsibility.