Lift Studies & Custom Lifting Beams for Mining Plant Upgrades
Engineering Safe Lifts in Constrained and Brownfield Environments
Replacing or upgrading large equipment in an operating mining plant is rarely straightforward. Unlike greenfield sites, existing mining plants impose strict constraints on crane access, lift paths, headroom, and allowable loads.
Components such as:
Float cells
Platforms and walkways
Cyclones
Mill motors and drive assemblies
often need to be removed and replaced within tight spatial, structural, and operational limits.
Trang provides engineering lift studies and custom lifting beam solutions to ensure these lifts can be carried out safely, efficiently, and in compliance with site requirements.
What Is a Lift Study?
A lift study is a structured engineering assessment that determines whether a lift can be safely performed, and if so, how it should be executed.
At its core, a lift study considers:
The size and geometry of the building or plant
The capacity and configuration of the crane
The mass, shape, and lifting points of the object
The lift path, clearances, and constraints
The outcome is a clear, engineered lifting strategy that can be safely implemented on site.
Why Lift Studies Are Critical in Mining Plants
In established mining facilities:
Cranes often operate close to their capacity limits
Headroom is restricted by structures, conveyors, or pipework
Lift paths are non-linear or partially obstructed
Standard lifting equipment may not suit the load geometry
Attempting these lifts without proper engineering can introduce:
Overloading of cranes or lifting gear
Unstable or uncontrolled loads
Excessive loads on structures or floors
Elevated risk to personnel and equipment
A lift study ensures these risks are identified, quantified, and controlled before the lift occurs.
Trang’s Lift Study Methodology
Trang’s lift studies integrate mechanical engineering, structural considerations, and safety analysis.
Our typical scope includes:
1. Site & Plant Review
Building dimensions and layout
Available crane locations and setup constraints
Structural capacity of floors, beams, or foundations
Obstructions and restricted access zones
2. Crane Capacity Assessment
Crane type and configuration
Rated capacities across working radii
Dynamic effects and load factors
Allowable operational envelopes
3. Load Assessment
Weight verification of the lifted object
Centre of gravity determination
Lift points and load distribution
Rigging arrangements and sling angles
4. Lift Path & Sequence Analysis
Entry and exit routes
Rotations or intermediate positions
Temporary supports or staging
Interaction with existing plant and structures
Custom Lifting Beams & Jigs
Many mining plant lifts require custom lifting beams or jigs to:
Distribute loads evenly
Maintain stability and orientation
Fit within headroom or clearance constraints
Interface with non-standard lift points
Trang designs purpose-built lifting beams and lifting frames to suit the specific constraints of each lift.
This includes:
Structural design of beams and frames
Verification of load paths and stresses
Integration with crane hooks and rigging
Documentation for fabrication and use
Safety & Risk Considerations
Lift studies are not just about whether a crane can lift an object, they are fundamentally about managing risk.
Trang’s lift studies support:
Site risk assessments and lift plans
Identification of critical lift hazards
Engineering controls to reduce reliance on procedural controls
Clear communication of lift limitations and assumptions
This is particularly important for:
Critical or high-consequence lifts
Brownfield plant upgrades
Shutdown and maintenance activities
Typical Applications
Trang regularly undertakes lift studies for:
Float cell replacement
Cyclone installation and removal
Mill motor change-outs
Large structural components
Process equipment upgrades
These projects are commonly undertaken in:
Active mining operations
Processing plants
Shutdown or staged upgrade environments
Independent Engineering for Complex Lifts
In many cases, OEM documentation or standard lifting guidance does not address the site-specific constraints encountered in mining plants.
Trang provides independent engineering assessment and design, ensuring:
Lifts are feasible within existing constraints
Equipment is not overloaded
Risks are clearly understood and managed
Documentation stands up to site and regulatory scrutiny
Need a Lift Study or Custom Lifting Beam?
If you are planning a plant upgrade, equipment replacement, or critical lift within a mining or industrial facility, Trang can provide engineering lift studies and custom lifting beam solutions tailored to your site.
Contact Trang to discuss your lift requirements, site constraints, and safety considerations.