Bespoke Lifting Tool for CERN, the European Nuclear Research Institute

Mona were successful in bidding for the design and manufacture of a bespoke 105 tonne lifting tool for CERN, the European Nuclear Research facility in Geneva, Switzerland.

This complex piece of equipment is used for the handling of the New Small Wheel (NSW) of the ATLAS research experiment at the Large Hadron Collider, designed to search for evidence of advanced theories of particle physics.

The lifting tool delivered by Mona is a large and complex solution engineered to strict requirements. The tool itself interfaces to the NJD/NSW via a central welded pin, machined to tight geometric tolerances and positioned using specialist laser tracking equipment. The crane hook is then used to lift the tool via two hook pins. The hook pins are, in turn, inserted into a pair of pin plates which allow 100mm of horizontal adjustment of the pin positions if required via four pin adjusters. Pin sleeves support the hook pins when they are retracted from the tool to allow the crane hook to be lowered into position. A balanced lift is ensured by 20 counterweights, each weighing 200kg, positioned on the horizontal beam.

A vertical stand used to store the lifting tool in the vertical position is included. The vertical stand has suitable attachment points to lift and secure the lifting tool during loading and transport in the horizontal position. The vertical stand provides a rotation point to rotate the lifting tool from the horizontal position to the vertical position, and vice versa.

Mona were delighted to be awarded this contract and proud to be involved with such a high profile organisation and project.