R & R Millwright & Rigging Services takes pride in its wide variety of service offerings, and while we’ve done too many projects to count, here are just a few more recent ones which might provide examples of what we can do for you.
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Elevator Removal and Reinstall
The R & R team recently executed the relocation of an elevator, which included undertaking the task of disassembling the elevator, transporting it across the customer’s facility, and subsequently reassembling it within a span of only 4 1/2 days. Notably, this endeavor encompassed an elevation adjustment, necessitating the removal of support brackets, hard stops, cams, and position sensors from the elevator, followed by their reinstallation to accommodate the elevator’s new elevation.
Additionally, the team undertook the design and fabrication of the top set of doors at the new installation site. This was imperative since the original elevator site featured fire-rated doors that remained on the second floor. The project demanded a diverse range of skills, including expertise in minimal rigging, floor layout for the reconstruction process, welding structural braces and doors, as well as a solid grasp of general mechanical principles relating to hydraulic systems to restore the elevator’s functionality.
Please see the images depicting the dismantling and subsequent reconstruction of what was an engaging and enjoyable project for the team.
New Drive Engineered and Installed
The customer encountered a drive issue with their equipment, rendering them unable to obtain replacement parts for the existing drive system. An innovative solution was engineered to address this challenge, involving a transition from the existing through bore gear box to a chain drive with a B-lock sprocket.
Initially, the team removed the outdated drive, gear box, and clutch assembly. Subsequently, they seamlessly integrated a new shaft section into the space formerly occupied by the old drive, crafting a new jack plate for the motor and a weldment for the frame. Following the secure welding of the new frame, the drive system was meticulously reassembled with the inclusion of the new motor, gear box, and pneumatic clutch.
During the equipment’s disassembly phase, several taper lock bearings and flange bearings were also replaced. These upgrades were integral to the successful reassembly of the new chain drive system. The reduction rates originally provided by the gear box were preserved, and strategic logic work was carried out to establish communication between the new drive and the programmable logic controller (PLC). This optimization allowed the motor to manage more suitable acceleration and deceleration rates when initiating and stopping, ultimately enhancing the equipment’s longevity and duty cycle.
Please see the images of the transformation presented through a series of images, commencing with the old equipment and concluding with the fully upgraded system.
New Conveyor Install
This particular task was a component of a larger new equipment installation. It involved the handling of multiple overhead gantry rails and substantial carriages, along with approximately four of these conveyors. The focus here is solely on one of the conveyors, which was uncrated in the parking lot before being transported into the installation site.
Truss Press Table Move
The R & R team has recently undertaken a project involving the relocation of a large press truss table for a valued customer. This customer produces roof and floor trusses, where raw materials are precisely cut and positioned on the table, after which a substantial rolling mechanism comes down railroad tracks and punches the spike plates in to tie the joints together. Maintaining consistent track elevations on both sides of the 60-foot table is of utmost importance in ensuring that the rolling mechanism remains parallel to the table surface, facilitating even insertion of the spike plates.
To achieve this precision, measurements were taken at various points along both sides of the tracks and on the table surface. This meticulous approach guarantees the preservation and attainment of the existing gap tolerances when the table is disassembled and reassembled on the other side of the facility using a transit system. It’s worth noting that the table itself weighs approximately 20,000 pounds. Temporary bracing is now being welded across multiple points on the table to prevent flexing and to provide essential support to the rails, ensuring they remain at their established elevations during the relocation process.
Press Install
The R & R team received the press in two pieces at our customers dock. We unloaded the pieces and skated them a few hundred feet through our customers facility. Once placed at its final location, we installed alignment pins on the base piece and lifted the top section from overhead to stack the units. The press altogether weighs around 22,000lbs.
Drive/Reducer and Pinion Realignment
The R & R team recently replaced a drive and reducer and set gear mesh and alignment on pinion and bevel gears, and the gear boxes are running much smoother now.
Crane Pin Removal
During the process of dismantling the outrigger cylinders on a customer’s crane for the purpose of resealing due to leaks, an obstinate pin presented a challenge. The R & R team employed a combination of stiffbacks, pulling rods, and one of their porta power hydraulic jack heads to exert pressure on the pin. Initially, the pin was pressed in one direction until the head could be removed, and then it was carefully pressed out in the opposite direction.
Currently, the cylinder is disassembled, and the rebuilding process is underway, with plans for reinstallation scheduled for the upcoming week. To facilitate their work, the team also made some modifications, including welding I-bolts to the stiffbacks for suspension from the crane boom and repositioning their jacks, as they are cumbersome and weighty.
Barge Jacking
During the week, the R & R team embarked on an intriguing project by the river. While we were unable to take many photos because of the water, a couple of onlookers were able to take a couple of pictures from nearby docks.
The task at hand involved addressing a peculiar situation on the Ohio River, where a restaurant barge had encountered an issue caused by large logs and driftwood becoming wedged between the barge’s tie-in collar and the top of the pier. As the river’s water level receded, these obstructions became firmly lodged, tilting the boat to an extent that resulted in unintended consequences, such as grease spilling from the fryers and discomfort for the crew navigating the uneven floors.
To resolve this, the R & R team constructed two crib piles, incorporating steel plates atop them, and enlisted a pair of 50-ton jacks to lift the front corner of the barge. By alleviating the pressure on the obstructing logs, they were able to safely secure the boat using cribbing methods. Subsequently, they positioned themselves beneath the barge to make necessary cuts and remove the logs, which were then released downstream in accordance with regulations governing logs in the river.
The process involved a repetitive sequence of cribbing the boat, gradually lowering it by incrementally adjusting the jacks’ positions. Estimating the boat’s weight, factoring in buoyancy and water displacement, the team utilized approximately 100 tons of jacks. It’s worth noting that the boat owner had sought assistance from several tree services, all of whom declined the job, primarily due to concerns about the potential risks of being caught between the barge and the pier. The R & R team clarified that the project leaned more towards rigging than tree work and subsequently provided their contact information for future needs, including welding repairs for the rig.
The boat’s owner and their employees expressed gratitude for having the vessel restored to its level position. This project offered a refreshing change of scenery from the team’s usual industrial site assignments and was an enjoyable experience, especially given the picturesque waterside setting.
