ALE removed the rotors of three generators at an aluminium smelting facility in Puerto Madryn, Argentina as part of a scheduled maintenance programme.

The company said it was able to mobilise equipment to the site within a week to complete the work, which allowed the rotors to be repaired and reinstalled.

The generators were positioned inside the factory at heights up to 5.5 m. ALE used six axle lines of SPMTs fitted with a custom beam structure to handle the equipment. The rotors themselves measured 10.25 m long and had a diameter of 1.05 m.

During each lift, the SPMTs were driven through a narrow gap into the generator building, where they received each rotor from an indoor skidding system designed to remove the rotors from their stators. Each 41.5-tonne rotor was then transported out of the building on top of the SPMTs.

Two 70-tonne capacity cranes were then used to lift the rotors and position them on supports ready for collection. The units were later transported offsite for repairs, before being returned to their former position by ALE.

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