Zoomlion Crane Aids Stator Replacement at Chinas Qinshan Nuclear Plant

If a nuclear power plant were compared to a human body, the generator stator would undoubtedly be the core component of its "heart." When this critical part malfunctions, the consequences are severe. Recently, a groundbreaking operation took place at the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant in Zhejiang Province, where technicians successfully replaced the generator stator of Unit 2 at the Qinshan Phase II facility – a feat likened to performing delicate heart surgery on the plant.

This marked the first time in China's nuclear industry that a roof-top removal method was used for stator replacement, with the operation carried out by a 2,000-ton crawler crane manufactured by Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. The high-risk project demonstrates China's advancing capabilities in nuclear maintenance technology.

The generator stator serves as the power plant's core equipment, converting mechanical energy into electricity while performing critical functions including structural support, heat dissipation, insulation protection, and magnetic field generation. Given its importance, the precision required for stator removal and installation leaves no room for error – any miscalculation could trigger catastrophic safety incidents.

The replacement involved removing a 347-ton aging stator and installing a new 325-ton unit through the reactor building's roof opening. The operation pathway crossed above the turbine hall and main transformer areas – sensitive zones where even minor vibrations could jeopardize plant safety. Zoomlion's crane was selected for its proven performance in previous nuclear lifting operations.

The project team faced multiple obstacles: confined workspace for rigging setup, hazardous aerial work conditions, and the enormous weight demanding exceptional crane stability. Each movement required millimeter-level precision to avoid damaging surrounding equipment worth millions.

Zoomlion's crane successfully executed the phased operation – removing roof panels, extracting the old stator, positioning the new unit, and restoring the roof structure. The entire process proceeded without incident, showcasing China's growing expertise in heavy industrial operations.

Operating at a maximum radius of 58 meters, the crane demonstrated exceptional load capacity and control accuracy. The smooth operation prevented any collisions or equipment damage during the stator's aerial transit – a critical factor when handling irreplaceable nuclear components.

This achievement follows Zoomlion's increasing involvement in China's nuclear sector, from third-generation reactor construction to maintenance upgrades. The company's equipment has become preferred for critical nuclear applications due to its reliability under extreme conditions.

The successful stator replacement not only prepares Qinshan Unit 2 for power uprating but also establishes a new benchmark for nuclear plant maintenance in China. The operation highlights the country's technological progress in high-end manufacturing and its commitment to advancing nuclear energy infrastructure.