Move-in of granulator at Advance Pharma

Always in balance despite tipping manoeuvres: This move-in job for Germany-based plant manufacturer MRA GmbH & Co. KG was perfect for the experienced team from SCHOLPP's Berlin site. A granulator including accessories and ventilation systems weighing 5.5 tonnes was to be installed at the new customer Advance Pharma GmbH in Berlin. Due to the dimensions of the granulator, the SCHOLPP fitters carried out some challenging tilting and lifting manoeuvres in the factory hall during the move-in.

Advance Pharma develops and produces various pharmaceuticals, food supplements, dietary and medical products at its site in the northern Berlin district of Reinickendorf. Exactly one week was planned for the transport and installation job to bring a new granulator system into the factory building. Plant manufacturer MRA from Mühlenbeck; Germany, near Berlin brought SCHOLPP on board for moving in the machines. The components were delivered on four trucks.

Two teams enable time-saving rigging

Two teams worked in parallel on this project in order to meet the customer's deadlines: Team 1 was responsible for the ventilation systems, while Team 2 took care for the granulator. As the move in level of the production building was not at ground level, but on the first floor, all parts were ‘flown’ to the hall opening by mobile crane (130 tonnes) using the ‘flying carpet’ - a crane platform (8 tonnes). The 3.5 tonne granulator, the largest part with dimensions of 2.0 x 2.0 x 5.0 metres, was transported horizontally.

Safe tilting and lifting manoeuvre

The plant components were transported inside the factory using a forklift truck (6 tonnes), electric forklift (2 tonnes), electric pallet truck and heavy-duty rollers. Then the most difficult project step awaited the SCHOLPP fitters: erecting the granulator. For that part telescopic lifting platform, an aluminium gantry, various electric chain hoists (5 t) and hydraulic lifters were installed in advance. The ceiling of the building had to be opened with a core drill hole in order to position the chain hoists.

Experience is everything: efficient use of lifting and transport equipment

With the help of this proven technical solution, the SCHOLPP team carefully and safely erected the five-metre-high granulator. It was important that the machine remained in a controlled balance at all times. Given the uncommon high centre of gravity, this was no easy task. Thanks to the experience of the SCHOLPP fitters with such installation manoeuvres and the efficient lifting and transport technology, the job was completed within the specified time frame. After the installation, the team spontaneously assisted the customer and plant operator in fitting the accessories and installing the ventilation systems.