The Anode Carbon Block Stacking Crane is a specialized lifting equipment used in the aluminum electrolysis industry for handling and stacking both raw and baked anode carbon blocks. This crane features a high-rigidity bridge structure and is equipped with a high-temperature-resistant clamping system, effectively performing tasks such as grabbing, handling, stacking, and furnace loading/unloading of carbon blocks.
The crane mainly consists of the bridge frame, trolley running mechanism, lifting mechanism, guiding device, clamping device, control system, electric hoist, and other components.
The carbon block stacking crane adopts a box-type double-beam bridge structure. The main beams are welded from high-strength steel plates, offering excellent anti-bending and anti-twisting performance, ensuring stability under heavy load conditions. The end beams use a three-in-one drive system (motor, brake, and reducer integrated), driving the wheels for smooth operation. The trolley running mechanism adopts a dual-track, dual-drive design, and is equipped with a frequency-controlled speed regulation system to achieve precise positioning and anti-sway control, meeting the high-precision stacking requirements.
The lifting height can reach 15–30 meters, meeting the multi-layer stacking requirements. The wire rope is made of high-temperature-resistant galvanized material, effectively withstanding the high temperatures and corrosive gases in the baking workshop.
The clamping device is the core working unit, utilizing a double-beam, four-claw hydraulic clamp, suitable for grabbing both raw anodes (at ambient temperature) and baked anodes (at high temperatures). The clamp claws can withstand high temperatures ranging from 300 to 1000°C. The hydraulic system uses a proportional valve control, allowing adjustable clamping force to prevent damage to the carbon blocks. Some models are equipped with an automatic centering function to ensure neat stacking of the carbon blocks.
Raw Anode Carbon Block Transport and Stacking
In the anode assembly workshop, after the raw anode carbon blocks are formed, they need to be transported to the baking furnace or storage area. The carbon block stacking crane grabs the blocks using hydraulic clamps or vacuum suction cups and stacks them neatly in the designated area for subsequent baking or loading.
Baked Anode Loading and Unloading
In the anode baking workshop, the crane loads the raw anode carbon blocks into the baking furnace (such as rotary kilns or tunnel kilns) and removes the baked anodes, which are at a high temperature (800–1200°C). Due to the extremely high temperatures during baking, the carbon block stacking crane must be equipped with high-temperature-resistant clamps or suction cups and take heat insulation measures to ensure stable operation.
Baked Anode Cooling and Stacking
After the baked anodes are removed from the furnace, they need to be cooled to room temperature and then transported to the cooling area, where they are stacked according to the process requirements. Some aluminum plants use multi-layer vertical storage systems, and the crane needs to have high precision positioning capabilities to ensure that the carbon blocks are stacked neatly, improving the utilization of storage space.
| Span (m) | 16.5 | 19.5 | |
| Number of carbon blocks (blocks) | 19、21 | 19、21 | |
| Crane capacity (excluding clamps) (t) | 19-27 | 19-27 | |
| Working level | A7、A8 | A7、A8 | |
| Clamp lifting speed (m/min) | 2.5-6 | 2.5-6 | |
| Trolley running speed (m/min) | 6-60 | 6-60 | |
| Maximum wheel pressure (KN) | 265 | 285 | |
| Total power (KW) | 128 | 134 | |
| Trolley track (recommended) | QU100 | QU100 | |
| Operation mode | Driver's room (with air conditioning) | Driver's room (with air conditioning) | |
| Electric Wire Rope Hoist | Lifting capacity (t) | 5 | 5 |
| Lifting speed (m/min) | 8 | 8 | |
| Operating speed (m/min) | 20 | 20 | |
The hydraulic clamps or vacuum suction cup systems efficiently and accurately grab and stack raw and baked anode carbon blocks. The crane meets the demands for high-precision stacking in large volumes, effectively improving production efficiency.
Equipped with high-temperature-resistant clamps and heat insulation protection, the stacking crane operates stably in environments up to 800–1200°C, meeting the special requirements for handling baked anodes.
The crane is equipped with a variable frequency drive system, ensuring high-precision positioning during stacking. This effectively avoids disorganized stacking and maximizes the utilization of storage space.
The crane is made from high-strength steel and heat-resistant materials, ensuring stable and continuous operation under high load, high temperature, and harsh environments.
1. Industry Position
Founded in 2006, Dafang Heavy Machinery covers an area of 1,580 acres and employs over 2,600 people. With an annual sales revenue of 3.566 billion RMB, the company focuses on two main business sectors: lifting machinery and steel structures. Major products include single and double girder bridge and gantry cranes, electric hoists, steel structure bridges, prefabricated buildings, and industrial plants. Dafang serves critical sectors such as military industry, aerospace, nuclear power, offshore engineering, metallurgy, and mining. Its products are exported to over 100 countries and regions, including the United States, Russia, and Southeast Asia.
Annually, Dafang manufactures 30,000 single-girder cranes, more than 12,000 double-girder and gantry cranes, and 30,000 electric hoists. Based on production scale, sales volume, and brand recognition, the company ranks among the top three in China’s crane industry.
2. Core Technologies
Dafang’s R&D team consists of over 260 members, including 104 with senior or intermediate engineering qualifications. The company invests 3.8% of its annual sales into technology development. It has obtained 12 international invention patents, 50 national invention patents, 415 utility model patents, and achieved 43 scientific and technological milestones. Dafang was the first in the industry to adopt anti-sway and automatic positioning technologies.
In 2016, Dafang became the first enterprise in Henan Province to implement smart crane applications and to introduce remote monitoring technology. The company also developed the multifunctional brewing crane, filling a domestic market gap. In 2021, Dafang was the first in the industry to be certified for unmanned intelligent cranes. In 2022, it undertook a project for a tower crane at a commercial satellite launch site.
3. Manufacturing Capability
Dafang Heavy Machinery is equipped with advanced in-house designed manufacturing equipment, including 1,500-ton press grooving machines, extrusion machines, and roller machines. The company has established leading domestic workshops, including an electrical assembly line, steel pre-processing line, paint finishing line, and China’s first practical single-girder lean production line. Precision machinery includes imported German NILES CNC gear grinding machines and Japanese MAZAK machining centers.
Dafang strictly follows refined manufacturing processes, adhering to the principle of “doing it right the first time, zero defects.” This commitment to quality is deeply ingrained in every employee, ensuring that every product delivered meets the highest standards.
4. Service Assurance
Dafang upholds a “comprehensive, high-quality” service standard, providing users with fast, attentive, and thorough one-stop services. With 24/7 online support, choosing Dafang means complete peace of mind. Just tell us what you need—we’ll take care of the rest.
Yes, the stacking crane is equipped with an intelligent control system and supports PLC remote monitoring, allowing users to easily control various operations. The equipment also features an automatic centering function, ensuring neat stacking.
Our stacking crane is designed for high-temperature environments and can withstand temperatures ranging from 300 to 1000°C. It is suitable for the transport and stacking of baked anodes. The clamps and suction cups are made from heat-resistant materials, ensuring stable operation.
The crane adopts a variable frequency drive system and has a high-precision positioning function, ensuring accurate stacking every time. For clients requiring high-precision stacking, the crane can control positioning precisely, maximizing warehouse space utilization.
We provide comprehensive after-sales service, including equipment installation, commissioning, operator training, and technical support. Our service team responds promptly and provides solutions to ensure the long-term efficient operation of the equipment.
