Russia has mastered the production of new cranes for the aluminum industry

Irkutsk Aluminum Plant (IrkAZ) of Rusal has commissioned a unique technological anode crane. This is the first time such complex equipment has been manufactured in Russia. Previously, domestic aluminum plants imported such cranes, Rusal reported.

The anode crane performs key operations in electrolysis production: it replaces anodes on electrolyzers (once a month), installs shelters for electrolyzers, and casts molten aluminum. The new IrkAZa faucet is also equipped with modules for piercing the electrolyte crust and for cleaning the pockets.

The project was fully implemented by Engineering Construction Services (ISO): the company conducted all stages from the development of design documentation and design to the manufacture of components, crane installation and commissioning. Engineering, design and manufacture of the crane's metal structure were carried out in Krasnoyarsk, all installed components were manufactured in Russia.

"We are proud to state that the Russian industry has acquired new competencies. It is important to note that we have not only mastered the production of anode cranes, but also built the necessary cooperation chains within Russia in a short time, for example, with suppliers of pneumatic and hydraulic equipment for cranes," said ISO President Alexey Barantsev.

Such equipment is vital for the safe and efficient production of aluminum, said Artyom Fominykh, Director of IrkAZ. "Previously, we were completely dependent on the European manufacturer, when he simply refused to fulfill our order, we urgently needed to find a way out," he explained. Even despite the high ruble exchange rate, which reduces the competitiveness of the Russian industry, the domestic crane cost about 20% cheaper than its imported counterpart, Rusal reported.