Failure analysis of an overhead traveling crane lifting system operating in a turbogenerator hall

The paper presents investigation of the causes of the accident which took place in the turbogenerator hall. On the basis of the information given from the crane operator, witness and the Office of Technical Inspection report, the possible scenario of the event was reconstructed. The numerical simulation and studies of the supplied documentation allowed to say that the rotor drop was a consequence of a simultaneous occurrence of a series of unfavorable factors. The paper presents step by step the event course indicating all factors which validates assumed scenario of the accident.

► Numerical simulation of the rotor drop were done. ► Investigation of the crane failure causes were done. ► The causes of the sling breakage and rotor drop were specified.