Revolutionizing Heavy Lifting Technology with Synchronous Lifting Hydraulic Systems in the Energy Sector

2020-06-01

Introduction

Precision heavy lifting technology in action, positioning the 1,250-ton Dewar base for the ITER nuclear fusion project.

A landmark overseas nuclear-energy lift — the accurate placement of a 1,250-ton Dewar base for the ITER fusion project — highlighted how advanced hydraulics can transform heavy lifting in high-stakes energy projects. Jiangsu Canete Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (KIET) supplied three sets of precision Synchronous Lifting Hydraulic Systems and Single Acting Lock Nut Hydraulic Cylinders that supported the contractor’s execution. The equipment contributed to record-setting precision in China’s nuclear sector and gained commendation from international stakeholders.

Challenges

The deployment presented multiple demanding constraints:

Exceptional accuracy required for a nuclear-grade Dewar base (1,250-ton) to meet stringent alignment and tolerance specifications.
COVID-19 pandemic logistics: international coordination, quarantine rules, travel restrictions, and supply-chain variability.
High-consequence environment demanding rigorous verification, rehearsal, and risk mitigation procedures under expert supervision.
Need to ensure synchronized motion across multiple lifting points to avoid differential loading and structural stress.

Solutions — KIET’s Product Role and Technical Approach

The complete KIET Synchronous Lifting Hydraulic System, including control unit and pumps, designed for high-precision, multi-point jacking in the energy sector.

KIET acted strictly as the supplier of specialized hydraulic equipment; all on-site lifting and installation tasks were carried out by the contractor under certified nuclear-construction teams. The supplier’s contributions and the staged technical approach included:

Delivery of three sets of Intelligent Frequency Conversion Control Synchronous Lifting Hydraulic Systems — designed for high-precision Synchronous Jacking and multi-point synchronization across heavy spans. These systems feature controlled lifting pumps and advanced feedback loops to maintain level and load balance.
Provision of Single ActingLock Nut Hydraulic Cylinders (mechanically locking cylinders) to secure the Dewar during staged lowering and temporary support engagements, ensuring fail-safe holding without drift.

Close-up of a KIET Single Acting Lock Nut Hydraulic Cylinder, highlighting the mechanical lock nut that ensures fail-safe support for heavy loads.

Two-month technical collaboration with the contractor: system integration tests, multiple verification cycles, on-site simulations, and emergency-plan coordination.
Implementation of controlled jacking sequences using frequency-conversion-driven pumps, enabling incremental moves with sub-millimeter adjustments and synchronized control across all jacks.

Key equipment characteristics:

A diagram illustrating the principle of multi-point synchronous jacking, showing how multiple hydraulic cylinders are controlled to maintain load balance and level.

Synchronous Lifting Hydraulic System with distributed control and closed-loop position feedback.
Single ActingLock Nut Hydraulic Cylinder providing mechanical lock capability for secure temporary support.
Controlled Lifting Pumps with frequency conversion for smooth, adjustable flow and load sharing.

Results

The collaboration produced measurable and industry-significant outcomes:

Safe, accurate lowering and placement of the 1,250-ton Dewar base into the Tokamak pit onto temporary supports, enabling the project to proceed to main equipment installation.
New precision benchmark in China’s nuclear-energy lifting practice — recognized by international organizations for performance and safety.
Operational benefits: field reports estimate that the frequency-driven, synchronized approach reduces alignment time by up to 30% compared with conventional hydraulic jacking, lowers risk of rework, and improves schedule reliability.
Broader market impact: demonstrated capability strengthens confidence for nuclear and large-energy projects across France (e.g., ITER-related supply chain), the USA, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and UAE industrial programs.

“KIET supplied Synchronous Lifting Hydraulic System and lock-nut cylinders delivered the control and reliability we needed to meet nuclear tolerances — the equipment’s precision simplified a very complex lift,” said a lead contractor engineer involved in the operation.

Why This Matters for Energy Projects (Regional Notes)

France (ITER): Ideal for reactor-scale lifts requiring sub-millimeter synchronization and mechanical locking during critical stages.
USA & Japan: Enhances heavy-lift reliability on nuclear refurbishment and new-build projects where precision alignment reduces downstream installation risk.
South Korea & Russia: Supports large-scale industrial fabrication yards and reactor assembly with robust lock-nut hydraulic cylinders for long-hold stability.
UAE: Valuable for heavy energy infrastructure in desert climates where reliable, controlled lifting pumps reduce on-site variability.

Conclusion

For energy-sector projects demanding cutting-edge Heavy Lifting Technology, KIET’s Synchronous Lifting Hydraulic System and Single Acting Lock Nut Hydraulic Cylinder offer proven precision, safety, and performance. KIET supplied the specialized equipment while certified contractors performed the on-site execution. Contact KIET to explore how Synchronous Jacking technology can reduce schedule risk and increase installation accuracy on your next power or nuclear project.