Thames Barrier Cranes

Date: June 2011

Customer: Environment Agency / Pellegrini UK Ltd

Location: Tilbury Docks

Background

Pelligrini UK Ltd have been contracted by the UK Environment Agency to build seven new cranes to replace the existing cranes on the Thames Barrier.

One crane was to be delivered in May / June 2011, with the remaining six delivered in early 2012. These cranes are then to be left at the side of the Thames Barrier until fitment in 2013.

1) The Task

The Environment Agency wanted the cranes protecting from corrosion whilst being stored outside, next to the Thames Barrier. Pellegrini UK Ltd approached Hitek-nology Solutions Ltd to provide a solution.

2) Product Used

VpCI 126 HP UV Shrink Film
VpCI 132 Foam Pads

3) The Solution

VpCI 132 foam pads were placed at the relevant places and the crane then wrapped using VpCI 126 HP UV Shrink Film. The shrink film was then shrunk onto the crane using a butane powered heat shrink gun.

This treatment has resulted in the low cost storage of these high value assets for a period of up to two years.

Note: At the last minute HSL were asked to treat the first crane on a barge at Tilbury docks, from there it was to be shipped along the River Thames and will be removed from the barge when the crane is to be fitted.