The Large Research Facility SLS in Villigen, Switzerland, is unique nationwide. It is located in a circular hall with a diameter of 288 m and consists of a large particle accelerator and an electron storage ring.
To generate synchrotron light, electrically charged particles (electrons) circulate at nearly the speed of light in a ring-shaped facility (the electron storage ring). To keep the electrons on the approximate circular path of the storage ring, special magnets are required to deflect the electrons from their otherwise straight trajectory. At specific points, specially arranged magnets force the electrons onto a wavy path, causing them to emit light — the so-called synchrotron light.
This emitted light from the electrons is then directed to more than 20 experimental stations, where researchers from around the world can use it to investigate a wide range of scientific questions. With the highly focused X-ray light, scientists can examine structures down to the atomic level, enabling the development of new medicines and materials.
New BRUNNHUBER Crane for the Upgrade at the “Swiss Light Source”
As part of the modernization project “SLS 2.0”, the facility, which opened in 2001, is being expanded with the goal of producing even brighter synchrotron light. The future higher-energy radiation will enable new, improved, and more in-depth research than ever before.
For the expansion of the research facility in Villigen, BRUNNHUBER CRANES designed, manufactured, and installed a special custom crane adapted to the circular shape of the SLS hall. The so-called circular runway crane runs on a circular crane track, which is located both at the center of the hall and along the inside of the outer wall. In this way, the crane operates across the full radius of the hall, with a span of 41.6 m.
Synchronized Crane Operation Using QR Codes for Positioning
To ensure synchronized operation of the crane, its position is determined using QR codes mounted inside and outside the crane track. The speed is then automatically adjusted by the PLC control system.
For operational versatility, the crane is equipped with an integrated, mobile work platform, which can be used for straightforward maintenance work on the hall roof and walls.
The single-girder runway crane was manufactured at BRUNNHUBER CRANES’ Berlin facility and transported to Switzerland via heavy-duty transport with police escort.
Installation Using a 500 t Mobile Crane Through the Opened Hall Roof
Installation through the roof of the highly sensitive facility was particularly challenging: optimal weather conditions were required for opening the roof and lifting the crane, as not a single drop of rain could reach the delicate measurement equipment and systems. Additionally, the trapezoidal opening through which the 40 t, nearly 42 m-long crane had to be lifted was limited. Extreme precision and careful handling were essential to avoid damaging the hall walls or the crane during installation.