mister honey
Stainless
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2005
- Location
- eastern blowville heights, ohio
I visited Chicago Bridge & Iron in Memphis many years ago (mid 80s perhaps.) I recall meeting one gent, Gary Clik, that worked there.
CBI had a monsterous crane that would load these huge nuclear vessels onto barges in the Mississippi river. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I recall that this crane could lift 1250 tons with the boom extended 300 feet.
Also, I recall touring the facilities and seeing a G&L horizontal boring mill(Ø5 inch bar), less the table, which was mounted onto a fabricated platform. These weldments raised the machine about 4'-5' higher than its normal shop stance.
When I inquired, I was informed that this was the "Black & Decker Drill." If a flange face required milling or a bolt circle required drilling & tapping on a nuclear vessel, the overhead crane would lift the G&L into position. The platform would be welded to the vessel and any machining would be completed. They would then cut the platform free, and set the G&L back down until needed again!
I also recollect an immense Ingersoll horizontal boring mill that had sufficient power to push a Ø12 inch spade drill through a steel component.
CBI was a fascinating facility! When did it close?
Mike
CBI had a monsterous crane that would load these huge nuclear vessels onto barges in the Mississippi river. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I recall that this crane could lift 1250 tons with the boom extended 300 feet.
Also, I recall touring the facilities and seeing a G&L horizontal boring mill(Ø5 inch bar), less the table, which was mounted onto a fabricated platform. These weldments raised the machine about 4'-5' higher than its normal shop stance.
When I inquired, I was informed that this was the "Black & Decker Drill." If a flange face required milling or a bolt circle required drilling & tapping on a nuclear vessel, the overhead crane would lift the G&L into position. The platform would be welded to the vessel and any machining would be completed. They would then cut the platform free, and set the G&L back down until needed again!
I also recollect an immense Ingersoll horizontal boring mill that had sufficient power to push a Ø12 inch spade drill through a steel component.
CBI was a fascinating facility! When did it close?
Mike