Tata Projects have successfully lifted 500 MW steam generator drum of Unit-IX at NTPC's Vindyachal Super Thermal Power Plant on August 18, 2004 using 'Hydraulic Strand Jacking' method. It is for the first time that any Indian erection contractor has used this technique and therefore it evoked considerable interest from our clients, NTPC / BHEL and other contractors.

Two hydraulic jacks of 180 tons capacity each along with a set of strands, both specially transported from UK , operating from a height of 90 meters were utilised to hoist the steam generator drum weighing approximately 240 tons to a height of 76 meters in a matter of 10 hours. In India, conventionally, steam generator drums are being lifted by using 15 ton winches with multi-sheave pulleys requiring considerable pre and post preparation time and auxiliary source of power.

The new system adopted, in addition to being fully ‘fail-safe’, is most unobtrusive and allows other works to continue unhindered prior to and after the lifting operation, thus providing about two weeks savings in time schedule. Going by the enthusiasm the new erection method has generated, it is expected that this process will be widely adopted in other projects, with likelihood of its becoming a standard erection practice in future.

On this special occasion it is worth remembering that Tata Projects was associated with the erection of India’s first 500MW indigenous steam generator Unit-VI for Tata Power’s Trombay Plant in 1988. There after the company created a national record in erecting the 500 MW steam generator drum of Unit-VI at NTPC's Talcher Super Thermal Power Plant in 110 days during April 2002. This was followed by the highest tonnage and pressure part joints erected on any project in India in a month at Unit-III NTPC's Rihand Super Thermal Power Plant in November 2003.