Lightning strike

During a heavy thunderstorm in June 2011, one of the transformers in a power station in St. Ulriks-Kapelle, Belgium, was struck by lightning. This transformer was completely destroyed and scorched. Aertssen Kranen was approached to replace the transformer as quickly as possible with a reserve unit.

First, winches were used to lift the transformer from its position outside the walls and set it on rails. After that, its huge weight was tilted so as to reduce height for further transport by truck. The team used a Demag AC500-1 (class 500T) for lifting work. Once the removal was completed and the location cleared, the team was able to install a brand new transformer a few weeks later.