Welding steel onto lifting lugs

[mechbretz]

Hello,

I'm not sure if I'm putting this into the right category but it is partially related to ME so here it is.

An object inside a tall vertical vessel needs to be lifted with a crane. There is not space to drive up an appropriately sized crane, so the crane would be built onto the vessel. Because ASME VIII says you can not weld onto an operating vessel, the plan is to weld steel beams to the lifting lugs currently on the vessel. The beams would support a crane/trolley system.

The question is, does the code define whether or not you can weld/attach anything to the lifting lugs of an operating vessel and if so where can I find this?

Thanks.

 

[Metalfixer]

Is there a way to bolt plates to the lifting lugs and weld to the plates? The lifting lugs might have to be used again to move or replace the vessel, and cutting off welds to the lugs is not really a good practice.
Larry

 

[mechbretz]

Yes, one option is to bolt up to the lifting lugs instead of welding. One consideration is to bolt the steel supporting the crane directly to the lugs.

 

[metengr]

Because ASME VIII says you can not weld onto an operating vessel, the plan is to weld steel beams to the lifting lugs currently on the vessel.

Where? ASME B&PV Code is a code of construction, not for in-service.

 

[dhengr]

Mechbretz:
Someone should know something about the design and strength of the existing lifting lugs, and one of those people should be you. Short of welding to the vessel, you probably can’t make them stronger or really load them much differently than their deign allowed in the first place. Why screw them up for the original user or intended use? Design a mating pinned bracket to fit the existing lugs and your crane, and weld away, or bolt as your design allows at your crane legs. Then pin your crane to the lugs, taking care so as not to load the lugs in a detrimental way or orientation.