▲Zoomlion crane assists in the installation of the world's first 500 MW impulse-type hydropower unit

As a backbone project of China's "Tibet power transmission" initiative, the Zala Hydropower Station is currently the most comprehensively challenging impulse-type hydropower project under construction in the world. The station is equipped with two 500 MW impulse-type units, the world's largest single-unit capacity and highest technical difficulty. The project's unit water distribution ring pipe, due to technical specifications such as the use of 800 MPa high-strength steel, an overall weight of 411 tons, and the need to withstand a 12.9 MPa ultra-high water pressure test, has set four world records among units of the same type: "largest volume, heaviest weight, highest installation precision, and greatest welding difficulty."

The water distribution ring pipe is 28 meters long, 25.2 meters wide, and 4 meters high overall, and is divided into 13 individual sections for ease of transportation. The water distribution ring pipe of Unit 1 hoisted this time by the Zoomlion 400-ton all-terrain crane is of a conical structure, with a maximum diameter of 3.1 meters, a wall thickness of 95 millimeters, and a weight of 32.1 tons.

Faced with challenges such as the high-altitude, low-oxygen environment, operations within the narrow space of the unit pit, and the precise alignment of large-tonnage pipe sections, the Zoomlion crane, with its outstanding and stable lifting capacity and excellent working speed, smoothness, and fine control, achieved precise hoisting into place in a single lift. It will also participate in the hoisting of other pipe sections, comprehensively advancing the unit installation process.

▲Zoomlion crane is hoisting

In the energy landscape of China's "dual carbon" strategy, Tibet's hydropower development is writing a brilliant chapter, and the world-renowned lower Yarlung Tsangpo River hydropower project also officially commenced recently. With its outstanding adaptability to high-altitude working conditions, Zoomlion's full range of products provides key equipment support for super engineering projects, participating in building a new benchmark for world-class hydropower projects.