Blog - American Crane

Glossary of Common Crane and Material Handling Terms

In the crane and material handling industry, precise communication and a clear understanding of technical terms are essential for safe operations, regulatory compliance and effective equipment selection. Whether you're an operator, technician, engineer or facility...

American Crane | Apr 10, 2025 | 0

6 Common Crane Violations & How to Avoid Them

Overhead cranes are essential to industrial operations, but improper use can lead to serious accidents, equipment damage, and costly OSHA violations. Many crane-related incidents stem from common safety mistakes that could be avoided with proper training and...

American Crane | Apr 8, 2025 | 0

Top Industries that Benefit from Custom Crane Solutions

Custom crane solutions are essential for industries that require specialized equipment to handle unique challenges with their operations. Tailored crane systems not only improve productivity but also enhance safety and efficiency. Let’s explore the top industries...

American Crane | Apr 3, 2025 | 0

How Automation is Revolutionizing Crane and Hoist Systems

The crane and hoist industry has a long history of innovation, evolving from simple pulley systems in ancient civilizations to the advanced machinery that powers industrial operations today. Over the centuries, breakthroughs in materials, energy sources, and...

American Crane | Apr 1, 2025 | 0

Enhance Your Lifting Operations with the CM Shopstar Electric Chain Hoist

When it comes to lifting solutions, industrial environments need equipment that is compact, durable, and efficient. The CM Shopstar Electric Chain Hoist combines these elements to provide unmatched performance in workplaces that require agility and strength....

American Crane | Mar 27, 2025 | 0

The Environmental and Economic Benefits of Reopening Shuttered Nuclear Facilities

The Case for Reopening Decommissioned Nuclear Plants Reopening decommissioned nuclear power facilities, such as Three Mile Island’s Unit 1 in Pennsylvania and the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Michigan represents a significant opportunity to address both...

American Crane | Mar 25, 2025 | 0

Setting the Bar: American Crane’s Role in Elevating Industry Standards

In industries where safety, precision, and reliability are non-negotiable, American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO) has established itself as a leader. By consistently meeting and exceeding industry standards for over 50 years, we set the bar high for...

American Crane | Mar 20, 2025 | 0

The Significance of Three Mile Island’s Revival and Microsoft’s Energy Strategy

Three Mile Island, a name synonymous with the 1979 nuclear accident, is making headlines again—but this time for a new chapter. The Pennsylvania site’s Unit 1 reactor, which operated safely for decades before shutting down in 2019, is set to reopen by 2028. This...

American Crane | Mar 18, 2025 | 0

Nuclear energy is making a comeback, with advancements in technology offering solutions to longstanding challenges. The revival of Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island highlights the role of standard reactors, while the rise of small modular reactors (SMRs) presents a promising alternative. Both approaches have unique advantages and drawbacks, shaping the future of energy production. Standard nuclear reactors, like Three Mile Island’s Unit 1, provide high-capacity, consistent energy. These firm power sources are ideal for balancing the grid alongside intermittent renewables. However, standard reactors face significant hurdles, including high upfront construction costs, long timelines, and regulatory complexities. In some cases, existing reactors have been shuttered due to economic pressures, as was the case with Unit 1 in 2019. Despite these challenges, reopening recently closed reactors is a viable path forward. Federal incentives, such as tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act, make it financially feasible to bring standard reactors back online, avoiding the extensive costs of building new facilities. Small modular reactors are a newer innovation in nuclear energy. Designed for scalability, these reactors can be built off-site and assembled quickly, reducing costs and timelines. Their smaller size allows them to be shipped off to diverse locations, including remote or underserved regions. This flexibility is different from the centralized design of typical reactors. SMRs also offer enhanced safety features. Their modular design typically incorporates passive safety systems that rely on natural processes like gravity, convection, and self-pressurization to cool the reactor core. This allows them to shut down naturally during an emergency or atypical conditions with little to no operator intervention. SMRs do have lower fuel requirements compared to conventional plants. While traditional power plants typically need refueling every 1 to 2 years, SMRs may only require refueling every 3 to 7 years. Some SMR designs can even operate for up to 30 years without the need for refueling. However, some studies suggest that the overall costs of SMRs are comparable to those of conventional large reactors, particularly when it comes to licensing, as design certification, construction, and operation license costs are not necessarily less than for large reactors. The economic success of SMRs also depends on mass manufacturing to reduce costs. Additionally, a 2022 study by Stanford University and the University of British Columbia found that SMRs produce more nuclear waste than conventional reactors, a sharp contrast to the long touted claims that SMRs would offer a reduction in waste. Big Tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon are reshaping the nuclear industry by investing in its potential to meet massive energy demands. Microsoft’s partnership with Three Mile Island demonstrates how standard reactors can supply reliable power to energy-intensive data centers. Meanwhile, SMRs are gaining attention as a flexible option for powering smaller operations or supplementing regional grids. The future of energy production will likely involve a mix of standard reactors and SMRs. Reopening existing reactors can deliver immediate benefits, providing large-scale, carbon-free energy. At the same time, investing in SMR development could diversify the nuclear industry, addressing both scalability and safety concerns. As nuclear energy evolves, partnerships between industries, governments, and innovators will be critical. Whether through revitalizing legacy reactors or advancing SMR technology, nuclear power has the potential to play a central role in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Small Modular Reactors vs. Standard Reactors: Navigating the Future of Energy Production

Nuclear energy is making a comeback, with advancements in technology offering solutions to longstanding challenges. The revival of Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island highlights the role of standard reactors, while the rise of small modular reactors (SMRs) presents a...

American Crane | Mar 6, 2025 | 0

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