Had the opportunity to see the removal of one of the 1.5T magnets today. Because of its location on the third floor, MRI magnets have to be dropped in or removed through a hatch in the ceiling, requiring the use of a very large crane.
This is the magnet being removed
It’s pretty naked looking because all the covers have been removed.
This is the hatch it needs to go through
The hatch is being lifted by the crane
After a few dicey moments, the hatch is lifted clear from the building
and lowered to the ground outside
Now it’s the magnet’s turn. It’s being attached to the ropes dangling from the crane
hoisted up
and lifted through the hatch
and finally lowered onto a waiting flatbed trailer
In a few months, the whole process will be repeated in reverse when a new 1.5T magnet is installed.
More photos of the day can be seen in the album.