Energy chains on indoor cranes under rough conditions – how resilient are polymer chains?

Energy supply – Energy chains on indoor cranes under rough conditions – how resilient are polymer chains?

As versatile as the various indoor crane designs are, their areas of application are just as varied. Not every indoor crane runs in a clean workshop without heat, humidity, cold, dust and dirt.

For use under harsh environmental conditions, crane bridges are usually developed specifically adapted to the application and operating conditions. Only components that can withstand these conditions are used on such crane systems. A safe and reliable power supply for crane and trolley drive must be guaranteed even under difficult ambient conditions.

Is lubricating grease an environmental hazard?

Anyone who has a driver’s license remembers: one drop of oil contaminates approx. 600 litres of groundwater. The problem of so-called “loss lubrication” is therefore accordingly disadvantageous. The reason for regular lubrication of the bearing points is due to the function of lubrication. During operation, this is slowly pressed out of the interior of the bearing points to the outside. In doing so, it reliably keeps dirt, dust and moisture out of the bearing point. Since the leaked lubricating grease is then released into the environment, its use is problematic. Last but not least, guidelines and regulations now ensure that use is limited to environmentally friendly lubricating greases. But these are significantly more expensive than conventional grease.

The solution? Lubrication-free spherical insert bearings made of high-performance plastics!

Bearings with igubal® spherical insert bearings enable dry operation without lubrication and are therefore maintenance-free. The spherical insert bearings are available in various high-performance plastics, each with different specifications. From extreme temperatures between -100°C and +250°C up to chemical-resistant, detectable for the food sector and underwater applications. There is a suitable material for every industry and application, making plastic spherical insert bearings a real alternative.

Energy chain advantages:

The advantages of the energy chain over other cable or power supply systems are particularly evident under adverse operating conditions.

low maintenance – no additional drives necessary for the chain system
Corrosion-free and wear-resistant (e.g. chemical-resistant special material)
Resistant to heat, moisture and dirt
Long-term temperature resistance from -40°C to +120°C (short-term up to +180°C)
High travel speeds (300m/min. and more)
Version with integrated skate wheels possible (E4/4RHD)
Compact and space-saving
PGuidance of different media in one system (energy, data, fibre optic cables, gases and liquids)

Heavy-duty chains:

The heavy-duty energy chain series was developed especially for use under rough conditions. This energy chain series is characterised by stable side parts, a robust pin-bore connection (the connection of the individual chain links with each other) and a high torsional rigidity. A larger sliding surface also ensures a longer service life.

Heavy-duty rol e-chain®:

Alternatively, the heavy-duty series can also be extended by chain links with an integrated skate wheel. The roller chain design reduces the pull/push forces required to move the chain system. At the same time the wear of the energy chain is significantly reduced and the service life is increased.

Cables suitable for energy chains:

Cables suitable for energy chains, such as chainflex ensure that the cable package also meets the requirements of the crane system. From motor cables, control and data cables up to fibre optic cables, the chainflex cable range offers a wide choice.

Examples of heavy duty applications:

Read here an article about applications of heavy-duty energy chains in steelworks: “Heavy Duty” for English steelworks.