Extreme heat and harsh elements
The robust
energy chain systems are installed on 17 outdoor gantry cranes and nine indoor magnetic cranes. Inside the steelworks, steel is exposed to extreme heat and shaped into rails.
The outdoor cranes are close to the coast and so must withstand strong winds, salt water splashes, grains of sand and often pouring rain.
The first igus® energy chain systems were installed at the English steelworks several years ago and yet downtimes due to maintenance have never been necessary. In contrast, the
festoon systems were often in need of maintenance due to corrosion or general wear. This was difficult due to the fact they were difficult to reach. Inspections or necessary repair work were only possible via scaffolding or lift platforms. With the energy chain solution, however, regular
visual inspections are adequate to ensure the cable carrier has not been damaged and the cables are still correctly strain relieved.