Smart Shipyard Crane: Reliable even in typhoon storms

Profile

• What was needed: Roller energy chains in igus steel guide troughs, "chainflex" cables, Push/Pull Detection System (PPDS)
• Requirements: High corrosion resistance due to aggressive environmental conditions (rain, wind, salt water)
• Industry: Ship building
• Success for the customer: On-site consultation, installation and acceptance of the energy chain systems, regular testing

Waigaoquiao Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. (SWS) was faced with the task of finding a suitable solution for the energy and data supply for the gigantic lifting elements for three shipyard cranes. Due to the special location, the expectations and performance requirements of an appropriate solution were particularly high. At the huge port facility, which is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, just opposite the Changxingdao port area, there are not only weather influences such as rain, but also whipping winds and the effects of salt water most of the time. These extreme influences are accompanied each year by a two-month rainy season, which poses an additional risk of corrosion and an additional challenge to the energy supply system. In order to avoid plant downtimes, the aggressive ambient conditions had to be countered with a highly functional and reliable response.

After energy chain systems from igus were installed on over 180 m of travel in 2001, they have been running trouble-free ever since, something that even a typhoon a few years ago could not change. The energy and data supply of the shipyard cranes and the 32-ton material crane is provided by low-friction undefined in undefined made of steel. The chains are designed for high cable loads and long travels, even at high speeds.
In the energy chains, undefined are used. Thanks to their highly wear-resistant TPE outer jacket, they also withstand extreme conditions. The cables are resistant to UV radiation, to corrosion by coolants, lubricants and organic oil and withstand temperatures from -35°C to +100°C.
A undefined from igus® was also installed in this large plant for condition monitoring. The Push/Pull Detection System monitors the shifting forces of the energy chains online to prevent damage to the system as well as failures through preventive maintenance or remote intervention.