Smart Plastics in Aluminum Oxide Production

The heavy dust arising during the movement of bauxite is an enormous stress, especially for moving machine components. Before the use of energy chains, motor cable drums were used for the energy supply.

The problem with using motor drums was that the cables were not always reeled in correctly, which ultimately resulted in machine breakdowns due to cable damage.

Before the smart e-chain® was installed, in the event of crane failures or for maintenance purposes, operators always had to climb 40 meters up the crane with a laptop to read the data. This was time consuming and added safety risks.

The first decision in favor of a smart energy supply system from igus was made in 2012, when the push-pull force measurement technology was developed. This unit, referred to as EC.P, has progressed and is much more space-saving and easier to install than before. AOS uses EC.P as a cleaning or maintenance reminder.

"If the chain's travel becomes too obstructed by dust and dirt, the pull/push force detection system shuts the system down before damage occurs and we know it's time to clean the chain's travel again."

Expensive damage is avoided, and you always know when it is time to clean the machine from dust and dirt.