Low-wear profile rol e-chain® allows a long service life on STS bridge crane

A compact and robust P4.1 roller e-chain saves the operator maintenance time and costs

Replacing the old roller e-chain system with a P4.1 energy chain brought several benefits: the service life of the crane was increased, the chain now runs more quietly in the trough and wear on the rollers was significantly reduced. The new cable routing system has now been running smoothly in several Chinese harbours for over a year, which has also significantly reduced maintenance costs.

Profile

What was needed: P4.1 Energy chain
Requirements: A cable guidance system was required that would allow all cables to move safely at all times in rough weather and at high trolley travelling speeds.
Industry: Crane systems
Success for the customer: In accordance with the operator's specifications, a cable guide with increased chain strength, reduced friction, minimised wear, extended service life, lower noise during travel and no corrosion or slippage at all was found with the P4.1.

Robust and smart – How digitally networked energy chains strengthen STS cranes in the port of Rotterdam

Free case study for downloadThis case study clearly describes how EMO B.V. was able to achieve mileages of over 375,000km on its STS cranes with igus chains for cranes®.

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Problem

This application involves a 70 tonne overhead travelling crane from the Chinese manufacturer of container gantry cranes, Shanghai Heavy Industry Co. Ltd. and a 65 tonne crane from Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co. Energy chains were previously used for the energy supply of the crane trolleys, which led to several problems, in particular a shorter service life and increased maintenance and repair costs. For example, high costs were incurred due to corrosion, increased friction and increased wear. Due to the high running costs, it was rightly decided to look for a new solution for the cable routing. The aim was to realise an energy supply with increased chain strength, reduced friction and minimised wear, extended service life, lower noise during travel and no corrosion, which could not slip when running in the trough.

Solution

The operator decided to use a P4.1 rol e-chain on the basis of the local conditions as well as his own experience after extensive research and after detailed comparisons with other systems. This fast running, compact and resistant plastic cable guide for the trolley system of the shore bridges has quickly established itself in the very harsh harbour environment. Another challenge in the overhead cranes, a safe guidance of all cables at constantly high travel speeds of the trolley, does not pose any problems for the e-chain. Unlike the old system, it enables considerable cost and time savings in terms of maintenance and servicing. It also allows the operator more planning reliability and security in ongoing operations.
All these hoped-for advantages of the new system have already become apparent within the first year.

Overview of P4.1 energy chain