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In order to safely and reliably guide cables and hoses in hanging applications, igus developed the e-loop as an alternative to the service loop - ideal for 3-dimensional applications.
The e-loop combines the advantages of a plastic energy chain with those of a high-strength pull rope. Inside the chain, the rope transfers the pull forces to the mounting brackets and the structure. As a result, the cables are kept completely relieved of strain.
The modular e-chain made of high-performance polymer always enables a defined bend radius and easily copes with vibrations and impacts.
A newly developed alternative to the service loops on vertical drilling rigs offers significantly longer service life under extremely unfavourable environmental conditions.
Originally developed for
a very special application in deep-drilling rigs, the e-loop was used a short time after it was launched in such applications as bucket wheel excavators, ship unloaders, and offshore wind turbines. This white paper outlines various use cases to provide inspiration.
The interior consists of four injection-moulded parts. Two of them form the crossbar in the chain link and are screwed on (captively). Due to being screwed on, they are clamped onto the pull rope,
External protectors made of impact-absorbing PU protector material ensure that the energy chain and the cables are protected when hard impacts occur.
The individual chain links are clamped onto the high-strength pull rope. The rope itself is a plastic-fibre rope and its permissible tensile load is 50kN.
The mounting brackets of the e-loop are high-strength steel mounting brackets. The plastic-fibre rope, which absorbs the entire tensile force of the e-loop, is an integral part of the brackets.
The new e-loop ELP.TD.300 is a four-part design for hanging top-drive applications. Cables in hanging top-drive applications are protected and safely routed. Cables can be easily filled through side opening. Other advantages include: easy maintenance, long service life, vibration-sensitive and weather-resistant.
Dynamic, crossbars every link:
| Part No. | InnerØ | OuterØ | Bend radius | Cable ≤ ø | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELP.TD.300.* | 230mm | 300mm | 500mm | 75mm |  Requests |
220mm - dynamic, crossbars every link
| Part No. | InnerØ | OuterØ | Bend radius | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELP.220.01.D | 150mm | 220mm | 380mm | ≈ 18kg/m | Requests |
| Part No. | InnerØ | OuterØ | Bend radius | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELP.220.01.S | 150mm | 220mm | 175mm | ≈11kg/m | Requests |
| Part No. | InnerØ | OuterØ | Bend radius | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELP.300.01.D | 230mm | 300mm | 500mm | ≈22kg/m | Requests |
| Part No. | InnerØ | OuterØ | Bend radius | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELP.300.01.S | 230mm | 300mm | 210mm | ≈13kg/m | Requests |
| Part No. | InnerØ | OuterØ | Bend radius | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELP.430.01.D | 360mm | 430mm | 625mm | ≈32.4kg/m | Requests |
Rollers under the e-loop for easier movement on the ground. One application example can be the generation of power for ships in ports.
Makes transport/travel of the e-loop system easier, e.g. on ECI plants, and simplifies the handling in combination with rollers.
For a Canadian oil drilling company, an e-loop energy chain solution from igus guarantees that the top drive, which lowers the drill pipe into the earth and pulls it out again, is always safely and reliably supplied with energy and signals even after heavy storms.
The e-loop is used in a bucket wheel excavator made by Holcim (Germany) GmbH. The modular system made of high-performance plastic always enables a defined bend radius and can handle vibration and impacts. Instead of the planned eight hours of installation time, work with the e-loop was completed after just four hours.
The e-loop modular energy chain system is being used in a drilling rig in the oil and gas industry. The igus e-loop has made it possible to improve the service life of the drilling rig and considerably reduce costs. In addition, the cables in the mast can no longer become tangled.
How can I guide energy reliably and safely in heavy duty applications? What alternative is there to service loops and umbilicals?
igus has developed the e-loop as an alternative to the service loop so that cables with large cross sections and heavy weights can be guided safely in hanging applications. The energy supply system is a round, three-dimensional modular system that can move strain-relieved cables with a defined bend radius. The cables can be used individually and replaced in case of maintenance. The chain links are also replaceable at any time.
How does the e-loop absorb forces that act on it?
The new energy supply system from igus is built around a high-strength plastic rope that absorbs the tensile forces of the cables. The rope is composed of a synthetic plastic fibre and is therefore shatter-proof, weather-resistant, flexible and corrosion-free.
How can I exchange the cables in the e-loop?
Unhook, lay down, unscrew, exchange cable(s), screw shut, remount. That's all it takes regarding maintenance thanks to the simple modular setup of the energy chain. For the rarest of cases you should always have a replacement chain at hand to avoid downtime.
How does igus deliver the e-loop and how is it installed?
igus delivers the e-loop in the way that you prefer: either completely assembled or fully harnessed, on a drum or on a pallet. There is a defined thread at the end of the e-loop for additional mounting. Our installation team is happy to take care of the assembly.
How are components prevented from falling down?
The individual chain links are all secured with screw connections, so that no component can fall down.
Find out in these installation instructions how to assemble the e-loop with and without cables.
The right cable package consisting of motor, data & hybrid cables for your top drive system.
Everything from a single source! Harnessing time decreases by up to 95%
Tailored solutions apart from the product catalogue for special applications
