Ultraquiet roller energy chain
Contargo AG relies on energy chains from igus in container cranes
In the container port in Basel, a plastic roller energy chain from igus ensures that the port crane operates quietly and with very little maintenance. The noise emissions in particular were a challenge due to the proximity to the German residential area, and had to be overcome when the crane was built more than ten years ago. Even after many years of operation, the solution wins over the operators of the terminal - and is easy on the nerves of the residents.Problem
Functionality and reliability are crucial, especially for container cranes, since they ensure the entire operation of container ports. But port terminals can also pose other special challenges: in the case of the container terminal of Contargo AG in Basel, for example, residential areas are in the immediate vicinity of business operations. This explains the strict noise regulations that are imposed on the port crane and thus also on central components, such as energy chains. Sven Zöller, Manager Terminal and M&R at Contargo AG remembers: "At the time, as a Swiss company, we saw ourselves faced with the challenge of complying with regulations concerning noise emissions in the proximity of German residents, which was not easy".Solution
In 2003, the customer therefore opted for a plastic type-4040-CR energy chain system from igus for the container crane of the North Terminal. The travel of the roller energy chain in use amounts to 125 metres at a speed of up to 2.5m/s. The special feature: integrated rollers in the chain links ensure a smooth and low-friction running of the entire system. Since the rollers are integrated into the links of the chain and not additionally moved, or needed to run through specified openings in the guide trough, they cannot get caught on the crane or the guide trough. Using a roller energy chain also reduces the required drive power of the energy chain is also reduced by around 75%.
In addition to the type-4040-CR roller energy chain, a wide variety of chainflex cables from igus are used in the system, which have been specially designed and constructed for movements in e-chains. As very fast and secure data transmission is essential in container terminals with a high degree of automation, single-core, control, motor, bus and fibre optic cables were also used.
After TÜV Süd confirmed compliance with all regulations by means of a noise test, a similar system was installed on another crane with the same noise requirements.
After TÜV Süd confirmed compliance with all regulations by means of a noise test, a similar system was installed on another crane with the same noise requirements.
Sven Zölle, Manager Terminal and M&R, at Contargo AG in Basel
Unrivalled energy chain
In the planning phase, alternative energy supply solutions were also considered in addition to the energy chain system from igus. However, it was not possible to implement festooning for various technical reasons. First, the thick cable harnesses would have protruded too far into the public space under the crane. However, it would also have been impossible to move the cable station required for festooning to the other side of the crane as the construction would have been suspended directly over the water.
