Reliable cable guidance systems for top drive systems

Energy chains and service loops for top drive systems must be able to handle dynamic loads caused by vibrations and environmental influences. For onshore and offshore drilling rigs, we offer heavy-duty energy chains and cables with their accessories that ensure reliable cable guidance even on long travels and under extreme conditions.
The plastic energy chains feature corrosion resistance and low dead weight that is superior to that of a steel energy chain. The structured interior separation makes service life and freedom from maintenance better than those of conventional service loop systems.
For safe commissioning, we offer our cable guidance systems as complete systems. Our engineering team takes care of the design of the turnkey solution up to and including e-chain connection to the top drive.

energy chain and cable options

E4.112 energy chain system series

E4.112

Strong with high forces thanks to undercut design
Sliding surfaces, long travels (up to 450m)
For long unsupported lengths & large fill weights

Offshore chain

Offshore chain

Modular system design
Durable, robust, but still flexible
Resistant to corrosion, seawater, oil, and UV light

Readychains

readychain harnessed energy chains

Plug & play solutions for top drive systems
95% less harnessing time
Reduce assembly time

CF310.UL single-core cable

Single-core cable chainflex CF310.UL

For heavy-duty applications with UL certification
TPE outer jacket
Oil- and UV-resistant and flame-retardant

CF9.UL control cable

Control cable chainflex CF9.UL

For extreme heavy duty applications
UL- and DNV-certified
Flame-retardant and oil-resistant

CF112 data cable

Data cable chainflex CF112

For extreme heavy duty applications
UL- and DNV-certified
Flame-retardant and oil- and MUD-resistant

Cable guidance systems for top drive systems

e-loop

Modular e-loop® energy chain system

The alternative to the service loop for guiding cables safely in hanging applications

Combines the advantages of a plastic energy chain with those of a high-strength pull rope.
Complete strain relief of the cables: inside the chain, the pull rope transfers the tensile forces to the mounting brackets and the structure.
Practical: individual cables can be replaced.

Find out more about the e-loop®

e-loop iSet

Sophisticated engineering made simple.Just 3 clicks to the complete set

▶ discover e-loop iSet now

Success stories

Deep drilling rig

Onshore deep drilling rig

For a Canadian oil drilling company, an igus® e-loop® energy chain solution ensures 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, despite weather, from extreme heat to heavy thunder storms.

Rack and pinion rigs

Multi-purpose tower on a drilling vessel

A particularly robust plastic energy chain operates on a Huisman multi-purpose tower aboard a drilling vessel. The cable guidance system, which uses a trough system, moves all cables compactly and safely over a 40-meter route.

Offshore applications

... and other success stories

Heavy-duty energy chains in drilling rigs for such systems as the top drive, cantilever, or pipe handler; flexible rotary modules in pivoting heavy-duty cranes; or safe shore power supplies: Find out more about how our motion plastics are used in these and other projects.

e-loop cable guidance system load and break test

igus performs application-specific tests in the in-house laboratory for a long-lasting energy supply.

Load test of the e-loop
The e-loop was tested under extreme weather conditions and vibrations.

Result: high vibrations, side impacts and bumps do not bother the e-loop. The modular e-loop energy chain system ensures secure cable guidance on the top drive.

Break test of the e-loop
Test setup: the e-loop was swung from a height of 10m onto a safe.

Result: the test proved the e-loop to be resistant to shocks and shatterproof.