WCA January 2012

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Technology news
Wire & Cable ASIA – January/February 2012 50
A cable and hose management
solution was needed for an automated
drill rod handler on a Bauer deep
drilling rig, and other than performance
and ATEX-conformity, longevity and
service life were of importance.
A Kabelschlepp hybrid energy drag
chain now provides the answer.
We all experience static energy at
some point and these electrostatic
discharges are not only hazardous to
men due to the shock reaction, but
they can ignite flammable materials.
This also applies to machinery, tools
and equipment in industrial
applications such as in civil
engineering and mining, refining or
chemical processing. Movement and
friction create a static charge, and the
inevitable discharge will have
devastating consequences in oil or gas
production. Bauer Maschinen GmbH
knows this only too well. In product
development of deep drilling devices
there are strict requirements for
explosion prevention.
A vertically fitted MC 1300 type
Kabelschlepp drag chain manages the
required electric and hydraulic feeds
on the mast of deep drilling rig TBA
300.
The previous solution of grouping hose
and cable in festoon bags needed
replacement to fast movements in
operation, and the variety of lines to be
handled. The MC 1300 chain was
chosen as the inner height of 87 mm
and the bespoke compartment width
of 650mm.
The multi-variable chain is designed
for tough conditions on construction
sites and a rigid link design makes it
extremely robust, and it is equipped
with an enclosed and dirt-resistant
stop system.
This stability achieved by the
combination of GRP side band and
aluminium cross stays also offers good
conductivity to avoid excessive static
charge.
The ATEX Directive stipulates that all
components must have controlled
discharge properties. To follow the
directive, and essential for ATEX
applications, the chain band is made
of a special, conductive material.
The special material for this design
delivers the required properties while
retaining the abrasion resistance and
stability. This is particularly important
for the TBA 300: it is not only more
cable to handle, but also larger
diameters. The result is higher loads
on the chain, and the separators.
Apart from increased torsional stiffness
and conductivity, the properties of
aluminium cross stays reduce friction.
Even if cables do have appropriate
sheathing and modern plastics are less
abrasive, aluminium by far copes
better with heavy cable. In addition,
Kabelschelpp’s diverse offering of stay
and shelving systems covers includes
hole stays (LG type).
Enclosing cable and hose, they feature
identical advantages in terms of
conductivity and stability as other
cross stay designs.
In a vertical application, though, they
have the additional advantage of
controlling the momentum. The hole
stay pattern is designed to suit the OD
of cable and hose, and friction or
twisting is impossible.
Holding the media in the centreline of
the radius, length variances hence
movement and wear is avoided.
Hanging cable and hose tends to
elongate and needs readjusting from
time to time. Bespoke strain relief on
both ends with cable and hose clamps
secure cable and hose.
Compared to loose lines, invariably
subject to reduced service life and
chafing due to the relative movements,
the service life is extended to a
maximum, and cost is prevented.
Kabelschlepp – Germany
Fax: +49 276 2400 3220
Email:
Website:
Sparks out of bounds
▲
▲ Kabelschlepp cable carrier MC1300
with EX rated GRP chain bands and
aluminium hole stays