How Did Energy Chain Start Getting Specified on Overhead Crane Equipment

On this mobile gantry crane, energy chain is being used to run power and control cable to the hoist and the bridge.

The number of applications energy chain can be used for are almost unlimited, but it’s commonly used in manufacturing and industrial environments, robotics and automation, and it’s increasingly being specified on outdoor gantry and indoor bridge cranes.

When energy chain was first introduced to the material handling industry, it was considered somewhat of a novelty. Mobile gantry and Ship to Shore cranes in harbors and ports were primarily equipped with festoon systems to provide power.

As you can imagine, cranes being used in shipping and container yards are exposed to the worst weather and environmental conditions. High winds and heavy rains, saltwater, snow, sleet, and ice can quickly wreak havoc on a traditional cable festoon electrification system. High usage and a tough operating environment cause excess wear and corrosion to the festoon cables and components.

For maintenance personnel, this requires frequent inspections, repairs, and service to the festoon cables, track, and brackets. The simple design of energy chain allows for cable to be removed, spliced, or added directly through the chain itself. It also eliminates the large cable loops required for festoon and eliminates cable stack up which can limit the travel of the hoist and bridge.

Once companies started using energy chain to power their outdoor crane systems, it eliminated a lot of maintenance headaches because of its more effective and durable design—reducing equipment downtime and overall costs related to crane maintenance.

Based on its proven ability to withstand harsh conditions, its relatively low maintenance, and its simple and durable design, more engineers and crane manufacturers began recommending it for all kinds of different overhead crane applications.

Today, you can find cranes equipped with energy track in all kinds of demanding indoor and outdoor environments, including:

• Steel mills
• Cement plants
• High-output production facilities
• Shipping and container yards
• Paper and textile mills
• Offshore facilities
• Wastewater treatment plants

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