WCA January 2012

Technology news

Sparks out of bounds

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.

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 cable carrier MC1300 with EX rated GRP chain bands and aluminium hole stays

Kabelschlepp – Germany Fax : +49 276 2400 3220 Email : info@kabelschlepp.de Website : www.kabelschlepp.de

The special material for this design

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Wire & Cable ASIA – January/February 2012