In order to safely and reliably guide cables in hanging applications, igus has developed the e-loop as an alternative to the service loop- ideal for three-dimensional applications.
The e-loop combines the advantages of a plastic energy chain with those of a high-strength pull rope that is incorporates. Inside the chain, the pull rope transfers the pull force to the mounting brackets and the structure. As a result, the cables are kept completely free of strain.
The modular e-chain made of high-performance plastic always enables a defined bend radius and easily copes with vibrations and impacts.
The interior consists of four injection-moulded parts. Two of them form the crossbar in the chain link and are screwed on (captively). Due to being screwed on, they are clamped onto the pull rope,
External protectors made of impact-absorbing PU protector material ensure that the energy chain and the cables are protected when hard impacts occur.
The individual chain links are clamped onto the high-strength pull rope. The rope itself is a plastic-fibre rope and its permissible tensile load is 50kN.
The mounting brackets of the e-loop are high-strength steel mounting brackets. The plastic-fibre rope, which absorbs the entire tensile force of the e-loop, is an integral part of the brackets.
Assembly of two chain links of the e-loop
e-loop as an alternative to the service loop
| Part No. | Inner Ø | Outer Ø | Bend radius | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELP.220.01.D | 150 mm | 220 mm | 380 mm | ≈ 18kg/m |  Request |
| Part No. | Inner Ø | Outer Ø | Bend radius | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELP.220.01.S | 150 mm | 220 mm | 175 mm | ≈ 11kg/m | Request |
| Part No. | Inner Ø | Outer Ø | Bend radius | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELP.300.01.D | 230 mm | 300 mm | 500 mm | ≈ 22kg/m | Request |
| Part No. | Inner Ø | Outer Ø | Bend radius | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELP.300.01.S | 230 mm | 300 mm | 210 mm | ≈ 13kg/m | Request |
Rollers under the e-loop, for example, for easier movement on the ground. One application example can be the generation of power for ships in ports.
Makes transport/travel of the loop system easier, e.g. on ECI plants, and simplifies the handling in combination with rollers.
Load test of e-loop
continuous test of a completely harnessed e-loop with cable filling for 500t top drive. The test is carried out in the open air with all environmental influences as well as simulation of wind and vibrations.
Result: In the meantime, the test has run 40,000 double strokes. All influences due to weather do not affect the functionality of the e-loop. Side impacts, bumps or vibrations do not bother the e-loop.
Break test of the e-loop
Test setup: the e-loop is dropped from a height of 10 metres onto a safe and hits it with full force.
Result: the test proves that the e-loop withstands the collision without problems; its design is resistant to shocks and shatterproof.
How can I supply energy in heavy-duty applications safely and reliably? What alternatives are there to service loops and umbilicals? With the e-loop, igus has developed an alternative to the service loop that can safely guide heavy cables with large cross sections in hanging applications. The energy supply system is a round, three-dimensional modular system that can move strain-relieved cables with a defined bend radius. The cables can be used individually and replaced in case of maintenance. The chain links are also replaceable at any time.
How does the e-loop absorb forces that act on it?The new energy supply system from igus is built around a high-strength plastic rope that absorbs the tensile forces of the cables. The rope is composed of a synthetic plastic fibre and is therefore shatter-proof, weather-resistant, flexible and corrosion-free.
How can I replace cables in the e-loop?Unhook, put down on a surface somewhere, screw open, replace cable(s), screw shut, and then suspend the e-loop again. That's all it takes regarding maintenance thanks to the simple modular setup of the energy chain. For the rarest of cases you should always have a replacement chain at hand to avoid downtime.
How does igus deliver the e-loop and how is it installed?igus delivers the e-loop in the way that you prefer: either completely assembled or harnessed, on a drum or on a pallet. There is a defined thread at the end of the e-loop for additional mounting. Our installation team is happy to take care of the assembly.
How are components prevented from falling down?The individual chain links are all secured with screw connections, so that no component can fall down.
Everything from a single source! Harnessing time decreases by up to 95%
Tailored solutions apart from the product catalogue for special applications
