To guide cables safely in hanging applications, igus has developed the e-loop as an alternative to the service loop - ideally suited for three-dimensional applications.
The e-loop combines the advantages of a polymer energy chain with those of a high-strength pull rope. 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 polymer always enables a defined bend radius and easily copes with vibrations and impacts.
A newly developed alternative to the service loops on vertical drilling rigs offers significantly longer service life under extremely unfavourable environmental conditions.
In this white paper, you can find the following topics:
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.
Part No. | Inner Ø | Outer Ø | Bend radius | Weight | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ELP.220.01.D | 150 mm | 220 mm | 380 mm | ≈ 18kg/m | ![]() |
Part No. | Inner Ø | Outer Ø | Bend radius | Weight | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ELP.220.01.S | 150 mm | 220 mm | 175 mm | ≈ 11kg/m | ![]() |
Part No. | Inner Ø | Outer Ø | Bend radius | Weight | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ELP.300.01.D | 230 mm | 300 mm | 500 mm | ≈ 22kg/m | ![]() |
Part No. | Inner Ø | Outer Ø | Bend radius | Weight | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ELP.300.01.S | 230 mm | 300 mm | 210 mm | ≈ 13kg/m | ![]() |
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.
The e-loop is used in the bucket wheel excavator of the company Holcim (Germany) GmbH. The modular system made of high-performance polymer always enables a defined bend radius and easily copes with vibrations and impacts. Instead of the planned 8 hours installation time, the work with the e-loop was completed after only 4 hours.
The e-loop modular energy chain system is being used in a drilling rig in the oil and gas industry. Due to use of the igus e-loop, it has been possible to improve the service life of the drilling rig and considerably reduce costs. Moreover, the cables in the mast can no longer become tangled.
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.
Find out in these installation instructions how to assemble the e-loop with and without cables.