igus® shows world’s largest plastic energy chain, the E4.350, at Subsea Expo 2016
At this year’s Subsea Expo, which runs from 3rd – 5th February at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (Aberdeen AECC), we will be showcasing the E4.350 ESD energy chain – the largest plastic energy chain in the world, as well as introducing Corry Sutherland, the company’s recently appointed Oil & Gas product specialist.
High-performance plastic brings significant benefits to Offshore industry
The E4.350 ESD energy chain has been developed specifically for offshore applications, and other industries where oversized cables and hoses need to be guided and protected. In addition to the significant price advantage over traditional steel energy chains, the modern high-performance engineering plastic used in the E4.350 is stronger than steel for a given size and much lighter. It is also inherently resistant to corrosion and weathering, and unaffected by exposure to virtually every type of chemical and petrochemical, as well as by exposure to UV light from the sun.
Manufactured from igumid® ESD, a permanently conductive tribopolymer that incorporates special additives that ensure electrostatic charge is dissipated in a controlled manner, the E4.350 ESD energy chain is suitable for use in areas where the ATEX or IECEx standard applies. The material is also self-lubricating, requiring no grease or oil on the joints throughout its working life, even in the presence of high levels of soiling and contaminants; this dramatically reduces, and can even eliminate the need for routine maintenance, and enables the life of the energy chain to be predicted more accurately.
Modular in design, the E4.350 energy chain can easily be shortened and lengthened as required. Steel energy chains, on the other hand, have many more components and require more tools and time to dismantle. In addition, igus® energy chains offer excellent rigidity and high load capacity when shear forces are at work due to their tongue and groove design. Specifications include, inner height: 350mm, inner widths: 400-800mm, bending radii: 500-1000mm and pitch: 470mm. An Interior separation system and mounting brackets can be supplied. Additional features include, quiet operation, straight running due to inner/outer link design, and stable opening crossbars at every link.
Corry Sutherland – Oil & Gas product specialist
Corry joined igus in October 2015 as the company’s Oil & Gas product specialist. He has worked in project engineering roles within the Oil & Gas industry for over four years and brings a wealth of technical and project management experience with him. Corry is an ex-Piper with the Scots Guards and currently serves with the British Army (Reserves) 7th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.
“We are delighted to welcome Corry to igus®,” commented Justin Leonard, director of igus®. “His experience in the Oil & Gas industry makes him the ideal man to take our business forward in this area. This coupled with his dependable, can-do approach is sure to be highly valued by our customers.”
Corry and other members of the igus® team will be available on Stand 195 throughout the show to take visitors through the benefits and potential applications of their E4.350 ESD energy chain, as well as provide insight into the full range of igus® products suitable for offshore use.
