POWERMITE has been a leading supplier of EKD Kolibri energy chain to the Southern African market for more than three decades. The company shares a combined knowledge of over 50 years in drag chain applications with EKD, the globally renowned energy chain manufacturer based in Germany.
That’s according to Powermite Managing Director, Rolf Lung, who said EKD energy chain “is uniquely engineered to deliver substantially reduced operational costs and extended component life for lowest total cost of ownership”.
He added that the energy chain, also known as drag chain, has found wide acceptance in a wide range of industries such as ports and harbours, materials handling, industrial as well as water treatment plants.
“The unrivalled wear resistance of the durable and efficient energy chains provides reliable and cost-effective protection of cable, hose or hydraulic supply on a fixed plane over a required distance at a fixed or variable speed, ensuring the seamless operation of mobile equipment such as cranes, milling and boring machines.”
Lung said the product’s reliability reduced the need for spares and it required very little maintenance. Additionally, it can operate long-term in extreme temperatures ranging between -20°C and +100°C.
Powermite’s EKD energy chain range includes galvanised steel, stainless steel and carburised (hardened) steel. The company’s energy chain product portfolio also extends to a plastic range consisting of self-extinguishing, ATEX, Anti-Static, steel-coated and Robotic bi-directional chain. All plastic chains are equipped with integrated connectors, thus requiring very few spare parts.
“We also offer chains designed for ultra-long distances. Known as the Marathon System, these chains use roller sets and are capable of maintaining speeds of up to 200m/minute,” said Lung.
Powermite supplies three different types of EKD Kolibri energy chains to the African market, namely the one-part link or flap-open link range, a wide range of bending radii which facilitates largest cables, as well as chain with separate end-connectors or each link can be used as an end-connector.
Lung said the bars of the flap-open range ensure easy access for on-site installation of hoses or cables. The EKD Kolibri series ranges from external sizes of 15mmx15mm through to 65mmx225mm while the EKD PKK range can handle external sizes up to 100mmx340mm. Steel external sizes start from 50mm high x up to 1500mm wide.
“In order to recommend the best solution, we ensure that we grasp the customer’s exact needs and, through regular interaction and development of solid long-term customer relationships, we in turn assist our customers in getting to better understand their equipment.”
Powermite, a division of Hudaco and ISO 9001:2000 certified, was established in the late ’60’s as a ‘one stop’ supplier of electrical crane materials and flexible cable reeling drums to the local market. The company has since expanded and is today a market leading supplier of electrical and mechanical equipment and energy supply systems.
Products include a comprehensive range of industrial and mining cables, industrial and mining plugs and sockets, cable reeling equipment and accessories as well as energy supply systems such as Downshop lead systems, and insulated conductor rails.