Energy chains and cables for pipe and BOP handling systems

Long horizontal and vertical travels are typical for pipe handling systems, for example to guide the drill pipe from the fingerboard to the top drive. Our plastic energy chains and cables are designed for the harsh conditions on the drilling platform and aggressive external environmental influences. The particularly low weight of the cable guides compared to steel chains and their corrosion resistance combined with high robustness, even under high fill weights, play a role here. The plastic inner surfaces of the energy chain are gentle on the cables and provide particularly maintenance-free and reliable systems.
Our engineering team takes care of the correct design of the energy chains and the problem-free connection to the customer's system, even for complete turnkey systems.

Products for:
Catwalks ▼ | Pipe handlers ▼ | BOP handling systems ▼

Drill rig with cable trays and two detailed views of igus components.

Catwalk with cable carriers and cables at an industrial conveying system.

Energy chains and cables for catwalks

A catwalk is used to move the drill pipe to the working platform (drill floor). To push it upwards, small carriages run along the ramp. These are often operated with hydraulic cables that are guided in energy chains.
Energy chains in catwalks must ensure the safe movement of all cables, sometimes on long travels.
Offshore drilling rigs in particular are subject to harsh environmental conditions, such as corrosive sea air. In addition, e-chains can be found on various telescopic units in which sensor or motor cables have to be moved.

igus energy chain in a curved loop shape.

e-chain E4.80

The modular interior separation system increases the service life of your cable by up to a factor of 4
For long travels up to 400m and fill weights up to 80kg/m

Find out more about E4.80

Chain carrier of an igus energy chain system with several closed cable channels.

e-chain E4.56

The modular interior separation system increases the service life of your cable by up to a factor of 4
For long travels up to 400m and fill weights up to 62kg/m

More about the E4.56 e-chain

CF27 cable with visible internal structure and shielding.

Servo cable CF27

For the highest loads
Almost unlimited oil resistance (based on DIN EN 50363-10-2)
Flame-retardant and UV-resistant

Find out more about CF27 chainflex

CF112 cable with stainless steel braid and insulation layer.

Data cable CF112

For the highest demands
Almost unlimited oil resistance (based on DIN EN 50363-10-2)
Flame-retardant and UV-resistant

Find out more about CF112 chainflex

CF78-UL cable with braided shielding and outer jacket in cross-section.

Control cable CF78.UL

For high loads
Almost unlimited oil resistance (based on DIN EN 50363-10-2)
Flame-retardant and UV-resistant

Find out more about chainflex CF78.UL

Drilling rig with igus cable guidance for oil and gas applications on the mast.

Energy chains and cables for pipe handler

The pipe handler is used to move the drill rods from a horizontal position from the catwalk to the vertical finger platform (fingerboard). There they are stored for later use. Here too, energy chains are used to enable both the vertical travel of the pipe handler and its horizontal positioning for the exact inclusion of the drill pipe in the fingerboard.
Especially in the vertical position, the heavy cables must be guided safely and with long travel. This is where plastic energy chains have a special advantage, as they reduce the total weight hanging on the pipe handler thanks to their low dead weight.

e-chain E4.56

The modular interior separation system increases the service life of your cable by up to a factor of 4
For long travels up to 400m and fill weights up to 62kg/m

More about the E4.56 e-chain

Data cable CF112

For the highest demands
Almost unlimited oil resistance (based on DIN EN 50363-10-2)
Flame-retardant and UV-resistant

Find out more about CF112 chainflex

CF35 cable with shielding braid and exposed conductors.

Motor cable CF35.UL

For very high loads
Almost unlimited oil resistance (based on DIN EN 60811-404)
Flame-retardant and UV-resistant

Find out more about chainflex CF35.UL

BOP crane with igus energy chain in the oil and gas industry.

Energy chains for BOP handling systems

BOP handling systems are used to move or erect the blow-out preventer (BOP). Hydraulic adjustment systems are often used here, whereby hydraulic cables are moved with the frame. BOP cranes are significantly larger for offshore drilling rigs than for land drilling rigs.
Our E4 energy chains enable the often heavy cables to move smoothly, even over long travels, and protect them from mechanical loads and tangling.

e-chain E4.56

The modular interior separation system increases the service life of your cable by up to a factor of 4
For long travel distances up to 400m and filling weights up to 62kg/m

More about the E4.56 e-chain

Success stories

Offshore drilling ship with drill tower and cranes on calm sea.

Energy chains for equipping the fingerboard

Several plastic energy chains of the E4.1 series carry a large number of energy, data and hydraulic cables on two drill ships. They enable the horizontal handling of the drill pipe, e.g. to load the fingerboard.

Find out more about this application

Collage of igus offshore applications in shipping and on drilling platforms.

... and other success stories

Heavy-duty energy chains in drilling rigs for such systems as the top drive, cantilever or pipe handler, flexible rotary modules in pivoting heavy-duty cranes or safe shore power supplies: find out more about the successful use of our motion plastics in these and other projects.

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