Lubrication- and maintenance-free bearing points for chassis in RTG cranes

A streamlined maintenance schedule despite salt-laden air, continuous operation, and multi-ton shipping containers.

The Tan Cang Gantry Joint Stock Company from Vietnam specialises in the manufacture of new port equipment. The company uses state-of-the-art technologies to improve cargo handling capacity, for example, in its RTG cranes. Intelligent and powerful functions enhance the loading, unloading and transport process, shorten processing times and ensure better customer service.

As part of a co-operation with igus Vietnam, the manufacturer is equipping its new RTG cranes with completely lubrication-free and maintenance-free heavy-duty plain bearings.

The company also uses robust energy chains and cables from igus. The aim of the co-operation is to create greater durability, safety and freedom from maintenance in day-to-day container handling.

Profile

What was needed?

Lubrication-free and maintenance-free igutex TX1 fibre composite plain bearings
P4HD rol e-chain
chainflex cables

Requirements

The company was looking for plain bearings that can support very high loads in the chassis of RTG cranes, withstand harsh environmental conditions, and reduce maintenance work.

Success for the customer

The TX1 fibre composite plain bearings can be used with a surface pressure of up to 200MPa. The special feature: Thanks to the improved sliding properties, they have particularly low coefficients of friction, are durable, and completely lubrication-free and maintenance-free. This allows Tan Cang Gantry customers to dispense with regular maintenance and lubrication while maintaining increased safety in crane operation.

In the chassis, i.e. the "bogies" of their RTG cranes, Tan Cang Gantry do not use conventional steel bearings but igutex TX1 heavy-duty bearings. The advantage of these fibre composite plain bearings is that they combine a robust outer layer designed for heavy-duty use and harsh environments with an inner layer optimised for sliding properties and friction.

The TX1 fibre composite plain bearings can be used with a surface pressure of up to 200MPa. At the same time, the resistance on the shaft is minimised by the gliding layer. The self-lubricating effect of the inner material ensures that there is no need for additional lubrication and, in turn, for regular maintenance work on the bearings. This prevents insufficient lubrication from occurring altogether, which further increases safety.

The igutex fibre composite bearings are particularly beneficial in ports: Tan Cang Gantry does not have to worry about corrosion on the bearings, as they are 100% corrosion-free . It also drastically reduces the amount of lubricant that can get into the environment.

Tan Cang Gantry also needed fail-safe cable guide systems behind the moving end for its RTG cranes. It is important that the energy supply system is suitable for exceptionally long travels. The choice was therefore the P4HD rol e-chain, which reduces frictional resistance more than gliding energy chains. They carry heavy cable weights and guide the cables safely and reliably even in the event of weather fluctuations, high wind speeds and in the salty harbour air - always featuring a long service life.

The flexible connections between the links of the energy chain also minimise vibrations. As on option, the rol e-chain® can be equipped with so-called i.Sense and i.Cee sensors, which further increase safety by constantly monitoring system status. In the event of chain damage, they can initiate an emergency stop.

Finally, the manufacturer relies on UL-approved and UV-resistant chainflex cables, which guarantee power and data transmission from and to the RTG, even with high mechanical stress, long travels and tight bend radii in the energy chain.