EKD Kolibri energy chain from electrical and mechanical equipment and energy supply systems specialist, Powermite, has been delivering high quality, reliable, cost saving solutions for seamless operation of mobile equipment across Southern African industry for more than 3 decades.

Produced in Germany by leading global energy chain manufacturer, EKD, the high quality energy chain, also referred to as drag chain, complements Powermite’s portfolio which comprises best-in-class product and service solutions. “Alongside EKD, we share a combined knowledge of over 50 years of drag chain application in industry,” affirms Powermite Marketing Director, Donovan Marks.

Uniquely engineered to prevent snags and premature breakdowns, EKD Kolibri energy chain assists in keeping operating costs to an absolute minimum. The extremely wear resistant chain extends component life, reducing the need for spares. Additionally, this exceptionally reliable chain requires very little maintenance. The energy chain is able to operate long term in extreme temperatures ranging between -20°C and +100°. Subsequently the rugged energy chain finds wide application in industries such as ports, harbours, materials handling, industrial and water treatment plants where the protection of cable, hose or hydraulic supply on a fixed plane over a required distance at a fixed or variable speed is needed on equipment such as cranes, milling and boring machines.

The comprehensive EKD range from Powermite includes galvanised steel, stainless steel and carburised (hardened) steel. According to Marks, Powermite’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. He adds that all the plastic chains are equipped with integrated connectors and thus require very few spare parts. “In addition, we 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.”

Powermite supplies three different types of EKD Kolibri energy chains to the African market, namely the one part link or flap-open link range, various bending radii, as well as chain with separate end-connectors or each link can be used as an end-connector. “The patented opening delivers superior rigid torsion behaviour and handling, the flap-open bars ensure easy access for on-site installation of hoses or cables and the wide range of bending radii facilitates larger cables,” explains Marks. The EKD Kolibri 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.

Marks points out that customer education remains one of their biggest challenges when it comes to energy chain application. “It is vital that we recommend the best, most optimum solution for our customers but in order to do so, we are reliant on the information that customers provide. However, we often find that this information is not sufficient for us to make the best recommendation. We therefore continue to educate our customers through regular interaction which is a fundamental part of establishing and maintaining strong long-term customer relationships and ensuring the best and most sustainable solution.”

Powermite, a division of Hudaco and ISO 9001:2000 certified, was established in the late '60's with the objective to serve the local market as a 'one stop' supplier of electrical crane materials and flexible cables. The company has since expanded and is positioned as a specialist supplier of a comprehensive range of industrial and mining cables, industrial and mining plugs and sockets, cable reeling equipment and energy supply systems such as Downshop lead systems, Insulated conductor rails, etc.

Powermite’s wide African footprint spans approximately 15 countries outside South Africa, including Mauritius. “Our route to market for EKD Kolibri drag chain is directly to both end-users and wholesalers via our strategic country-wide branch and distribution network,” states Marks. “We have the necessary infrastructure to carry a full range of spares for the entire range at our branches in Johannesburg, Witbank, Cape Town, Durban, Witbank, Richards Bay, and Rustenburg.”