Rugged, superior quality energy chain from electrical and mechanical equipment and energy supply systems specialist, Powermite, provides reliable and cost-effective protection of cables and hoses for the seamless operation of mobile equipment.

EKD Kolibri energy chain, also known as drag chain, is produced by a leading global energy chain manufacturer in Germany. 

“We have been supplying energy chain to Southern African industry for more than three decades and share a combined knowledge of over 50 years with EKD in drag chain applications,” affirms Powermite Marketing Director, Donovan Marks.

Uniquely engineered to prevent snags and premature breakdowns, the extremely wear resistant and exceptionally reliable EKD Kolibri energy chain helps extend component life, reduces the need for spares and requires very little maintenance. Additionally, the chain can operate long-term in extreme temperatures ranging between -20°C and +100°.

“The consequences of these feats of engineering include substantially reduced operational costs and lowest total cost of ownership,” says Marks.

“Unsurprisingly the energy chain has found wide acceptance in sectors like 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 energy chain 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.

According to Marks when it comes to recommending the most optimum energy chain solution customer education remains one of their biggest challenges. “The information we rely on from customers it is not always sufficient for us to make the best recommendation. To ensure the best and most sustainable solution we develop strong long-term customer relationships and continue to educate our customers through regular interaction.”

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 cables to the local market.

The company has since expanded and is today 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 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, Cape Town, Durban, Witbank, Richards Bay, and Rustenburg.”