Company Announcement - Powermite, a Division of Hudaco, is the official sole distributor of the affordable range of superior quality EKD Kolibri energy (drag) chain to Southern African industry for over 30 years.Powermite 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. Since then the company has gone on to become 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

EKD is a German-based company with facilities in Germany, Bosnia and China (through a joint venture) and has 45 years’ experience in the manufacture of world-class energy chains. “Powermite is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company and our portfolio comprises only best-in-class products. The high quality EKD Kolibri range seamlessly complements our energy supply systems offering,” says Powermite Director, Donovan Marks. Together with EKD we have a combined knowledge of over 50 years of drag chain application within industry.”

Powermite_Protection is no drag with EKD Kolibri energy chain

Energy chain ensures a neat, hassle-free and cost effective solution to mobile equipment, preventing snags and premature breakdowns. As a result it is widely used within many industries such as ports, harbours and industrial and water treatment plants that require the protection of cable, hose or hydraulic supply on a fixed plane over a required distance at a fixed or variable speed.

The comprehensive EKD energy chain range from Powermite includes galvanised steel, stainless steel and carburised (hardened) steel as well as a plastic range which consists of self-extinguishing, ATEX, Anti-Static, steel-coated and Robotic bi-directional chain. “Our product portfolio also extends to chains designed for ultra-long distances,” adds Marks. “Known as the Marathon System, these chains use roller sets and are capable of maintaining speeds of up to 200m/minute.”

There are three different types of EKD Kolibri available to the African market; the one part link or flap-open link range, various bending radii and chain with separate end-connectors or each link used as an end connector. While EKD Kolibri ranges from external sizes of 15mmx15mm through to 65mmx225mm, Marks says that the EKD PKK range can handle external sizes up to 100mmX340mm. He adds that steel external sizes start from 50mm high x up to 1500mm wide. The wide range of bending radii facilitate larger cables.

A number of unique design features ensure numerous important cost saving benefits that make EKD Kolibri drag chain ideally suited for use across a wide range of applications (robotics, materials handling, etc.) and equipment (cranes, milling and boring machines). “The patented opening delivers superior rigid torsion behaviour and handling while the flap-open bars ensure easy access for on-site installation of hoses or cables,” explains Marks.

The chain can cope long term in temperatures of between -20°C and +100°C and is extremely wear resistant which extends components life and keeps costs down by reducing the need for spares. Furthermore, minimal spare parts are required for plastic energy chains as they are all equipped with integrated connectors. Marks points out that the chain normally requires very little maintenance due to the superiority of this product.

Powermite_Protection is no drag with EKD Kolibri energy chain

“But we have the necessary infrastructure to carry a full range of spares for the entire range at our branches in Cape Town, Durban, Witbank, Richards Bay and Rustenburg as well as on the Johannesburg East Rand and in the Carletonville mining area.”

According to Marks, there is perceptible growth at various stages within all market sectors that have need for drag chain but he points out that customer education in terms of product application remains one of the biggest challenges. “It is vital that we recommend the best, most optimum solution for our customers but in order to do so, we rely on the information that customers provide.”

We often find that the information is not sufficient for us to be able to advise customers correctly. For example, a simple issue for bending radii which is critical in the correct selection of the chain required is often forgotten. We continue to educate our customers through regular interaction which is a fundamental part of establishing and maintaining strong long-term customer relationships.”

“We have a wide African footprint spanning approximately 15 countries outside South Africa, including Mauritius. Our route to market with EKD Kolibri drag chain is both directly to end- users and wholesalers via our country wide branch and distribution network.