Drag Chains in Action at the Steel Mill
HELUKABEL supplies Maschinentechnik Roth with a custom solution for their mobile drilling machines
In BOS plants, where molten, raw iron is turned into high-quality steel by being blasted with oxygen, extreme conditions such as heat, flying sparks, grime, and vibrations are a burden for both people and machines alike. At the centre of the process are gigantic steel converters, which are where the transformation takes place. The liquid steel is drained through a tap in the converter floor, before being resealed with refractory bricks.
To ensure that this critical step goes off without a hitch, Maschinentechnik Roth GmbH & Co. KG, who is an experienced supplier of machinery used in the steel and rolling industries, relies on technology that is extremely robust. For their mobile drilling machines, or core-hole drilling, setting, and grouting system (KBSE), the company needed an energy transmission solution that itself was designed to perform reliably in extreme conditions. Roth found what they were looking for at HELUKABEL.
The steel mill's mission: Drilling and setting safely
The mobile KBSE drilling machine fulfils a key role in steel production—it drills the tap holes into the steel converters and subsequently sets the refractory bricks in place. To achieve this, hydraulic and water hoses, as well as electrical cables, must be safely and securely routed to the job site. This is a job for drag chains designed to withstand the highest of demands.
A custom solution from HELUKABEL
HELUKABEL delivered with two drag chains from the HELUCHAIN STEEL LINK 4-SL series, each fitted with guide troughs and customised specifically for Maschinentechnik Roth's needs. One drag chain handles the drilling, while the other handles the setting process. Thanks to their closed, steel construction, they provide their contents with optimal protection from flying sparks and grime, while the robust aluminium cover segments of the "SilberStar" series provide additional heat protection. In these conditions specifically, it is important that the decision makers at Maschinentechnik Roth are able to completely rely on the quality of these drag chains.
Technical data at a glance
• Travel distance: 2,500 mm
• Drag chain lengths: 3,750 mm and 3,300 mm
• Temperature resistance: Galvanised steel -40°C to +250°C, stainless steel -80°C to +600°C
Robustness that makes a difference
Maschinentechnik Roth has depended on HELUKABEL products for years, and for good reason. These specifically tuned drag chains increase the lifespans of their machines considerably, as they're able to reliably withstand the extreme conditions of BOS plants. These chains protect the sensitive hoses and cables from damage and contribute substantially to the overall security and efficiency of the drilling and setting process.
Customer benefits: An overview
✅ Robust drag chains improve the lifespans of machines
✅ Protect cables and hoses from flying sparks, grime, and heat
✅ Increase the safety and security of drilling and setting operations
✅ Customised solution optimised according to customer requirements
Working together to improve the steel industry
The collaboration between HELUKABEL and Maschinentechnik Roth is an excellent example of how custom solutions can improve the performance and durability of industrial machines. We are proud of the outstanding success we've achieved together with our customers, and the expertise we have been able to apply in providing solutions for their challenging projects.