Lubrication-free and maintenance-free heavy-duty bearings in the chassis of new RTG cranes

Lubrication- and maintenance-free high-load bearings "igutex® TX1"
In the undercarriages, the "bogies", of its RTG cranes, Tan Cang Gantry does not use the usual steel bearings, but TX1 high-load bearings from the igutex® range.
The advantage: the fibre composite plain bearings combine a robust outer layer for heavy-duty applications and harsh environmental conditions with an inner layer optimised for sliding properties and friction. The "smooth", uninterrupted operation is also supported by the bearing's high load capacity: The TX1 bushings allow a surface pressure of up to 200 MPa. This gives the engineers at Tan Cang Gantry more flexibility in the design. At the same time, the resistance on the shaft is minimised, thus increasing the service life. Once the bearings have been installed, the self-lubricating effect of the inner material ensures that there is no need for external lubrication and regular maintenance work on the bearings. A possible lack of lubrication is avoided and safety is also increased. The material also pays off in harbours in particular: Tan Cang Gantry does not have to worry about corrosion on the bearings, and no external lubricants can be flushed out of the bearings and into the environment.

Heavy duty roller energy chain "P4HD" and cable
For its RTG crane project, the manufacturer Tan Cang Gantry not only needed heavy-duty bearing but also fail-safe cable guides behind the moving end. The crane industry is characterised by particularly long travel distances. Roller energy chains are therefore becoming increasingly popular, not only on STS cranes, but also on RMG or RTG cranes, as they further reduce frictional resistance compared to sliding energy chains. The P4HD roller energy chain is therefore also used on Tan Cang Gantry's RTG cranes. They support high cable weights and guide the cables safely and durably even in the event of weather fluctuations, high wind speeds and in the salty harbour air. The flexible connections between the links of the energy chain also minimise vibrations. As an option, the roller energy chain can also be equipped with so-called i.Sense and i.Ceesensors, which further increase safety by constantly monitoring the status of the system and can initiate an emergency stop before chain damage occurs.
Finally, the manufacturer relies on UL-approved and UV-resistant chainflex® cables, which guarantee the power and data transmission of the RTG even under high mechanical stress, long travel distances and narrow bend radius in the energy chain.