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TYCAN chains with Dyneema replace steel chains for lashing cargo

Industrial chains for handling heavy loads are being produced for the first time from DSM’s ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibre Dyneema.

6th January 2015

Innovation in Textiles
 |  The Netherlands

Civil Engineering, Industrial, Transport/​Aerospace

Industrial chains for handling heavy loads are being produced for the first time from DSM’s ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMwPE) fibre Dyneema.

DSM Dyneema has formed a strategic partnership with Load Solutions AS in Bergen, Norway, for development, manufacturing, sales and marketing of link chains made with Dyneema fibre.

The chains, branded as TYCAN, are fabricated from webbings and have numerous economic, environmental and safety advantages over traditional chains that for centuries have been made in iron and steel, according to the company.

TYCAN chains

TYCAN is produced for Load Solutions AS by Industrias Murtra.S.A., a textile manufacturer based in Spain. The first products have already created substantial interest in several markets during their development phase, the manufacturer reports.

Certification and testing have been taking place during the last two years. TYCAN chains have already passed the first and second levels of certification by DNV GL, the international classification society. Full and final certification of TYCAN is expected in early 2015.

Performance and safety

“DSM Dyneema and Load Solutions came together because we both understood the overwhelming advantages of link chains made with Dyneema,” commented Dietrich Wienke, Manager of new business development at DSM Dyneema.

“Our fibre is the only fibre in the world capable of giving the TYCAN chains what they need: superior strength at lowest weight, unbeatable bending fatigue and abrasion resistance, plus excellent outdoor performance and endurance even in very harsh operating conditions.”

Flexible and strong

The TYCAN chains are made with Dyneema DM20 fibre, based on Dyneema Max Technology, an innovative platform for extremely low-creep solutions. The fibre is said to make the chains extremely efficient and safe to use, resistant to chemicals and seawater-proof.

Because Dyneema has a density of less than one, TYCAN can float on water, and yet hold in place a wind turbine wing weighing six tonnes, a 60-tonne battle tank, or even a 600-tonne electrical mega power transformer.

The chains can be wrapped over the edges of cargo without suffering any damage. They also withstand the sorts of shock loads that may occur on ships sailing through very stormy weather, without any stretching that might cause the cargo to shift. Chains are also more flexible than ropes for holding heavy loads, and it is very easy to shorten link chains to the required length for any particular job, by doubling them back using hooks, the company reports.

Field tests

Several sets of field trials have already been completed for different markets, and two partners have been acting as pioneers within each of those markets. Mammoet Europe B.V., in Schiedam, The Netherlands, evaluated the chains on their mega trucks and trailers while Nor Lines A/S, a shipping company in Stavanger, Norway, has been testing TYCAN® chains for tying down loads on ships.

“Safety, health and innovation are important pillars within Mammoet. They were successfully matched, when it came to replacement of regular steel chains with light and strong TYCAN link chains,” said Marcel Schets, Manager of safety, health, environment and quality at Mammoet Europe.

“In the field trial program, one of our mega trucks and trailers was equipped with TYCAN lashing chains to lash down oversized heavy cargo safely while driving over European roads. We found the chains to be very light and easy to use, and they improved the overall safety of our workers.”

www.dyneema.com

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