It is fitting that RUD Erlau plays a key part in the process that produces the steel that goes into the making of its renowned round-link TPCs.

In mines around the world Erlau is the chain chosen to protect the tyres of giant loaders from attrition as they load-out millions of tonnes of raw iron, manganese or tungsten ore for trucking to the crusher prior to shipping to the foundries for smelting.

Elsewhere, RUD Erlau TPC are protecting loader tyres as they shift and load the limestone - an essential ingredient in steel making.

And, in the open-cut and underground coal mines that provide energy for the smelters and furnace and other key processes. RUD-Erlau's traction chains are ensuring sure-footed safety.

Later, in the final stages of the process, RUD-Erlau TPC's protect the loaders that are used in re-handling the smouldering slag - the by-product of steel making. Slag is delivered from the blast furnace, the tapping troughs or the steel furnace refining vessels and dumped into a 'lagoon'.

In the modern continuous steel making process it is essential that the cooling slag is 'moved on' as quickly as possible to make place for the next pot. The slag is broken up, then crushed and screened to recover any residual steel for re-smelting from the 'ash' which is destined for the cement and block-making plants. This essential process is one of the most demanding for man and machine. The fumes and high temperatures will defeat any but the best.

Having found tracked loaders too slow and lumbering and vulnerable to expensive heat damage, most slag-handling contractors have opted for the flexibility of wheeled loaders such as the CAT 980, 988' or their equivalent to feed the crusher. More often than not, the loader tyres are protected by RUD-Erlau's close-meshed tyre protection chains.

While standard spec chains can be used RUD-Erlau recommend their Fels Gigant Plus x18 which, even in this harsh environment, with their self-hardening properties, offer the operator assured 24/7 loader availability and a measurable cost per tonne.

RUD-Erlau developed the TPC in the early 1950s, and through ongoing product development and solid customer back-up, has established a 65% market share.

Chain makers for more than 130 years, RUD-Erlau has wholly-owned and managed manufacturing facilities in three countries and offices and agents around the world. The company's conveyor division supplies a large range of innovative components for heavy duty conveyors and elevators while their multitude of elements for hoists and lifting and lashing are found in virtually every industry.

www.erlau.com