Cable carriers for the lift gates of the Kreekraksluizen in Zeeland

The Kreekraksluizen in Zeeland are a large lock complex on the connection between the Scheldt and the Rhine. The lock gates are lift gates: they hang between two tall concrete towers and rise and lower with every lockage. The cables for the drive, control and safety systems have to follow that movement flawlessly, every time.

Space was the first challenge. The cable carrier had to fit in a narrow strip along the tower, right next to the gate guide, the hoisting cables and the hydraulic cylinders. There was no room for a wide carrier or a large bend, and everything had to stay clear of the moving parts around it.

The second challenge was the environment. The carriers hang outdoors on the tower, in wind, rain, frost and sun, and by the water. They have to work reliably for years in an installation that cannot simply be shut down.

We started with engineering: the stroke of the gate, the available space along the tower and the cables that need to move with it. Based on that, we chose steel cable carriers from Tsubaki Kabelschlepp: narrow enough to fit in the strip next to the guide and sturdy enough to hang vertically along the tower, outdoors, year after year.

Inside the carrier, every cable was given a fixed place, so they keep running straight with every movement and do not rub against each other or the carrier. At the ends, we secured the cables with clamps, so the forces of the movement do not reach the connections.

We supplied the carriers and carried out the installation on site: along the towers, between the guides and hoisting gear of the gates, in coordination with the operator of the complex.

The cables of the lift gates now move in a controlled way in steel cable carriers that fit the space along the towers exactly. Because engineering, supply and installation were in one pair of hands, the design matched the actual situation on the complex and nothing had to be adjusted on site.

Working on a lock, bridge or other movable structure with little room for the cables? Also take a look at the Botlekbrug and the Hanzebrug near Hattem, or get in touch with one of our specialists.