Advancements in wire rope testing
First Quarter 2025
Other technologies
Being able to get instant, real-time and portable detection of wire rope flaws can make a significant difference for operational teams as it allows them to address an issue quickly before it escalates and requires more expensive and time-consuming maintenance. Managing director of Lubrication Engineers (LE) South Africa, Colin Ford says that he has seen a number of significant technological advancements and tools entering the market that assist wire rope operators detect and resolve problems faster.
“Portable inspection equipment for steel wire ropes makes it easier to see what is happening because maintenance teams can move them around to different ropes across a plant or mine and get a detailed read of the state of their equipment,” says Ford. “In addition, this allows teams to track particular stress points in their machinery and do regular checks for issues.”
LE is a regional agent for the TST FDSys.P Flaw Detection System. Tools like TST use magnetic inductive sensing technology and magnetic flux leakage (MFL) wire rope inspection techniques. Ford is one of South Africa’s foremost experts on the use of MFL for wire ropes. He explains that the technology uses magnetic fields and complex computerised systems to determine the state of a wire rope, right from the centre of the strands through to the outer layers. Inspections can be done faster, and the information will be more accurate. “These tools allow for high-speed, accurate, user-friendly inspections,” says Ford.
The TST is able to perform a 100% accurate non-destructive inspection of wire ropes with diameters ranging from 6 to 70 mm. Common issues that a system like the TST can detect include broken wires, corrosion, pitting, abrasion and fatigue.
The TST Portable Wire Rope Tester can inspect upwards of 5 m/s, or as limited for safe operation. It offers >90% repeatability of quantitative detection for flaws, and 100% accuracy of severe flaw signals. It picks up flaws such as internal broken wires and fatigue and external flaws such as broken wire, abrasion and corrosion.
Pairing inspection with correct lubrication
For the most effective approach to wire rope maintenance, regular and accurate inspections with tools like the TST need to be paired with correct lubrication. Using automated lubricant application systems and the correct type of lubricants for wire ropes is also crucial.
Products such as LE’s Wirelife Almasol Coating Grease 452 can penetrate right to the core of a rope when applied using something like a Viper lubricator. Ford explains that a Viper lubricator is a collar with seals that is strapped down and held in place so that a rope can move through it.
Environmental benefits
Inspections of wire ropes at sites with mine hoisters, cranes, elevators, cableways, power grids, suspended bridges and drilling platforms also have a long-term environmental benefits. Detecting and addressing issues early on can extend the life of a wire rope and reduce the need for it to be prematurely replaced. Extending the life of a wire rope has a knock-on environmental benefit, as does using the right high-quality lubricant during the rope’s lifespan. Both of these reduce waste and ensure that the maximum value is extracted from a rope. Reducing waste is also key for realising environmental benefits.
For more information contact Lubrication Engineers, +27 11 464 1735, [email protected], www.lubricationengineers.co.za
Further reading:
Monitoring vibration allows for equipment longevity
Iritron
Other technologies
Unscheduled downtime and maintenance on machines is often a source of frustration for many companies active in industrial manufacturing as it results in loss of process and productivity, which in turn equates to loss of revenue.
Read more...
Building resilience in extreme environments
Other technologies
The petrochemical and oil and gas sectors operate in unforgiving environments. In this high-stakes industry, operational efficiency is vital, and unplanned downtime can have severe consequences. To thrive in this demanding landscape, a proactive and sophisticated approach to maintenance is no longer an option, but a necessity.
Read more...
Extending oil drain intervals
Other technologies
In a recent field study, African Group Lubricants tested the performance of Mobil Delvac Modern MX 15W-40 Super Defense engine oil under rigorous operational conditions. The goal was to extend the oil drain interval while maintaining optimal engine performance and reliability.
Read more...
Electric chain hoist where advanced features are standard
Other technologies
Konecranes has launched the new Konecranes D-Series electric chain hoist, designed to meet the demands of industries that require high-performance lifting equipment.
Read more...
Latest advance in automotive cooling fluids
Other technologies
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in vehicle design and increasing demands for enhanced performance and durability. These changes are bringing a marked shift toward formulations that offer improved heat dissipation and robust corrosion resistance.
Read more...
Complete solutions for the die casting industry
Other technologies
Die casting is a manufacturing process that involves injecting molten metal into a mould to produce complex, high-precision components. FUCHS Lubricants South Africa addresses the evolving demands of the die casting sector through continuous product innovation and development.
Read more...
Regular maintenance of cutting fluids is essential to maintain quality
Other technologies
Regular cleaning and maintenance of cutting fluid systems significantly enhances overall efficiency by extending the life of the cutting fluids, reducing downtime and improving the quality of the end products.
Read more...
Rethinking common approaches to wire rope lubrication
Other technologies
: Wire ropes are hard-working components in many different applications, from mines to lifts, ports, construction sites and drainage systems. Correct lubrication of wire ropes is absolutely critical because wire ropes are more than just cables, they are intricate machines composed of interdependent parts in constant motion.
Read more...
Quantum refrigerator paves way for reliable quantum computers
Other technologies
Quantum computers require extreme cooling to perform reliable calculations. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, and the University of Maryland, USA, have engineered a new type of refrigerator that can autonomously cool superconducting qubits to record low temperatures, paving the way for more reliable quantum computation.
Read more...
Next-gen battery-driven grease gun
SKF South Africa
Other technologies
SKF’s innovative TLGB 21 battery-driven grease gun optimises lubrication efficiency and reduces costs, by seamlessly combining advanced technology with a smart, rugged design.
Read more...
printer friendly version