Why Wire Rope Replacement Is An Essential Part Of Hoist Maintenance

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When dealing with heavy loads on factory floors, overhead lifting machinery such as cranes and electric wire rope hoists are irreplaceable. They serve the purpose adequately and have become an inseparable part of the daily operation. But when it comes to maintaining hoists, there are a few challenges that prove to be a bit too much. One such challenge turns up in the form of wire ropes.

The essence of the Hoist wire ropes

Hoist Wire ropes are arguably the most vital component of a Electric Wire Rope Hoist and undeniably the most replaced one as well. They are more prone to general wear and tear over prolonged usage than the other components of the hoist equipment. They are analogous to the tires on the wheels of a car. The heavier loads lifted using the hoists and the more time it is operated for, the more wear and tear they are subjected to. Hence, they require proper maintenance in order to ensure optimum performance and long-lasting life.

Let us discuss in brief the roles hoist wire ropes play and why replacing them timely is an integral part of their maintenance.

The functionality of wire ropes in hoists

Wire ropes are mechanical devices that consist of moving parts working in sync to support a heavy load and move it to its desired direction. The rigging and lifting industry benefits largely from the utilities of the wire rope. Especially when they are used in overhead lifting equipment such as cranes and hoists. The wire rope is attached firmly to a hoist or crane, and the load is fitted using swivels, hooks, or shackles, facilitating controlled movement. It is used in many applications to support suspension towers or bridges and lower or lift elevators.

Wire ropes have become the preferred lifting device in many industrial applications. It has its fair share of reasons as well. Firstly, the unique design allows flexibility, strength, and the ability to handle bending stresses. Depending on the rope’s material, wire, and strand structure, it will provide different sets of benefits for the specific application it is used in.

The common configurations that determine its proper usage are listed below.

Flexibility
Strength
Abrasion resistance
Fatigue resistance
Crushing resistance
Rotation resistance
Corrosion resistance

Selecting the right wire rope for the right application is a process that involves careful thoughts. Thoughts involving proper analysis of the above aspects of the wire rope and the particular lifting application is required.

What breaks or damages a wire rope?

The following factors might prove to be impactful in damaging or breaking a wire rope.

Wear and tear on areas that are directly in contact with drums and hoist sheaves.
Fatigue from repeated bending under normal operations.
Overloading the hoist beyond the safe working limit.
Mechanically abusing the wire rope through cutting, crushing, or dragging of the rope.
Lack of proper lubrication and heat exposure leading to corrosion. At temp beyond 120 degrees Celsius, a fiber core wire rope will give way and break.
Working with wires that are frozen or below 15.5 deg Celsius can lead to breaking.
Improper installations are also a common issue that can cause the wire rope to break. Improper installation kinks create a weak section in the rope, which is exploited with prolonged use.

How to determine the rope needs replacing?

The following scenarios would indicate that the wire rope in use needs an urgent replacement to ensure operational efficiency and workplace safety.

If three or more broken wires are found in one lay length of the pendant standing rope.
If six or more broken wires are found in one lay rope length of the running ropes.
If any form of heat damage such as burn marks, discoloration of the metal is observed.
If the individual wire on the outside is subjected to wear off more 1/3rd of its initial diameter.
Any unstranding, cutting, kinking, or crushing that is apparent after prolonged usage.
If the sling identification, such as workload limit, manufacturer’s identification is missing.

Replacing the wire rope

When the time comes for replacing the hoist wire rope, one must not go for a generic rope as it can lead to hazardous working conditions. The rope can be of the incorrect type or size and hence not be suitable for the lifting task. The identification of the wire rope on the basis of its type and size is a crucial task that needs to be accomplished while replacing a wire rope.

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Proper inspection of the hoist is mandatory and helps largely in identifying the need to replace the wire rope of the hoist. One must also ensure that the inspection is performed by an appropriate technician adept in handling hoist equipment.