Significance of wire rope inspection:
A wire ropes hoist is a consumable item and does suffer wear and tear after being used over a period. Hence the more the wire rope hoists is used the more it changes and less efficient it becomes. However it can be used for a substantial amount of time prior to having to replace it.
Here are few important issues pertaining to wire rope usage that you should be aware off:
- A new wire rope hoists will have individual wires and strands that settle into position. This means that the rope strength is high.
- Over a period of time as the wire rope is used it is common for strands to break or be damaged due to wear and tear. This decreases the rope strength.
- Regular wire rope testing can help detect the deterioration of the wire.
- It is important to monitor the deterioration of the wire since all it takes is one link in the chain to week and the entire load can come crashing down.
Inspecting Wire Rope Hoists Visually:
Wire rope hoists are a crucial part of crane functioning. Keeping the wires intact is a vital task because any damage can be dangerous while operating the machine.
- First of all, clean any dust off the wire so that all the wire cuts are clearly visible.
- Concentrate on every part of the wire and check if there are any viable cuts on it.
- Use the rag method to inspect the wire. The method is quite simple, but must be followed by visual inspection as well. Take a soft cloth and move it over the site just the way we clean it. You will see that the fabric will be stuck in broken wires and that’s how you find damage in your wire rope hoist.
- Measure the diameter of the rope to find precise internal damage. Take measurement of both original or unused wire and the wire to be inspected. Compare both, and if there is any difference, some external or internal damage exists.
- To check abrasions and corrosions inside the wire, use a spike and move it between two strands to open up the wire. You will be able to see what’s the issue inside the cord.
Important wire rope maintenance tips:
- The wire rope hoist should be inspected at the start of each shift or work session and as frequently as possible.
- The inspection includes checking the entire length of the rope as well as the point of attachment to the load.
- The wire rope hoist must be removed if there are any broken wires noticed
- Over a period of time, it is likely that the diameter of the rope is reduced. This is possible depending on what the wire rope hoist is being used for. In this case, too you must cease to use the electric wire rope hoist.
- Other factors to look out for are rope deformation, loose loops, and even corrosion.
- Once discarded the rope should be examined thoroughly to check the cause of wear and tear.
