The thorough lubrication of wire ropes, which are used in numerous applications in industries as varied as construction, mining and marine, is of paramount importance, says fluids, lubricants and oils supplier Lubrication Engineers (LE).

Correct lubrication of wire ropes is “absolutely critical because wire ropes are intricate machines composed of interdependent parts in constant motion”, LE senior technical sales representative and wire rope specialist Ron Byrnes explains.

“Wear takes place, not only between the wires, but also the strands, as a result of the linear movement within the rope,” says Byrnes.

He adds that corrosion will occur if the inside of the wire rope is not well-lubricated, adding that consistent lubrication can reduce wear and tear on the rope, and ultimately increase the component’s service life.

Further, it is important to use a lubricant that suits the wire rope within a given application while it is in use, regardless of the lubricant used at the time of the rope’s manufacture.

“We can’t obviously change what manufacturers do, but what we are looking for is a perfect fit: a match [from our] product offering that best complements [. . .] what is done at the time of rope manufacture,” Byrnes says.

LE provides various industry and mining sector players in South Africa with a variety of lubrication products that are applicable to locally and internationally manufactured wire ropes.

For example, the Wirelife Monolec Penetratin Lubricant 2001 is ideal for enhancing the penetration of the lubricant into the rope interstices and is equipped with a Timken OK Load Rating of 27.2 kg and a diluent additive, making it suit-able for use in imported high- performance wire rope.

Additionally, the Wirelife Almasol Coating Grease 452 is “ideal” for round, non-spin and six-stranded triangular ropes, as it is equipped with an NGLI 00 grease grade standard, making it fluid enough to massage between the outer strands of the rope and into the core of the rope using a viper rope lubricator – a collar with seals that is strapped down and held in place so a rope can move through it.

Byrnes suggests that a wire rope cleaner can be attached to the front of the system, which spins against the rope as it moves through it, removing old lubricant and cleaning it. Then fresh lubricant is applied as it moves through the viper rope lubricator.

Environmental, Safety Benefits

LE’s products are designed with high flash points and with the purpose of reducing emissions of harmful substances during combustion, resulting in fewer negative health impacts than bitumen-based lubricants.

Byrnes emphasises the importance of ensuring that lubrication practices are aligned and compliant with worker, environment, and health and safety regulations stipulated by the Mine Health and Safety Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Maintaining wire ropes is a critical aspect of operational safety and efficiency in many industries and applications. Therefore, adopting a systematic and scientifically-informed approach can have a positive effect on the performance and longevity of these essential components, as well as positive safety and environmental impacts, he concludes.