Wire Rope Lubrication
Wire rope is a type of cable used in a variety of machines and structures in multiple industries and applications. Unlike metal structures, metal ropes require extra special care and maintenance as they are not solid metal, but twisting metal wires held together with a tight sheath. In order to keep wire ropes in proper working condition and maintain their operational life, it is imperative to lube them.
Wire rope lubrication is a special process that requires a specific product, as the tension and strain placed on a wire rope can degrade the quality of many general types of lubricants. The lubricant must be specifically designed and formulated for use on wire rope and must also be chosen in consideration of the types of environments the wire rope will be exposed to.
Some types of wire rope are designed for installation in hostile environments or for specific applications such as oil wells or offshore rigs. In these instances, it is important to use the proper type of lubricant so the wire rope does not break down from exposure to the environment. Typically a specialized synthetic wire rope lubricant is used to ensure the lubricant will remain effective and won’t be degraded or washed away by external moisture.
The type of lubricant used can also be affected by the types of strands that make up the rope. For example, some ropes are composed of several strands of different types of steel, such as galvanized, stainless steel, and zinc-plated. It is important to choose a lubricant with a corrosion inhibitor in order to protect the rope from corrosive agents in the environment.
In order to properly lubricate a rope, the rope must be thoroughly cleaned first with a degreasing agent, to remove any dirt, grease, and debris that may have accumulated on the strands. Once the rope is clean, the recommended lubricant should be applied by spraying on a thin layer and then gently working the lubricant into the fibres of the rope.
It is important to replace or refill the lubricant on a regular basis. It should be done according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, as the tension on a rope can vary from job to job and the integrity of the cable can be compromised if the lubricant breaks down and is no longer effective.
In summary, wire rope lubrication is an important part of keeping wire ropes in good condition, since it protects the strand fibres from wear and tear and helps prevent corrosion. It needs to be done correctly and regularly and with the right type of lubricant for the specific rope and environment.
