Wire rope and cable lubrication – what’s
important?
Wire rope and cable manufacturers
typically during the manufacturing process apply lubricant to reduce friction
of the strands – as well as the individual wires in the strands as the rope
moves and bends in operation. As we know, in many cases wire ropes operate in
demanding industries such as Mining, Marine, forestry, fishing, cranes,
elevators, and no wire rope can be lubricated sufficiently during manufacture
to last its entire life. That’s why it’s important to lubricate periodically
throughout the service life of the rope.
In some applications the surface of some
ropes may become covered with dirt, dust or other material during operation. In
some cases this can prevent field-applied lubricants from properly penetrating
into the rope, so it’s a good practice to clean these ropes before you lubricate
them.
Reviewing the publication from the U.S.
Army Corp of Engineers – Lubricants and Hydraulic Fluids, 1999 they state:
Lubricant-related wear and failure. Wear in wire ropes may be internal or external. The primary wear
mode is internal and is attributed to friction between individual strands
during flexing and bending around drums and sheaves. This condition is
aggravated by failure of the lubricant to penetrate the rope.
The fatigue life of a wire rope can
be extended significantly (200 to 300 percent) through the application of
the correct lubricant for the operating conditions.
When damp conditions prevail, or when
severe flexing under heavy loads is encountered, a two stage lubricant
application may be the most effective. Application of a lighter adhesive
followed by a very heavy adhesive lubricant to seal in the oil provides the
best protection. In certain ropes subjected to highly corrosive
environments such as acids, alkalis, or salt water, providing a heavy
impervious exterior lubricant coating to guard against corrosion may be more
important than ensuring adequate penetration
The Chesterton solution involves a 1 or 2
shot system
- 601 CDP which is light bodied enough
to penetrate to the rope’s core yet has extreme pressure additives to reduce
friction as the strands move against each other. It removes asphat and degraded OEM process oil
and greases.
- For external applications 715
Spraflex or 715 Spraflex Gold can be used to seal the wire rope and protect
from rain and moisture.
715 Spraflex or 715 Spraflex Gold are elastomeric
materials and benefits versus grease include
- High Adhesive and Cohesive Strength – won’t wipe off
or squeeze out
- Excellent Water wash off resistance
- 715 Spraflex Gold has the ability to adhere to wet
surfaces
In addition the Chesterton system will
reduce friction, protect against corrosion and adhere to every wire. It is also
pliable and will not crack or separate when cold – yet not drip when warm.
Heavy greases when applied to a wire rope can trap excessive grit, which can
damage the rope. Old oils such as engine or hydraulic oils can contains
materials that can damage the rope.
Many customers use hydraulic oils, gear
oils, oem oils that are designed to reject water. Once the rope is worn
to any degree, the voids in the rope can be saturated with water. Relubrication with paraffinic oils merely sit
on the top and fail to penetrate as they cannot displace the water.
You can normally apply Chesterton lubricant
by using one of the following methods:
- Drip it on rope,
- Spray it on or
- Brush it on.
Use automatic lubricator – Example Corelube
In all cases, you should apply it at a
place where the rope is bending, such as around a sheave. We recommend you
apply it before the rope goes into the bend as to aid penetration.
The Wire rope’s service life will be
directly proportional to the quality and effectiveness of the lubricant and use
and the amount of lubricant that reaches the rope’s moving parts.
If you would like more information on the
Chesterton System for wire rope lubrication please contact.
Paul Lenehan
Phone: 00353 87 4176128
Marketing Manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa
Industrial Lubricants & MRO Chemicals,
ARC Efficiency & Protective Coatings
