How to use a wire rope lubricant

Wire Ropes find their usage in many industries ranging from electronics to manufacturing. Just like any other machinery, they too are exposed to the potential damage caused by normal wear and tear. To minimize this abrasion, wire rope lubricants are put to use. They essentially perform the function of reducing corrosion and also reduce the internal friction between the strands.  The use of wire rope lubricant in the process of manufacture of Elevator Wire Ropes or any other is critical to the performance and life of the wire ropes. Even after the wire rope has been installed, there is a need for re-lubrication as the original lube may have been lost due to the bending and other stresses on the cable.

Types of lubricants and their applications:

Various industries like mining, agriculture, fishing, power plants, engineering etc. employ wire ropes for lifting or rigging purposes. Different types of wire rope lubricant are available depending on the type of rope.

·         Engineering ropes- These require a lube which has enhanced anti rust properties.

·         Mining ropes- Mining ropes use lubricants which can work well in wet and dusty conditions

·         Fishing ropes- These ropes essentially require strong adhesion and good anti rust property.

·         Crane and elevator ropes- These require a strong lube that can function in a wide range of temperature. They also need to have anti rust properties.

·         Excavator and drill line ropes- they require a long operational life and good lubricity.

Classification of wire rope lubricant-

These lubricants can be broadly classified into two categories depending on their mode of action.

·         Penetrating wire rope lubricants- they have a petroleum solvent whose function is to take the lubricant into the core of the rope. This solvent then evaporates, leaving behind only a thick layer of lubricant on each strand. This lubrication is more important as most of the ropes are damages within due to large friction between the strands.

·         Coating lubricants- these only penetrate inside a little. The main function of coating lubricants is to protect the wire rope from external damage. They form a protective seal to keep the moisture outside, thereby reducing corrosion. They help save the cable from the harmful external environment, including extreme weather or temperature conditions.

A combination of these two types is used to ensure that the cable is prevented from internal as well as external wear and tear. This provides an extended life to the cables. The various materials used in the formation of such lubricants are petrol, asphalt, petroleum oils, grease and vegetable oil.

The process of lubrication is done as a part of the manufacturing of wire ropes. This can be done by spraying, brushing, dripping or through pressure boot. Using excessive lubricant can be a safety hazard. Having the right knowledge about a wire rope lubricant is therefore important to ensure that the wire ropes work efficiently.