Service Life of Winch Hoist Wire Rope

This is a perfect example of formulitis: the absurd belief that there is a meaningful formula for everything. In this case, there are way too many unaccounted-for variables.

Please read Page #02 of the following document.

http://divk.inovacionicentar.rs/ivk/ivk10/199-202-IVK3-2010-RM-DM-IA-NH.pdf

Okay, let's just see you apply that formula, especially accounting for the several factors that are dependent on the specific rope, and for which the paper itself says that empirical tests are required.

The posting doesn't state whether the rope is in clean dry air, or lubricated, or whether it is fully immersed in seawater for most of its life. Any formula to calculate its life would need to include those factors.

Seriously, it could be that this is the only installation of this particular rope for this particular purpose in the specifics of the particular environment at this particular duty cycle on those particular pulleys whose axles are lubricated in that particular way anywhere on the planet. If it is, then the only organisation that is capable of predicting the working life of the rope is the <...we...> that is posting the question. Its historical records of rope replacement, which cannot be seen from here, might be the only source of information that is capable of answering it.

<...How do we define the service life of a wire rope....> Surely, it is up to the <...we...> to state such a thing rather than ask outside of the <...we...> organisation for wild guesses?

1. The wire is in service in a dusty environment, but cleaned & lubricated fortnightly.

2. <..Any formula to calculate its life would need to include those factors....> Please state the "Any formula". So that "those factors" may be added.

Invitation declined, as this username is not afflicted with <...formulitis...>.

Further, see #4⇑. Working in pursuit of answers to this formula has been withheld from the forum.

These are questions that should have been asked WHEN the rope was purchased, or BEFORE.

What does the manufacturer offer for guidelines? Probably not much.

You, and only you, can determine the service conditions of your equipment. Stress, strain, dirt, kinks, abrasives, overloads all play a role in rope wear.

IF, your facility has an insurance carrier, they will be keenly interested in the outcome of your search and may even help.

No stranger can help you with this. You have to own this problem yourself.

ISO 4309 : Cranes - Wire ropes - Care, maintenance, Installation, Examination and Discard might be helpful, although the use is different.

Good point.

The Engineer/Surveyor from the company that supplies collapse liability indemnity insurance for the facility's lifting equipment may also be able to offer advice, as an informal recommendation basis of experience elsewhere, were the <...rope...> not to be part of any lifting device.

However, if the rope is actually part of a lifting device then it will be subject to periodic insurance assessment anyway, in which case historical records on the equipment insurance inspections will be the source of information the Original Poster needs; those records cannot be seen from here.

It lasts until the guy doing the inspection and maintenance says, we need a new cable...

http://fastlift.co.za/pdf/CASAR%20-%20Calculating%20the%20service%20life%20of%20running%20steel%20wire%20ropes.pdf

Probably around 400,000 bending cycles for replacement, and 900,000 bending cycles until break occurs....

The old proven and reliable way is not a formula (many things in life follow no formula). The best way and often easiest way is to look at it visually. Yes, let the cable extend off the drum (but don't disconnect it) and visually inspect it as it is coiled back onto the drum. While this is being done wear a cloth glove and let the cable pass through your closed but not tight fist. If the cable is old or too large use a rag, towel or leather glove instead of the cloth glove.

If there is a broken wire you will know it by the visual, pain or grabbing of the cloth/leather glove. The better this is done the less chance there is of dropping a load or worse yet killing someone (maybe yourself).

Good Luck, Old Salt

It very hard to determined service life, due to each hoists operates under different condition. So it near impossible to give a given service life, even by your supplier.

This is what we have done to all our overhead cranes and hoists and what you need to do is to have it inspected regularly. You replace when needed.

For us, our supplier was certified to do this, they would come in sire to do the inspection. I suggest you contact your supplier they may help you or at least give you direction.