Performance comparison of track ropes in contemporary ropeway installations

Abstract

Non-destructive testing is an important means for assessment of the performance of track ropes in a bi-cable zig-back ropeway installation. The visual method produces the possibility of inadequate inspection due to its subjectivity. Electromagnetic and visual wire rope inspections complement each other. Both are essential for safe operation. Periodic in-situ measurement of faults in ropes would help to determine the effects of various parameters on rope life. Track ropes are generally locked coil ropes. Full locked coil (FLC) ropes are made with a spiral strand as the main core and are finally covered with one or more layers of shaped wires. The final covering layer is made from full locked sections of wires which interlock with each other and present a smooth surface. Wire ropes wear out eventually, gradually losing work capability throughout their useful life, making periodic inspections, lubrication and tensioning necessary. Magnetic flaw detectors, which measure the loss of metallic area (LMA) and detect local faults (LF) such as broken wires and other faults, are used to determine rope wear. In this paper, an attempt has been made to describe the performance of track ropes in contemporary ropeway installations.