steel wire rope lubricant free sample

Wire rope forms an important part of many machines and structures. It is comprised of continuous wire strands wound around a central core. There are many kinds of wire rope designed for different applications. Most of them are steel wires made into strands wound with each other. The core can be made of steel, rope or even plastics.

Wire ropes (cables) are identified by several parameters including size, grade of steel used, whether or not it is preformed, by its lay, the number of strands and the number of wires in each strand.

A typical strand and wire designation is 6x19. This denotes a rope made up of six strands with 19 wires in each strand. Different strand sizes and arrangements allow for varying degrees of rope flexibility and resistance to crushing and abrasion. Small wires are better suited to being bent sharply over small sheaves (pulleys). Large outer wires are preferred when the cable will be rubbed or dragged through abrasives.

There are three types of cores. An independent wire rope core (IWRC) is normally a 6x7 wire rope with a 1x7 wire strand core resulting in a 7x7 wire rope. IWRCs have a higher tensile and bending breaking strength than a fiber core rope and a high resistance to crushing and deformation.

A wire strand core (WSC) rope has a single wire strand as its core instead of a multistrand wire rope core. WSC ropes are high strength and are mostly used as static or standing ropes.

Wire ropes also have fiber cores. Fiber core ropes were traditionally made with sisal rope, but may also use plastic materials. The fiber core ropes have less strength than steel core ropes. Fiber core ropes are quite flexible and are used in many overhead crane applications.

The lay of a wire rope is the direction that the wire strands and the strands in the cable twist. There are four common lays: right lay, left lay, regular lay and lang lay. In a right lay rope the strands twist to the right as it winds away from the observer. A left lay twists to the left. A regular lay rope has the wires in the strands twisted in the opposite direction from the strands of the cable. In a lang lay rope, the twist of the strands and the wires in the strands are both twisted the same way. Lang lay ropes are said to have better fatigue resistance due to the flatter exposure of the wires.

Wire ropes are made mostly from high carbon steel for strength, versatility, resilience and availability and for cost consideration. Wire ropes can be uncoated or galvanized. Several grades of steel are used and are described in Table 1.

Steel cable wire is stiff and springy. In nonpreformed rope construction, broken or cut wires will straighten and stick out of the rope as a burr, posing a safety hazard. A preformed cable is made of wires that are shaped so that they lie naturally in their position in the strand, preventing the wires from protruding and potentially causing injury. Preformed wire ropes also have better fatigue resistance than nonpreformed ropes and are ideal for working over small sheaves and around sharp angles.

Lubricating wire ropes is a difficult proposition, regardless of the construction and composition. Ropes with fiber cores are somewhat easier to lubricate than those made exclusively from steel materials. For this reason, it is important to carefully consider the issue of field relubrication when selecting rope for an application.

There are two types of wire rope lubricants, penetrating and coating. Penetrating lubricants contain a petroleum solvent that carries the lubricant into the core of the wire rope then evaporates, leaving behind a heavy lubricating film to protect and lubricate each strand (Figure 2). Coating lubricants penetrate slightly, sealing the outside of the cable from moisture and reducing wear and fretting corrosion from contact with external bodies.

Both types of wire rope lubricants are used. But because most wire ropes fail from the inside, it is important to make sure that the center core receives sufficient lubricant. A combination approach in which a penetrating lubricant is used to saturate the core, followed with a coating to seal and protect the outer surface, is recommended. Wire rope lubricants can be petrolatum, asphaltic, grease, petroleum oils or vegetable oil-based (Figure 3).

Petrolatum compounds, with the proper additives, provide excellent corrosion and water resistance. In addition, petrolatum compounds are translucent, allowing the technician to perform visible inspection. Petrolatum lubricants can drip off at higher temperatures but maintain their consistency well under cold temperature conditions.

Various types of greases are used for wire rope lubrication. These are the coating types that penetrate partially but usually do not saturate the rope core. Common grease thickeners include sodium, lithium, lithium complex and aluminum complex soaps. Greases used for this application generally have a soft semifluid consistency. They coat and achieve partial penetration if applied with pressure lubricators.

Petroleum and vegetable oils penetrate best and are the easiest to apply because proper additive design of these penetrating types gives them excellent wear and corrosion resistance. The fluid property of oil type lubricants helps to wash the rope to remove abrasive external contaminants.

Wire ropes are lubricated during the manufacturing process. If the rope has a fiber core center, the fiber will be lubricated with a mineral oil or petrolatum type lubricant. The core will absorb the lubricant and function as a reservoir for prolonged lubrication while in service.

If the rope has a steel core, the lubricant (both oil and grease type) is pumped in a stream just ahead of the die that twists the wires into a strand. This allows complete coverage of all wires.

After the cable is put into service, relubrication is required due to loss of the original lubricant from loading, bending and stretching of the cable. The fiber core cables dry out over time due to heat from evaporation, and often absorb moisture. Field relubrication is necessary to minimize corrosion, protect and preserve the rope core and wires, and thus extend the service life of the wire rope.

If a cable is dirty or has accumulated layers of hardened lubricant or other contaminants, it must be cleaned with a wire brush and petroleum solvent, compressed air or steam cleaner before relubrication. The wire rope must then be dried and lubricated immediately to prevent rusting. Field lubricants can be applied by spray, brush, dip, drip or pressure boot. Lubricants are best applied at a drum or sheave where the rope strands have a tendency to separate slightly due to bending to facilitate maximum penetration to the core. If a pressure boot application is used, the lubricant is applied to the rope under slight tension in a straight condition. Excessive lubricant application should be avoided to prevent safety hazards.

Some key performance attributes to look for in a wire rope lubricant are wear resistance and corrosion prevention. Some useful performance benchmarks include high four-ball EP test values, such as a weld point (ASTM D2783) of above 350 kg and a load wear index of above 50. For corrosion protection, look for wire rope lubricants with salt spray (ASTM B117) resistance values above 60 hours and humidity cabinet (ASTM D1748) values of more than 60 days. Most manufacturers provide this type of data on product data sheets.

Cable life cycle and performance are influenced by several factors, including type of operation, care and environment. Cables can be damaged by worn sheaves, improper winding and splicing practices, and improper storage. High stress loading, shock loading, jerking heavy loads or rapid acceleration or deceleration (speed of the cable stopping and starting) will accelerate the wear rate.

Corrosion can cause shortened rope life due to metal loss, pitting and stress risers from pitting. If a machine is to be shut down for an extended period, the cables should be removed, cleaned, lubricated and properly stored. In service, corrosion and oxidation are caused by fumes, acids, salt brines, sulfur, gases, salt air, humidity and are accelerated by elevated temperatures. Proper and adequate lubricant application in the field can reduce corrosive attack of the cable.

Abrasive wear occurs on the inside and outside of wire ropes. Individual strands inside the rope move and rub against one another during normal operation, creating internal two-body abrasive wear. The outside of the cable accumulates dirt and contaminants from sheaves and drums. This causes three-body abrasive wear, which erodes the outer wires and strands. Abrasive wear usually reduces rope diameter and can result in core failure and internal wire breakage. Penetrating wire rope lubricants reduce abrasive wear inside the rope and also wash off the external surfaces to remove contaminants and dirt.

Many types of machines and structures use wire ropes, including draglines, cranes, elevators, shovels, drilling rigs, suspension bridges and cable-stayed towers. Each application has specific needs for the type and size of wire rope required. All wire ropes, regardless of the application, will perform at a higher level, last longer and provide greater user benefits when properly maintained.

Lubrication Engineers, Inc. has found through years of field experience, that longer wire rope life can be obtained through the use of penetrating lubricants, either alone or when used in conjunction with a coating lubricant. Practical experience at a South African mine suggests that life cycles may be doubled with this approach. At one mine site, the replacement rate for four 44-mm ropes was extended from an average 18.5 months to 43 months. At another mine, life cycles of four 43-mm x 2073 meter ropes were extended from an average 8 months to 12 months.

In another study involving 5-ton and 10-ton overhead cranes in the United States that used 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch diameter ropes, the average life of the ropes was doubled. The authors attribute this increased performance to the ability of the penetrating lubricant to displace water and contaminants while replacing them with oil, which reduces the wear and corrosion occurring throughout the rope. A good spray with penetrating wire rope lubricant effectively acts as an oil change for wire ropes.

In these examples, the savings in wire rope replacement costs (downtime, labor and capital costs) were substantial and dwarfed the cost of the lubricants. Companies who have realized the importance of proper wire rope lubrication have gained a huge advantage over those who purchase the lowest priced lubricant, or no lubricant at all, while replacing ropes on a much more frequent basis.

Wire ropes can be utilized in a number of applications. The intended application generally will dictate the initial lubrication of the wire rope by manufacturers. For example, some wire ropes are employed for the support of structures such as buildings and bridges. These ropes remain nearly static, so there is little need to relubricate them. They will not have the same internal friction and wear (although still subjected to surface corrosion) as a dynamic rope utilized in heavy equipment applications for lifting or hauling purposes.

Wire ropes used in crane services often employ a fiber core which is saturated in oil with strands of wire wrapped around it. This fiber core acts as a sponge to actively drain or release lubricant when the rope is subjected to bending or loading. Most wire ropes fail from the inside, so this fiber core can be beneficial if binding conditions occur.

Wire ropes without a fiber core are typically coated with a lubricant during the manufacturing process to lessen internal friction and to coat the surface in order to minimize corrosion due to water or the environment.

While there are standards in place for lubricants used during the manufacturing process, most are generic and only help put you on the right track in your lubricant selection. Of course, all wire rope lubricants should have corrosion control properties as well as penetrating capabilities to get as far into the core of the wire rope as possible.

There are numerous methods of applying lubricant to wire ropes. For machinery in which the rope can move, you may choose to use a drip, spray or trough method. These methods apply lubricant at a single point and utilize the movement of the rope to spread the lubricant over the entire length of the system. Some trough systems are pressurized, which can be advantageous, as they push the lubricant into the rope.

If the wire ropes are static, manual brushing or sprays usually are the easiest way to apply lubricant. In most cases, it is best to remove excess lubricant from the surface to help minimize dirt and water from sticking to the lubricant, especially in dirty environments.

Crosby’s Vitalife®products are the preferred wire rope lubricants in the industry because of their ability to penetrate into wire rope and displace water and contaminants, thus reducing wear and corrosion throughout the rope.Available in a variety of container sizes.

Whitmore’s Wire Rope Lubricant products also coat these strands to prevent friction and wear. This results in longer wire rope life, less downtime for rope changes and more production.

Whitmore’s Wire Rope Lubricant is easily pumpable at temperatures down to -25°F (-35°C). Its nondrying film remains flexible in the most extreme weather conditions, which eliminates flaking and peeling.Whitmore’s Wire Rope Lubricant can be used to lubricate all sizes of wire rope, as well as chains, leaf springs and other applications where penetrating oil is needed. It may be applied by hand or automatic lube system.

Proper lubrication of wire rope, or steel cable, is essential for two reasons. The first one is safety. Wire ropes that are improperly lubricated are far more prone to both interior and exterior wear, and as such are at greater risk for failing. A wire rope that breaks while being used can cause great injury or death, since they are often a critical piece in hoisting, towing, dragging, braking, or similar operations.

The second reason is simple economics. A wire rope that is well maintained and lubricated will last far longer than one that isn"t. Life of a wire rope can be extended several times if properly lubricated.

Wire rope bending around hoist drums and sheaves will wear like any other piece of metal, so you should lubricate wire rope the same as any other piece of working machinery. Wires and strands of a rope must be able to move freely in order for the rope to function correctly. Corrosion from moisture or wear due to friction shortens the service life of wire rope.

Wire rope should always be well cleaned before lubricating. Scraping, steaming, or high-pressure washing may remove most of the dirt and grit that has accumulated on used wire rope. Rust should be removed on a regular basis with a wire brush. The purpose of cleaning is to remove all foreign material and old lubricant from the valleys between the strands, as well as the spaces between the outer wires. Otherwise, new lubricant will not be able to flow into the rope.

Of the two, corrosion is more dangerous than wear because corrosion ruins the interior of a rope. This is very difficult to determine by visual inspection.

Wire rope should be inspected at regular intervals. How often these inspections take place depend on the frequency of rope use and the conditions under which it is used.

Abrasion or reverse and sharp bends cause individual wires to break and bend back. These breaks are known as fishhooks. Wire rope should be examined carefully for fishhooks, kinks, and worn and corroded spots. Breaks in individual wires will usually occur in areas where the wire runs continually over the sheaves or bend onto the drum. This is also a good place to look for problems, because the strands may separate slightly as the rope passes over, thus allowing slightly better examination.

There are two conditions that will usually reduce the diameter of a wire rope: Overloading, and failure to lubricate. Rope that is 75 percent of its original diameter should be removed from service. When pitting and corrosion of the wires are visible on the surface, you should assume that the same problem exists internally, and the rope should be removed from service.

Special care should be taken to examine the valleys and small spaces between the strands for rust and corrosion. Since corrosion is normally caused by insufficient or nonexistent lubrication, if you see external corrosion, assume that the internal wires of the rope are being damaged by extreme friction and wear at the same time. This type of internal and often invisible destruction of the wires is one of the most frequent causes of unexpected and sudden wire rope failure. To prevent this, keep the rope well lubricated, and handle and store it properly.

Wire rope should never be stored in an area where acid is or has been kept. This must be stressed to all personnel. The slightest trace of acid or acid fumes coming in contact with wire rope will damage it at the contact spot. Wire that has given way has been found many times to be acid damaged.

It is extremely important that wire rope be cleaned and lubricated properly before placing it in storage. Fortunately, corrosion of wire rope can be virtually eliminated if lubricant is applied properly and sufficient protection from the weather is provided. Remember that rust, corrosion of wires, and deterioration of the fiber core will significantly reduce the strength of wire rope.

Fin Super with MicPol: Suitable for above-water applications. A spray lubricant that goes on wet and dries to a solid film that protects from wear and moisture. Also has outstanding penetrating and creeping abilities, so it can quickly work its way throughout a wire rope and lubricate both interior and exterior.

Grease OG with MicPol: A grease with excellent metal adhesion that strongly resists washout and can withstand a temperature range of -20 C to 120 C. Ideal for use on outdoor and underwater cables, as well as heavily loaded open drive mechanisms such as turntables on cranes, bridges, locks, etc. Can be used with pneumatic lubricant spraying system. Calcium lithium complex grease with a DN factor of 60,000.

Proper lubrication of your wire rope, chain and cable can safely extend its operational life regardless of application. Cranes, elevators, shovels, drilling rigs, suspension bridges and draglines are some of the many applications that use wire rope, chain or cable to perform work such as pulling, dragging or hoisting. These applications often are exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including extreme weather. Lubrication Engineers can help your wire rope, chain and cable last longer and operate safely by implementing a lubricant reliability program and recommending the right lubricants for the job.

Most wire ropes are lubricated during the manufacturing process, but this lubricant will not last the entire life of the rope. When looking for a lubricant to relubricate your wire rope, choose one that contains no acids or alkalis, possesses the adhesive strength to stay on the rope, can penetrate between wires and strands, has high fluid film strength, resists oxidation and remains pliable. It is important to remember that most wire ropes fail from the inside out. Corroded rope can be a safety hazard, as there is no way to determine its remaining strength and life. Proper lubrication will help prevent deterioration of wire rope due to rust and corrosion.

Because most wire ropes fail from the inside, it is critical to ensure the center core receives sufficient lubricant. LE recommends a combined regimen in which a penetrating lubricant is used to saturate the core, followed by a coating lubricant to seal and protect the outer surface. LE offers several penetrating and coating type wire rope lubricants to suit your specific needs.

Penetrating lubricants contain an evaporative solvent that facilitates migration of the lubricant into the core of the wire rope, then evaporates, leaving behind a heavy lubricating film that protects and lubricates each strand.

Wirelife Almasol Coating Grease (451-453) is a soft, semifluid calcium-based grease designed to coat wire rope as well as moving chain and cable parts to ensure long life and smooth, quiet operation. Its tacky, water-resistant characteristics enable it to adhere strongly to rapidly moving parts, seal out damaging moisture, protect against premature wear and shield metal against corrosive attack.

Typical Applications: Wire rope, chain links, pins, bushings, cable sheave bushings, cables, open and closed silent and roller chains, and small, slow-turning gearboxes that require a semifluid lubricant

Wirelife Almasol Coating Lubricant (2002) is a fluid wire rope lubricant that provides a tough outer coating to seal and protect against fretting corrosion, wear and rust – even under extreme load and moisture. It seals and protects better than any product available. When used in conjunction with Wirelife Monolec Penetrating Lubricant, maximum protection and wear reduction is achieved.

Wirelife Almasol Syn Coating Lubricant (2022) is an extremely tacky, nonasphaltic synthetic lubricant with exceptionally high film strength. Perfect for extreme environments and conditions, it is the ultimate outer surface protector for wire rope and cable and comes from the same advanced technology that LE developed to protect large open gears in the mining and quarry industries. It derives its high load-carrying capacity from its synergistic blend of an extreme pressure additive and Almasol, LE’s exclusive wear-reducing additive.

Wirelife Monolec Penetrating Lubricant (2001) has excellent corrosion resistance and high load-carrying (EP) properties. It penetrates to the core of wire ropes, whether they are running or stationary. It is also excellent as a penetrating lubricant for chains of all sizes and works well in a variety of other industrial applications. When used in conjunction with Wirelife Almasol Coating Lubricant, maximum protection and wear reduction is achieved.

It contains a petroleum solvent to enhance its ability to penetrate. The solvent evaporates, leaving behind a film of heavy-bodied lubricant that protects and lubricates each strand and resists leakage from the wire rope core. Available in bulk sizes or in an aerosol version.

Typical Applications: All stationary or moving wire ropes or cables under heavy loads; chains of all sizes; mining and construction applications such as standing and running lines, draglines, cranes and derricks; marine applications such as cranes, hoists and drilling rigs; any other application that requires excellent rust protection for steel parts.

Designed for marine environments and other applications where environmental concerns require the use of a very low toxicity wire rope and chain lubricant, LE’s Wirelife Low Tox Penetrating Lubricant (2011) has excellent load-carrying capability and provides outstanding protection against rust, while having the lowest possible toxic effect on the environment.

Earthwise EAL Wire Rope Grease (3353) is recommended for use in applications on or near the waterways. It is an EAL and meets the specifications required by the EPA’s Vessel General Permit (VGP). It is readily biodegradable, exhibits minimal aquatic toxicity and will not accumulate in the cells of fish and other aquatic life forms. It is a soft, semifluid formulation designed to coat wire rope as well as moving chain and cable parts to ensure long life and smooth, quiet operation. Its semi-tacky, water-resistant characteristics enable it to adhere to the application and seal out damaging moisture and protect against rust formation.

Typical Applications: Applications near or around waterways including: Wire rope; chain links, pins and bushings; cable sheave bushings, bearings and strands; open and closed silent and roller chains. Ideal for use in automatic lubrication systems.

LE is happy to offer industrial lubricant and reliability recommendations for a variety of applications, and to provide product-specific data on all of our items to help you make the right decision. To learn more about our wire rope lubricants, wire rope lubricators as well as our other enhanced lubricants and lubricant reliability products, please

The oil/grease that is added to the steel wire rope during production is only sufficient to protect the steel wire rope during the storage period and initial use. The steel wire rope must be lubricated regularly.

Thorough lubrication is extremely important for the steel wire rope’s life expectancy, as the purpose of lubrication is partly to protect the steel wire rope against rust, and partly to reduce friction between the wires and the strands in the steel wire rope. Friction is also thereby reduced between the steel wire rope and the surfaces with which it comes into contact.

The lubricant used must be free of acids and must not have a destructive effect on the steel wires, the fibre core and the environment. The lubricant must have a consistency that enables it to penetrate the core and the strands. The steel wire rope must be cleaned before lubrication.

To achieve maximum lubrication effect, the lubricant should be applied during operation, at a sheaf or on the drum, as this is where the steel wire rope opens up and makes it easier for the lubricant to penetrate.

Randers Reb has developed a special lubricating oil, Randers WIRE OIL Type 01, which satisfies the special requirements for lubrication of steel wire ropes. The oil has excellent penetrative and lubrication qualities. It is also water-resistant and contains additives that dissolve rust and prevent further formation of rust during storage and operation. The oil is easily applied with a brush.

The following guidelines cover possible points that should be checked in conjunction with the inspection of steel wire rope. This is not a complete manual, nor is it an alternative to the relevant norms and standards.

All steel wire ropes become elongated when loaded (see also “Steel Wire Rope Elongation”, page 8-28). The elongation of a steel wire rope during its lifetime can be divided into three phases:

Phase 1: The new steel wire rope becomes longer quite naturally during its initial period of use. This partly because of the loading, and partly because the steel wire rope settles.

Phase 2: When the steel wire rope has settled and for most of its lifetime, the steel wire rope does not become much longer. Elongation during this phase is mainly due to wear.

Phase 3: The steel wire rope suddenly becomes longer very quickly. This means that the steel wire rope is deteriorating rapidly due to such causes as advanced wear and fatigue. The steel wire rope must be replaced immediately.

Every noticeable reduction of the steel wire rope’s dimensions in comparison with its original dimensions indicates a deterioration in the steel wire rope. The reduction may be due to such causes as:

Rust is just as important a factor as wear and tear in terms of evaluating the steel wire rope’s condition. Rust is normally caused by poor maintenance of the steel wire rope and promotes quicker fatigue in the wires (fragility/creation of cracks).

A “bird’s nest” (the strands rising in the same place) is created by such actions as the steel wire rope being subjected to torsion (rotated), sudden unloading, running through sheaf grooves that are too small and/or winding on a drum that is too small (fig. 44). The steel wire rope must be replaced immediately.

Local wear and tear is most often caused by poor winding. All fittings and splicings must also be inspected for wear or broken wires, loose or split strands, wear or cracks in fittings, etc.

If the wire fractures are serious, the steel wire rope must be replaced immediately. If you are in any doubt as to whether the steel wire rope should be scrapped or not, please contact your local salesman or our Technical Department as soon as possible.

Wire ropes, sometimes referred to as cables in gauges less than 3/8 in. dia., are connective elements used in static and dynamic work environments servicing industry and infrastructure needs. Common static wire-rope applications can be found in the main support systems for suspension bridges or as tensioned cable used to support tall, free-standing structures such as microwave cell towers. Popular dynamic applications include mining-cage hoists, elevator hoists, draglines, and cranes in which the wire rope moves under tension and load to lift, hoist, and transfer motion and power.

Originally developed in early 19th century Germany for the mining industry as a better alternative to existing metal chains and hemp rope—regular failure always proved catastrophic—wire rope is still manufactured in a similar manner from multiple strands of metal wire laid (wound) in a helical pattern around a center core. The center core can be made from hemp rope, plastic, fiber, or steel (specific to aircraft cable).

The multi-strand fabrication method provides tremendous tensile strength (100,000 to 350,000 psi, depending on the grade of wire steel) for lifting and hoisting while delivering flexibility of movement needed for traction and movement recovery over pulley or drum surfaces. In addition, stranded wire provides superior resistance to crushing and abrasion that can result from the extreme working conditions in which wire rope is often employed.

Wire ropes are gauged (sized) based on the number of strands surrounding the core and the number of wires used per strand. For example, an 8×19 wire rope will consist of 8 strands laid around the core, with each strand consisting of 19 wires. With 152 individual wires rubbing against each other as the rope moves over the drum or sheave pulley, friction and wear will result. That must be combatted with an effective lubrication strategy designed to maximize reliability and optimize life cycle.

In addition to load and movement, wire ropes are often subjected to weather and operating conditions that can introduce contamination and place heavy demands on the rope lubricant. Lack of a lubrication strategy can exasperate the situation and cause the wire rope to fail prematurely.

Dynamically loaded wire ropes typically fail from fatigue, wear, corrosion, and/or core shrinkage. Fatigue is a result of repetitive work cycles, subjecting the rope to constant bending, torsional twisting, and tension. These stresses eventually lead to broken wires within the strands. These same cyclic stresses also lead to high contact pressures between the wires that, in turn, set up a friction-and-wear cycle when the rope is inadequately lubricated. In addition, poorly lubricated ropes will allow solid contaminants between the wires as they open and close around the pulley. This contamination then sets up as three-body abrasion, causing accelerated wear inside the rope.

Because wire ropes are made from steel and can be subjected to outside elements such as moisture and acidic chemicals, unless a galvanized-steel rope is employed, successful corrosion abatement will rely solely on a quality lubrication program.

Core shrinkage starts to occur when the initial lubricant charge dries out, resulting in a reduced diameter and loss of support for the surrounding strands. This, in turn, can cause the strands to overlap one another, leading to nicked and cut wires.

Wire-rope lubricant is automatically applied by using a pressure boot clamped on the rope in a tensioned straight section. Lubricant is gently pressured into the wire rope as it passes through the boot. Photo courtesy Lubrication Engineers Inc., Wichita, KS; lelubricants.com

New wire ropes are lubricated at the factory. The lubrication gradually depletes, once the rope is placed in service, at a rate that depends on the load and working conditions. When setting up a wire-rope lubrication program, the first rule of thumb is to ensure the field lubricant is compatible with the original lubricant charge.

Considering the four common failure modes, a good lubricant must be able to coat the outside of the wire rope and get in between the wires to provide a lubricant film between all of the moving wires. The lubricant also must provide adequate corrosion protection. Because most wire ropes fail from the inside, it is important to always use a penetrating lubricant first. Penetrating oils are petroleum-based and contain solvents that allow these lubricants to “creep” into the core and ensure the strands and core are fully coated with a heavy lubricating film. Once in place, the solvent eventually evaporates, leaving only the oil film.

In extreme operating environments, the wire rope may also require a coating oil to protect the outside surface, sealing out moisture and protecting the inner strands and core. This coating oil also protects the outer rope surface from wear and damage.

The correct choice of lubricant is based on the application, load, rope construction, and working environment, all of which will require expert assistance from your local lubricant supplier.

If a new lubricant is to perform correctly, a full wire-rope cleaning must take place prior to re-lubrication. Ropes tend to pick up dirt in service and old lubricants can harden on the rope exterior. Cleaning ranges from a wire-brush-and-solvent cleaning, if only light surface debris is present, to a full steam clean for heavily soiled wire ropes.

Wire-rope lubricant can be applied manually or automatically in the field. Most manual applications are performed with a brush, spray, or even a dip-tank process, depending on the length and size of wire rope. If the lubricant is to be manually applied, always strive to do so at a directional change point, such as a pulley sheave or drum, when the rope strands naturally open up to accommodate flexibility.

For automatic application, a device known as a pressure boot is used. It is clamped on a tensioned straight section of the rope and lubricant gently pressured into the wires as the rope passes through the boot.

Document Handling - HGF (Newcastle), 1 City Walk, LEEDS, LS11 9DX, United Kingdom (54) Title ofthe Invention: Wire Rope lubricant Abstract Title: Wire rope lubricant (57) A wire rope lubricant having a base fluid as a majority component, and a wax or polymer as a minority component wherein at least one of the base fluid and the wax, or polymer, is biodegradable. A method of forming a wire rope having a plurality of wire strands, includes the step of applying the wire rope lubricant between the wire strands. The wax may be plant-based and is especially carnauba wax. The wax or polymer may have a melting point of 70-100 degrees C.

The present invention relates to a wire rope lubricant being at least partly, optionally substantially, biodegradable, and a wire rope including such a lubricant.

Wire ropes are well known for both onshore and offshore use, in particular in maritime situations. They can be used in all types of marine vessels, including ships, large boats, drilling units etc, and wire ropes are often selected for their flexibility, strength, resistance to deformation, and bending.

Wire ropes are generally formed of a number of heavy duty wires first forming strands, and then twisting of a number of the strands together, optionally around or over a core, to form a final wire rope.

Wire ropes are frequently subject to significant wear and tear, and often some corrosion, especially in maritime situations. It is naturally desired to maintain the highest properties for the wire rope, and to avoid or minimise any damage thereto. Thus, the use of wire rope lubricants to benefit the wire rope in use is well known in the art.

Some wire rope lubricants are used during the stranding and closure operation of wire rope manufacture, particularly to achieve integration within or around the strands prior to the subsequent twisting. Some wire rope lubricants are alternatively or additionally regularly applied to wire ropes in use to provide or continue any antiwear or anti-corrosion properties.

Conventional wire rope lubricants comprise a mineral base oil and thickener system, with one or more additives, typically at least an anti-corrosion additive. However, increasing environmental legislation around the world, such as the requirement to obtain a Vessel General Permit to allow a vessel into the waters of the United States of America (based on permissible discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel), make the use of conventional wire rope lubricants a challenge.

Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is a provided a wire rope lubricant comprising a majority base fluid component and a minority of a wax or polymer component, wherein at least one ofthe base fluid and the wax or polymer is biodegradable.

In this way, the wire rope lubricant can be defined as an ‘Environmentally Acceptable Lubricant’ (EAL) as currently defined in Appendix A of the USA EPA 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) regulation used to define lubricants in the art. In meeting these regulations the product will be classed as biodegradable, minimally toxic and non bio-accumulative.

The base fluid is preferably an oil, and many base oils or possible components therefor are known in the art. A number of these are defined in the Lubricant Substance Classification list (or ‘LuSC’ - list), which also sets out their biodegradability and aquatic toxicity. The Lubricant Substance Classification list is a list of substances and brands that have been assessed on its biodegradation/bioaccumulation, aquatic toxicity, and renewability and exclusion lists of substances by a competent body. The assessment is based on a maximum treat rate allowed in a lubricant. The list is published on the EU Ecolabel website.

Optionally, the viscosity of the base fluid and the viscosity of the melted wax or polymer is the same (within a small range), or wholly or substantially similar, such that the viscosity of the wire rope lubricant including these components is predictable, and the viscosity properties of the components wholly or substantially act in a similar manner during any heating and cooling. This is especially where the wax or polymer is a solid at ambient temperature, and a liquid during any ‘hot application’.

Optionally, the base fluid and wax or polymer lubricant composition maintain a single ‘phase’ (i.e. not becoming ‘two-phase’) upon heating, especially above the melting point of the wax or polymer.

A synthetic wax intended to have the same properties of Carnauba wax, or similar or substantially similar properties, is included within the scope of the present application, having in particular wholly or substantially the same viscosity and melting point range.

In the wire rope lubricant of the present invention, the base fluid component may comprise at least 70, 75, 80, 85 wt% of the lubricant, preferably in the range 88-91 wt%.

In the wire rope lubricant of the present invention the remainder can be quantum satis (q.s..), i.e. sufficient to make up 100 wt%, typically being an anti-corrosive additive up to 5 wt%, an anti-wear additive up to 5 wt% and an anti-oxidant additive up to 2-3 wt%, with an overall percentage generally being up to 13 wt%, typically a maximum of 5-6 wt%.

Wire rope lubricants can be used both onshore and offshore, and the present invention includes the lubricant being utilised in both applications. Wire rope lubricants are most commonly used on-board vessels or other offshore and maritime situations or locations for maintenance of the wire ropes.

Wire rope lubricants for in-service use are expected to have a good or high penetration rate into the wire rope, and provide corrosion protection and anti-wear properties. Optionally, wire rope lubricants have or form some adhesive properties and some also form a film around the wire rope.

Some wire rope lubricants are also delineated between ‘heavy bodied lubricants’ best suited for applications where the wire rope is exposed to an extreme or an abusive environment, and light-bodied lubricants having a lighter consistency to achieve better penetration of the lubricant into the interior of the wire rope. The wire rope lubricants of the present invention can be adapted for any suitable consistency based on the viscosity of base lubricant and level of wax or polymer thickener

Wire rope lubricants can be applied to an existing wire rope using any one of a number of known techniques, including spraying, dipping, painting, pneumatic or swabbing. Application is possible via automatic lubrication pneumatic ‘units’ through which a wire rope can pass, (available from Viper, Masto and CoreLube).

Wire rope lubricants can also be used during manufacture of a wire rope, in particular by application to one or more of the strands of the wire rope by one or more of the above techniques, or by ‘hot application’, prior to twisting of the strands to form the final wire rope. The applied wire rope lubricant is intended to form a layer or barrier, preferably a film, optionally also as a final outer surface of the wire rope once formed, to help protect the wire rope from corrosion.

Thus, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a wire rope having a plurality of wire strands, comprising the step of applying a wire rope lubricant as defined herein between the wire strands, typically prior to twisting of the wire strands to form the wire rope.

Thus, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wire rope having a plurality of wire strands and including a wire rope lubricant as defined herein.

Typically, applied wire rope lubricant becomes depleted or contaminated over a period of time, and one or more new or further applications of the wire rope lubricant can be made to a wire rope, typically whilst the wire rope remains in use or in situ.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a wire rope lubricant as defined herein, wherein the lubricant is applied to a wire rope.

Wire rope forms an important part of many machines and structures. There are many kinds of wire rope designed for different applications. The wire rope’s performance is influenced by several factors, including type of operation and environment which can accelerate corrosion, oxidation, and wear. Hence, proper, and adequate lubricant application in the field is paramount. Essentially, wire rope lubricants have three principal functions, and it is to reduce friction, provide wear protection and corrosion protection.