Rope Storage & Handling

 

Storage of the rope in very warm or humid conditions should be avoided as this could break down the effectiveness of native lubrication and accelerate the deterioration process.

 

Wire ropes are lubricated during manufacture in accordance with application type and customer specification. This lubrication will be long-lasting if the rope is properly stored.

Lubrication condition should be verified on a regular basis and before rope installation, to detect possible grease anomalies. In case of doubt, rope should be cleaned from surface contaminants and properly relubricated.

In order to ensure maximum performance during operations, rope for special applications, including oil and gas, are not fully preformed during manufacturing, therefore proper serving is essential to avoid unlaying and safety issues.

Rope integrity management should be undertaken by properly trained personnel, with reference to applicable codes, standards and regulations for handling and inspection requirements.

Below is an example of safety label currently adopted by wire rope manufacturers.

 

                                                        

 

  

Definitions:

Fully performed rope: Rope in which the wires in the strands and strands in the rope have their internal stresses reduced, resulting in a rope in which, after removal of any serving, the wires and the strands will not spring out of the rope formation.

Serving: Wrapping, usually made of wire or strand, for the purpose of securing a rope end to prevent its unlaying.

Permanent serving: Serving applied prior to socketing and remaining in place at least until the socketing operation has been completed.

Temporary serving: Serving applied and subsequently removed at various stages of the socketing operation.

Competent person: Designated person, suitably trained, qualified by knowledge and experience and with the necessary instructions to ensure that the required operations are correctly carried out.