Evaluation of international and local magnetic rope testing instrument defect detection capabilities and resolution, particularly in respect of low rotation, multi-layer rope constructions.

Abstract

Many miners have died and major financial losses have been incurred over the centuries as a consequence of the catastrophic failure of mine hoisting ropes. Rope condition assessment, in the form of visual inspections, has been practiced since the development of the first rope. The inspection of vegetable fibre ropes was difficult and unexpected rope failures were common. The development of stranded, iron wire ropes in the 1830’s led to enhanced rope lives and made the visual inspection of ropes easier which in turn resulted in safer hoisting practices. Unfortunately in-service rope failures still occurred. This report describes the evaluation of international and local magnetic rope testing instrument defect detection capabilities and resolutions.