Steel mill cranes operate in demanding conditions, often in extreme heat. All crane components including the wire ropes are subject to accelerated wear, thermal stress and contamination from dust and scale ingress. Wire ropes used in these conditions must be of the right construction to meet the high safety demands.
Cranes are used for a number of different tasks in a steel mill including feeding pig or scrap into furnaces, extracting solidified metals and on a ladle to handle molten metals.
Due to the intense environment the wire ropes are typically replaced after a set number of working hours, rather than waiting for visible deterioration, this is the safest way to use wire ropes, especially on a ladle crane.
There are a number of rope constructions suitable for use on these steel mill cranes, many are compacted and rotation resistant; some have an independent wire core and some are impregnated with plastic (PIR) to better protect internal strands and offer improved handling.
Ropes used in high heat scenarios should be well lubricated with high temperature grease which penetrates to the core for optimum protection.
Standard Wire Core Ropes - For Lighter Use hoisting
6x31 WC
This regular lay wire rope has 6 compacted outer strands with a standard wire core. Good crush resistance. Available in diameters from 10mm up to 28mm in 2160 breaking strength rope.
6x36 WC
Larger diameters are available in this compacted rope from 30mm up to 62mm. It is resistant to crushing and has a steel wire core (not compacted).
8x19 PIR
6.5 to 15mm diameters are available in this PIR rope. The Plastic filler anchors the inner and outer layers and prevents internal pressure, reduces abrasion and helps with flexibility and handling.
8x26 PIR
16 to 32mm are the rope diameters available in this plastic impregnated rope with 1969 or 2160 MPa breaking strength options.
8x31 PIR
Each of the 8 outer strands are made up of 31 wires, all of which are compacted. There is an independent wire rope core with plastic filler between inner and outer layers. 34 to 58mm diameters available.
8x36 PIR
With 60 to 65mm diameters this is our largest 8 strand compacted PIR rope. Ideal for repetitive lifting cycles.
The Warrington core in these ropes incorporate alternating sizes of wire strands to reduce voids between layers. Suitable for hoist, trolley and boom rope on some cranes.
9x17 PIR
16 to 19mm diameters in 1960 or 2160MPa strength rope these rope have a high cross section metallic area and boast plastic impregnation and a Warrington core.
9x26 PIR
This fully compacted rope boasts high performance thanks to its construction which includes a Warrington core and Plastic impregnation. 20Mm to 32mm diameters available.
9x31 PIR
34mm up to 50mm diameters available in two strength options. With full compaction, Warrington core and plastic impregnation these are high strength, high performing ropes.
9x36 PIR
With 9 outer strands made up from 36 wires and fully compacted and a compacted Warrington core complete with plastic impregnation this super strong, high performance rope comes in diameters from 52mm up to 64mm.
Choosing the right rope is imperative for safety in these hazardous conditions. It is your responsibility to ensure the rope you choose meets the required standards and specifications for its intended use. Regular inspections are a must and ropes are typically replaced frequently after a number of working hours regardless of condition to ensure safety integrity.
Lifting Gear Direct are able to supply many types of crane rope including hoist, boom and trolley ropes. So whether you are after a rope for an overhead crane, tower crane, container crane or mobile crane we can help.