Improved safety and performance of hoisting ropes for Koepe shaft winding installations

Particular properties of the rope- and strand structure have an influence on safety and performance of hoisting ropes. Such properties are shown for round strand ropes and for three-layer oval strand ropes. The relevant findings are demonstrated by means of systematic analyses of types of damage and of damage processes as have occurred to hoisting ropes in operation on Koepe shaft winding installations. The effects of the properties recognized as disadvantageous are shown. The question of what testing methods appear suitable for early and reliable detection of such unfavourable properties in due time by regular rope examination is then discussed. A new rope testing equipment has been conceived and put into test operation on the basis of known advantages or short cummings of current non destructive rope testing methods.