Wire Rope Cleaner and Lubricator

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Have any of you used the wire rope cleaner from PSI, it has special metal wire brushes that clean the ropes both sides and lubes them also. I heard that otis puts the felt wick type of lubers on all traction elevators. Thanks

-- Jim (elevator555@hotmail.com), March 25, 2004

Answers

Hey Jim, What you really have to watch out for with those wire rope cleaners is build up. They work ok if you are constantly changing the brushes, but thats not always realistic. When you use their device it just keeps adding lube on the ropes and most of that lube get's picked right back up by the brushes on the next trip. The result is a cakey mess of lube and goope built up on your brushes that flys all over the hoistway and into entrances if the brushes are not frequently changed. It can often be more trouble than it's worth .

-- Matt (mpendo69@aol.com), March 26, 2004.

The current Standard for elevators is the ASME A17.1 and the requirements for wire rope retirement is found in Table 8.11.2.1.3(cc) (1) and Table 8.11.2.1.3(cc)(3) Each table has several requirements for replacement of suspension ropes. One is reduced diameter for ropes smaller than 9/16 of an inch, the number is 1/32" reduced diameter; 3/64 for3/4" rope. Broken wires in a strand varies from 8 to 40 breaks in a rope over a given lenght and conition of the rope, such as rouge. One valley break is reason for replacement also. It would be worth your while if you had the Current Code book so you could get a clearer picture of each requirement.

-- Don Rosenberger (Elevinspector@yahoo.com), March 29, 2004.

Just my two cents, I've noticed ropes tend last or wear better if you lube them from the start, however that being said how does the lubrication (oil) get to the hemp with all the weight and strain applied to the cable? It does make for shiny cables though.. Just my thoughts.....

-- Clark (pdell200@comcast.net), March 29, 2004.

Clark,

The lubricant gets into the hemp (Center Core) when the cables flex over the drive sheave. Over-lubrcation will cause the condition mentioned earlier, with the black stuff being thrown across the machine room and the top of the elevator.

-- Don Rosenberger (Elevinspector@yahoo.com), March 29, 2004.


I am the sales manager for PSI and one comment was totally wrong. the application of this device works very well and is the safest way to clean off the build up off wire rope. yes it causes a mess and that why we tell you to cover the area with pit pads or plastic.you should only have to change the brushes once on initial cleaning and if the unit is left on you only need to change brushes once every 2-3 months.The negative response if from a former employee and he is not very knowledgable when it comes to mechanical operations of elevators.

-- Tom Przybyla (partspec@flash.net), May 17, 2004.


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