Tribological problems in shaft hoist ropes wear process

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to create conditions for the correct decision concerning an exchange of the used rope for a new one. A cognitive goal was to indicate the causes of its wear and determining its mechanism reliability and durability. Design/methodology/approach – The magnetic, organoleptic and strength standard tests of lifting triangle-strand ropes of a mining hoist were carried out. This way the current state of the tested rope was defined. Findings – On the basis of an analysis of the results of the performed tests: magnetic, organoleptic and fatigue tests, it can be said that the magnetic one is accurate enough only to indicate the place of the rope’s biggest weakening, though the degree of weakening is not defined precisely – with significant excess. The accurate rope’s destruction degree is indicated by the strength tests. Practical implications – The results of described investigations can improve safety of the mining rope mechanisms operation, even for an increased resource. Originality/value – The elementary wear processes, which are the basic reason for the destruction of the rope, are indicated. Rope destruction is caused mainly by tribological factors: abrasion, corrosion and fatigue wear. Magnetic tests are accurate enough only to indicate the place of the rope’s biggest weakening (qualitative index). Most precisely, the rope’s destruction degree (quantitative index) can be found by the strength tests.