Non-destructive testing of steel wire ropes in Russia

Steel wire ropes have been widely using in different industries such as mining, building and transportation. The quality and wearing degree of ropes significantly influences safety and reliability of mining hoists, cranes, elevators, aerial transportation. It is important to know the rope condition in order to provide timely replacement of the rope, or to extend the safe working life when the retirement criteria have not been reached. Visual and instrumental methods are used for the inspection of ropes. Instruments for non-destructive testing of ropes often work in a hazardous environment and must comply with definite requirements. Today, it is very desirable that these instruments are computerised to improve inspection procedures and provide the operator with reliable data and a documented report. NDT of steel wire ropes in Russia has a long history. For many years Soviet and then Russian manufacturers and customers accumulated a rich experience in inspection and safe use of ropes. Although there are economical and financial difficulties still existing in Russia, the safety and reliable inspection in industry are extremely important. A new generation of NDT instruments INTROS has been developed and manufactured by Intron Plus, Ltd to provide safe use of a rope.