How a world-renowned steel wire rope manufacturer delivered 33% rope life extension on mission critical steel mill ladle cranes, reducing downtime and capital spend.
When things get heated – ClareGuard HP
The Problem
For decades rope producers have relied on clay-based lubricants for steel mill application, providing only limited rope protection, the unsafe loss of material to floors below and an inability of ‘dry clay’ to adapt and flex with a dynamic rope’s demands.
One steel mill operator sought to change this and pressured the rope manufacture to provide alternatives. Fortunately, this rope manufacturer had experience with RS Clare & Co Ltd. and utilised our ability to tackle the most challenging of problems.
The Solution
Recognising how dynamic ropes are unique in their required maintenance, flexing and bending in multiple directions while operating as semi-open system, few applications are as challenging as the heat exposure of steel mill ladle cranes. While a lubricant is required to provide essential primary protection (reduced metal-to-metal contact, reduced high-load exposure, rust prevention), its ‘useful’ retention is also imperative for a prolonged benefit and its ability to maintain a semi-fluid nature adapting and flex with a rope’s dynamics.
Understanding this complexity, RS Clare’s ClareGuard HP was chosen for its heat protection, continuous flexibility and primary rope protection.
Top dressing within the factory immediately delivered 33% rope life extension, reducing downtime of the ladle cranes and the need for capital costs. Use is now routine across all the operators ladle crane ropes, while plans are in place to pre-lubricate and extend rope life further.
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