ROPEINSPECTOR: AUTOMATED VISUAL ROPE INSPECTION

The RopeInspector system automates regulated visual rope inspection by providing 360° coverage at full speed. Potential defects are captured via RopeMonitor and sent to the RopeReporter for offline inspection and review. RopeInspector increases available maintenance time, hoisting capacity and worker safety.

RopeInspector provides early detection of rope failure, through 360° rope coverage, which also reduces equipment damage. It can observe ropes at up to 20 meters per second and ‘sees’ potential defects less than 10 mm in size. The system detects nicking, bulging (birdcage) and fraying and identifies potential defect rope locations. Implementation of the system improves efficiency while meeting legislation requirements.

Daily visual rope inspections with BESTECH’s RopeInspector allow mine supervisors to convert inspection time to more productive uses since the production process is no longer halted to perform the mandated inspections. Production is consequently increased due to the reduction in skip (ore) or hoist (personnel and equipment) down time. Workers are able to inspect the rope by reviewing computerized photos, shaving hours off the original inspection time and eliminating the need for traditional manual inspections.

The automated inspections also enable a safer working environment for the miners. First, workers are no longer positioned near moving ropes. Little hands-on work is required with the implementation of BESTECH’s RopeInspector; thus, eliminating a potential hazardous job. RopeInspector technology also reduces the risk of catastrophic failure. Documentation will be generated, benchmarking conditions, which will enable a supervisor to see the rope deteriorate, hence reducing the risk of danger at the mine site.