Lubricator for wire ropes

The Lincoln wire rope lubricator (WRL) has been developed to eliminate manual lubrication and is available in a range of models for use with any wire rope up to 52mm in size.

The service tool has been designed to deliver effective lubrication in virtually any application using wire rope, including oil and gas rigs, wharf and ship cranes, deck winches, ship hoists, remotely-operated vehicles and winding machines in mines. When used as part of the maintenance cycle, SKF says the Lincoln WRL can enhance the steel wire rope life by as much as eight times that of a wire rope that has not been lubricated in this way, while also reducing downtime.

Supporting all lubricants typically used with wire rope, the system applies the exact amount of grease required and distributes it evenly onto the rope’s surface. The lubricator forces the grease into the rope’s core, thus reducing friction and heat generation, while protecting against corrosion. As a result, it is said to reduce lubrication time by up to 90% compared with manual lubrication, as well as eliminating excessive waste and environmental contamination.

Tim Veal, lubrication systems business manager at SKF, said: “The launch of this highly efficient lubrication tool enhances our maintenance and friction management product family and brings to the market an effective solution that is ideal for most wire rope applications. It provides users with time and labour savings, while reducing grease consumption and, most importantly, significantly increases the life cycle of wire ropes.”