Non-conductive Overhead Crane Rope Project—Southside Tankhouse Commercial Trial
摘要
This project aimed to eliminate the stray currentStray current shock hazardShock hazard posed by the electrically grounded crane bridgeElectrically grounded crane bridge at Freeport-McMoRan MorenciMorenci, by replacing the existing metalMetal wire rope with a synthetic fiber ropeSynthetic Fiber rope. The primary challenges were assessing the wear characteristics of the synthetic rope on a retrofitted crane and identifying operational practices that would impact the rope's longevity. Freeport is in process of converting to the synthetic fiber ropeSynthetic Fiber rope at all its tank houses. The evaluationEvaluation was done as a collaboration between KONECRANES, CERTEX, and Freeport-McMoRan at the MorenciMorenci Hydromet Southside G-Crane, with initial pilot testing on the Southside Service Crane. The synthetic rope demonstrated effective mitigation of electrical shock hazardShock hazard for the operator, while maintaining tensile strength for lifting compared with the metalMetal cable. Relevant OSHA and MSHA standards for overhead crane operationOperation, as well as ASME B30.2 and B30.30 safetySafety standards for overhead cranes and ropes, were reviewed. Commercial testing began in October 2020, with a gradual increase in operational cycles, and concluded in May 2021. The results demonstrated a degradationDegradation in rope strength over time, corresponding with increased operational cycles, but maintained a strength ratio of at least 5:1 relative to the maximum carrying capacity of the crane. Electrical conductivityElectrical conductivity tests indicated the ropes provided effective insulation showing the ropes could be moved into full-scale use. This paper will explore the initial piloting, project planning, overall implementation across Freeport and operational pieces that are still being explored.