Magnetic Rope Testing Service

Magnetic Rope Testing

AV Statutory Inspections offers a comprehensive Magnetic Rope Testing (MRT) service that employs a non-destructive, contactless magnetic procedure to identify issues within steel wire ropes. This method allows us to effectively pinpoint broken wires, distortions, and corrosion in these types of ropes.

Originally designed for the cableways sector, MRT has been instrumental in inspecting haulage and carriage systems, effectively detecting both internal and external defects. More recently however, ISO 4309 now includes MRT as an approved assessment method for evaluating generic heavy lifting steel wire ropes. With ISO 4309 being the international standard that provides guidelines and requirements for the inspection, maintenance, and discard of steel wire ropes, it means that MRT is the most effective method of testing magnetic ropes and is why we offer this solution as part of our LOLER service.

Professional Magnetic Rope Testing

What is Magnetic Rope Testing?

Magnetic rope testing is crucial due to the hidden internal deterioration that traditional visual inspections can’t address. Complex multi-strand, rotation-resistant ropes, like those with alternating right and left-hand lay strands, are especially vulnerable to internal degradation. These alternating strands create multiple stress points, susceptible to deformation and wear when under load, leading to fatigue cracks and wire breakage. This concealed damage is a major factor in unexpected rope failures. Industries prioritise magnetic rope testing (MRT) to prevent catastrophic failures. Such failures can result in fatalities, equipment damage, legal repercussions, and revenue loss. While MRT incurs a cost, it pales in comparison to the costs of failure and premature replacement. Following relevant standards and guidance ensures legal compliance in rope inspection across industries.

What is ISO 4309

ISO 4309 is widely used in industries that rely on steel wire ropes, such as construction, mining, maritime, and material handling. Adhering to the guidelines outlined in this standard helps organisations ensure the safety of their operations, prevent accidents, and maintain the efficiency and reliability of their equipment. Recent iterations of ISO4309 now include MRT as an approved assessment method for evaluating generic heavy lifting steel wire ropes and is why it’s becoming widely accepted as the standard testing system for Magnetic Rope.

What is included in Magnetic Rope Testing?

Magnetic rope testing (MRT) employs the magnetic flux leakage (MFL) technique to identify anomalies caused by inconsistencies in ferrous material within wire ropes. The process involves saturating the rope with a magnetic field from rare earth magnets in the magnetic head. When the rope is intact, the magnetic field remains uniform above it. However, broken wires or steel area variations distort the field, leading to increased local flux leakage. Sensors within the magnetic head capture this leakage, transmitting data to an external unit for storage and analysis, enabling precise anomaly detection and assessment during the MRT process.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Methods
Defect Detection
Proper Equipment and Setup

Data Collection and Analysis
Integration into Inspection Program
Record Keeping

MRT Service

Through our specialist MRT service, AV Statutory Inspections offers a cutting-edge solution for assessing and maintaining the integrity of steel wire ropes, ensuring optimal safety and functionality.