What is Ropeway Engineering?

It’s not the most common form of engineering, but ropeway engineering holds an important place in the mining industry. It is used to transport materials in bulk in terrain that is difficult to access.

Definition of Rope

Before we can discuss ropeway engineering, we must understand what ‘rope’ is to the mining industry. In mining, the definition of rope is strands of metal wire twisted to form a composite rope. Wire rope is usually made of steel and has a diametre of more than 9.52 mm. Smaller gauges are considered to be cable or cord.

Wire ropes have been around for almost 100 years, starting out as mining hoist applications. Today wire ropes are still used for hoisting in elevators, cranes and transmitting mechanical power.

The strength of rope wires means ropes can hold large tensile forces. One of the greatest benefits of wire ropes is that if a flaw occurs in one of the wires, the other wires can take on the load. If a flaw occurs in a chain link, the failure can result in disaster.

Ropeway Engineering

Ropeway engineering is needed for line calculation, dimensioning and safety analysis. Highly skilled engineers are used throughout the planning, design and procurement of a new system.

In cases of impassable terrain, aerial ropeways are used. A ropeway system needs little space on the ground, so its impact on the natural surrounds and wildlife is minimal. The individual tower structures can be spaced over large distances and planned around any obstacle.

Conveyor systems may also be used to navigate through difficult terrain. With a flat bed and corrugated walls, the belt can haul up to 25,000 tonnes per hour, again with little footprint needed on the ground. Axels are arranged at regular intervals to support the belt with running wheels fitted at either end of the axels. Track ropes elevated on tower structures guide the belt. These types of conveyor systems are in use around the world transporting bulk materials over rivers, valleys, roads and buildings.

Safety of Ropeway Systems

Comprehensive testing and documentation are needed before a new ropeway system is opened.

Regular maintenance, inspections, adjustments and repairs are made on existing systems. Not only bulk materials but passengers are transported via ropeway systems in countries around the world.

Converting Ropeways

Existing ropeway systems that have been in use for some years can be modernised for:

Improved safety
Increased capacity
Extending system’s life
Reduced maintenance
Cutting operating and energy costs

For more information on ropeway engineering and how we can help with your system, contact us.

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