Automatic Rope Testing MRT
Steel wire rope might be broken? Absolute assurance through MRT
The MRT (Magnetic Rope Testing) method is a non-destructive, magnetic and non-contact process that can detect wire breaks, deformations and corrosion on steel wire ropes. With MRT, your steel wire ropes can now be inspected safely and with the highest accuracy on a digital level. In addition the rope is inspected from all sides and simultaneously from inside.
Visual Inspection vs. Magnetic Rope Testing
The visual inspection can be defined as the first assessment method for a correct metallic wire rope evaluation. The method consists in a deep look at the rope to search for deterioration modes and in reporting the results on a document. In all the updated versions of ISO4309, the visual inspection has always been considered the main or the only inspection tool, even if in the last releases the MRT is included. It must not be confused with a simple search for macro-defects, it is a very delicate and it should be performed by a competent person.
When is MRT suggested?
This picture shows a magnetic rope test in a marine environment. The whole rope was covered with lubricant and it was to perform an in-depth visual inspection. The visual inspector did not find any problems and the rope has been declared in good conditions but, when an MRT has been performed, it highlighted a different condition.
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FAQs MRT
Magnetic Rope Testing (MRT) is a non-destructive inspection method used to assess the condition of wire ropes. By using a magnetic field, MRT can detect both external and internal damage such as broken wires, corrosion, or loss of metallic cross-section — defects that are often not visible during a purely visual inspection.
- Internal broken wires
- External broken wires
- Corrosion
- Loss of metallic cross-section
- Changes in the metallic cross-section
- Localised damage to the wire rope
A visual inspection can only identify damage that is visible on the outside of the rope. However, many critical defects develop inside the rope and cannot be seen from the outside. Magnetic Rope Testing complements visual inspection and enables a reliable assessment of the entire wire rope condition.
During the inspection, the wire rope is magnetised. If the rope is in good condition, the magnetic flux runs evenly through the rope. If broken wires, corrosion, or material loss are present, the magnetic field is disturbed. These changes are detected by sensors and evaluated as measurement signals.
- Non-destructive testing
- Detection of internal and external damage
- Increased operational safety
- Early damage detection
- Optimisation of rope service life
- Reduction of unplanned downtime
- Objective and documented measurement results
- Port cranes
- Industrial cranes
- Cable cars and ropeways
- Lift and elevator systems
- Mining applications
- Offshore installations
- Wind turbines
- Lifting equipment using wire ropes
Yes. The inspection method used is based on the magnetic rope testing method and complies with the requirements of DIN ISO 4309 for the assessment and discard criteria of wire ropes.
