Execution and Installation
7.6 Sheave Alignment Fixing
Alignment of sheave at one station with respect to
the sheave at the other station is very important
in gravity ropeway. If the sheaves are not perfectly
aligned, eccentric moment will arise which may
cause breakage of bracket/bearings/shaft and
substantially decreases the efficiency of ropeway
by reducing the upward load carrying capacity or
causing stoppage of carriage at midway. Further,
due to the unaligned sheaves, the haulage sway
towards the sides of the sheaves groove while
in operation resulting in continuous friction
between the sheaves and the rope. This will
not only cause continuous abrasion of sheaves
and ropes but also reduces the life of the rope.
So, meticulous care should be given while
placing the sheaves. It is recommended that
instead of placing the sheave simultaneously at
both stations, first place it in one station and
then the next. This will provide opportunity to
readjust the alignment of the next sheve with
respect to the earlier one if any discrepancy
occurs in the alignment of the earlier sheave.
7.7 Erection of Wire Ropes
Wire ropes are the most important parts of the
ropeway therefore, it should be handled with
great care to avoid kinks and splicing. Kinks and
splicing reduce the rope breaking tension. Rope
accessories must meet the required standards
and must be transported together with the ropes
and handled carefully at the installation sites.
7.7.1 Wire transportation
Unloading, unreeling and uncoiling
Suitable precautions should be taken to prevent
dropping of reels or coils during unloading
and moving. If the reel collapses, it may be
difficult to unreel and uncoil the rope which
may result serious damage to the ropes.
Uncoiling of the rope is very crucial since most
of the ropes damages due to mishandling during
this process. To avoid kinking and permanent
damage to the rope standard procedures should
be followed while uncoiling as shown in Fig. 24.
The reel should be mounted on a jack/turntable/
spool so that it will rotate freely. It should be
uncoiled straight and under enough tension to
keep it straight and prevent a loop formation.
Figure 23: Transportation of rope
Spool support
Figure 24: A typical jack/turntable/spool
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