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Wire Rope Failure
Metallurgical failure analysis was requested for a
failed piece of wire rope used in an oilfield
application. Macro and microscopic examination
showed a mixture of
metal fatigue and overload fractures.
Evidence also existed of abrasive damage and lack of
wire rope lubrication. As a result of the
metallurgical failure
analysis, inadequate lubrication and improper usage
by the operator of the equipment was determined to
be the possible causes of the wire rope failure.
Photograph A
Overall view of splayed
end of oil field wire rope
failure
Photograph B
Close-up view of failed oil
field wire rope shows
extreme wear, flat
fracture and stepped fracture
indicating
a metal fatigue failure mechanism.
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