Magnetic Rope Testing

What is Magnetic Rope Testing?

Magnetic Rope Testing (MRT) is a non-destructive testing method for steel wire ropes. An MRT head magnetises the rope and measures changes in magnetic flux as it passes through. These changes can indicate:

• Internal and external wire breaks
• Localised damage and corrosion
• Loss of metallic cross-section (LMA)
• Wear, distortion and core damage

MRT provides a visual and quantitative record of rope condition along its entire length, offering insights beyond visual inspection alone and supporting ISO 4309 rope integrity and discard decisions.

Why Use MRT?

Unlike visual inspections, MRT can detect defects hidden within the rope structure before they become visible.

Benefits include:

• Early detection of rope deterioration
• Improved maintenance planning
• Reduced downtime and unexpected failures
• Support for ISO 4309 discard decisions
• Greater confidence in rope integrity and safety

AMC MRT Technology – Service & Supply

Certex UK uses MRT equipment developed and manufactured by AMC (Aemmeci), our sister company and a specialist in rope NDT systems. AMC MRT devices are designed specifically for:

• Steel wire ropes of various diameters and constructions
• Onshore and offshore crane ropes, hoist ropes, winch ropes and special-purpose ropes
• High‑resolution detection of internal defects and LMA

Key benefits of AMC MRT technology:

• High sensitivity to internal and external wire breaks
• Permanent digital records (graphs, signals and reports)
• Portable systems for field use in demanding environments
• Proven performance in offshore, marine and industrial applications

Certex UK:

• Uses AMC MRT units to deliver MRT as a service, and
• Can supply AMC MRT devices to customers who want their own in‑house MRT capability, including training, basic setup and ongoing support.

We combine AMC’s technology with our rope, lifting and ISO 4309 expertise to deliver a complete MRT solution.

MRT Services from Certex UK

Our MRT services typically include:

• Rope selection and preparation
  Confirmation of rope data, duty and access arrangements; preparation of terminations and systems for testing.
• On‑site MRT scanning
  Running the rope through the AMC MRT head under controlled conditions.
• Simultaneous visual inspection
  Checking outer wires, terminations, sheaves and drums while MRT is carried out, in line with ISO 4309 inspection principles.
• Data analysis and reporting
  Interpretation of MRT signals, identification of defect locations and LMA trends.
• Recommendations
  Discard decisions and remaining life assessment based on MRT findings, visual inspection and ISO 4309 criteria, including advice on inspection intervals and replacement planning

We can integrate MRT into wider scopes such as:

• LOLER crane thorough examinations
• NDT programmes on crane structures and lifting equipment
• Wire rope change‑outs and crane maintenance campaigns

Permanent Rope Monitoring – RopeWatcher

(Service, Supply & Installation)

For critical applications where you want continuous condition monitoring rather than periodic checks, Certex UK also supports permanent rope monitoring systems, including the RopeWatcher device from AMC.

RopeWatcher is a fixed monitoring system that:

• Is installed around the rope on the crane or hoisting system
• Continuously monitors rope condition during normal operation
• Detects broken wires and local damage as the rope passes through the sensor
• Provides alarms/alerts when predefined thresholds are exceeded

Key advantages of permanent monitoring with RopeWatcher include:

• Real‑time condition feedback between scheduled inspections
• Early warning of rapidly developing defects
• Improved ability to plan rope change‑outs and avoid unexpected failures
• Additional assurance for safety‑critical, high‑duty or unmanned operations

Certex UK can:

• Supply RopeWatcher permanent monitoring devices
• Provide installation of RopeWatcher units, including mechanical fitting, positioning and basic integration to your control/monitoring systems
• Support selection and integration of RopeWatcher systems into your equipment specifications
• Carry out commissioning and functional verification
• Combine RopeWatcher data with MRT, visual inspection and ISO 4309‑based assessments to build a comprehensive rope integrity management regime.

Typical Applications 

Certex UK carries out MRT and supports permanent monitoring on a wide range of wire ropes, including:

• Offshore and pedestal crane hoist ropes and boom hoist ropes
• Onshore crane ropes (overhead, gantry and jib cranes)
• Wind turbine service lift and hoist ropes
• Winch ropes on offshore, marine and industrial systems
• Special‑purpose ropes where internal condition is safety‑critical

MRT and RopeWatcher type systems are particularly valuable for ropes:

• Operating in harsh environments
• With high duty cycles and fatigue loading
• Where downtime for unplanned rope failure is costly or unsafe

In each case, MRT data and continuous monitoring information are used alongside ISO 4309 guidance to support consistent, defensible decisions on rope removal from service.

MRT & Wire Rope Inspection Training (AMC Device)

Certex UK also provides user training on the AMC MRT device and wire rope inspection, helping clients develop in‑house capability:

• AMC MRT user training
  Setup and operation of the MRT device, rope scanning procedures, data capture and basic signal interpretation.
• Wire rope inspection training
  Visual inspection techniques, typical damage mechanisms, discard criteria and record‑keeping, aligned with ISO 4309 principles.

Training can be tailored for:

• Maintenance and inspection teams
• Crane and lifting supervisors
• Rope engineers and asset integrity personnel

Courses are delivered by experienced Certex UK personnel familiar with the AMC equipment, practical crane/winch applications and the application of ISO 4309 to rope inspection and discard.

Benefits of Using MRT & Permanent Monitoring

Integrating MRT and, where appropriate, permanent monitoring into your rope integrity management delivers:

• Early detection of internal damage before visible signs appear
• Improved safety and risk reduction for critical lifting operations
• Better rope life management, reducing both premature change‑out and over‑run use
• Decisions on rope retirement that are consistent with ISO 4309 and supported by objective data
• Reduced unplanned downtime and more predictable maintenance planning
• Objective, traceable digital records to support audits and investigations

Digital Reporting & Asset Management

All MRT inspections and rope condition reports can be stored in our digital asset and certification management system:

• Central register of ropes and MRT history
• Location and length of recorded defects and LMA trends
• Integration with rope installation dates, lubrication records, RopeWatcher monitoring data and replacements
• Easy access for audits, client verification and internal reviews

This supports long‑term rope integrity management across fleets of cranes and lifting systems, and helps demonstrate that your rope management programme follows ISO 4309 good practice.

Why Choose Certex UK for MRT & Rope Monitoring?

• Use of AMC (Aemmeci) MRT equipment from a leading specialist manufacturer
• Ability to supply AMC MRT units and RopeWatcher permanent monitoring devices, as well as deliver MRT and monitoring as a service
• Experience with permanent rope monitoring solutions such as RopeWatcher, including installation and commissioning
• Experienced rope and NDT personnel who understand both the technology and ISO 4309‑based rope management
• Integrated services – MRT and monitoring combined with rope change‑out, crane inspection, NDT and load testing
• Onshore and offshore capability across the UK and worldwide
• Training on AMC MRT device operation and wire rope inspection to build your in‑house capability
• Digital reporting and asset management for clear, long‑term traceability

To discuss Magnetic Rope Testing, supply and installation of AMC MRT units or RopeWatcher devices, permanent rope monitoring, or integrating these into an ISO 4309‑aligned rope inspection strategy, contact our team.