Mine shafts pose special and complicated elevator counterweight issues. Not only does the elevator car need counterweights but it usually requires guide wires to keep the elevator properly aligned within the mine shaft. Mine shaft elevators are critical for moving men and equipment through the various mine levels stretching hundreds, and often thousands of feet deep. The car itself requires a counter weight for elevators that are capable of carrying 50,000 lbs. or more of equipment to where it is needed but of equal importance is guiding the car properly. These guides are often heavily-weighted, highly-tensioned steel cables that reach all the way to the bottom of the mine. A huge weight usually made of dozens of custom lead castings anchor these cables providing the necessary guidance for the elevator car as it traverses the depths of the mine.
Lead is approximately 45% more dense than steel so by utilizing lead you are able to make the maximum use of the space available to you. Another great feature of lead is that it is a non-ferrous metal so it will not rust like other weight mediums such as steel or cast iron. Mine shafts are harsh environments so using a non-ferrous metal provides added life expectancy, reduced maintenance and provides a safer overall environment.
Mars Metal Company, Specialty Casting Division has worked with several customers to provide them with the “cooperative solutions” they require. Our talented and capable sales and engineering staff will work with you to design a solution, manufacture the required weight(s) and deliver them to the site when you need them. Challenge us and let us show you what we can do to solve your counterweight problems.
