Fiber optic components for ropes and ropeways
Our Fiber in Metal Tubes elevate ropeway systems by integrating crucial communication and sensing capabilities, transforming them into dual-purpose infrastructures that enhance both operational efficiency and safety.
FIMT for ropes
Integrating Fiber in Metal Tubes (FIMTs) into ropes and ropeways, such as those used in gondola lifts, represents a significant advancement in operational technology, enhancing both safety and efficiency. By incorporating FIMTs, these aerial lift systems gain crucial sensing and data transmission capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring of critical parameters like cable tension, temperature, and overall structural integrity. This technology not only provides an additional layer of safety for passengers by ensuring timely maintenance and immediate detection of potential issues but also improves the operational management of the lift system. With FIMTs, operators can continuously monitor the health of the ropeway, optimize maintenance schedules based on actual conditions rather than predefined intervals, and significantly reduce downtime. Moreover, the robustness of FIMTs ensures reliable performance in the challenging environmental conditions often encountered by gondola lifts, such as high winds, temperature fluctuations, and precipitation, making them an ideal solution for enhancing the safety and efficiency of ropeway systems.
Example configurations
All our products are custom and designed to spec. Below are just a few examples to demonstrate our production capabilities.
Outer diameter
from 1.10mm / 0.043 ″
to 7.00mm / 0.209 ″
Fiber count
1-144 (250μm)
1-192 (200μm)
Tube wall thickness
from 0.125mm / 0.0049 ″
to 0.30 / 0.0118 ″
Outer insulation
PA / LD / HD / XLPE / PVC FRNC / TPE / Semi-conductive PE
Know what you’re looking for?
Give us all the details like tube inner/outer diameter, fiber count, excess fiber length, drum winding tensions etc.
We’ll get back to you with a solution!
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of integrating FIMTs into ropes and ropeways?
Integrating FIMTs into ropes and ropeways introduces advanced sensing and data transmission capabilities. This enables real-time monitoring of the system’s health, including tension, vibrations, temperature changes, and potential wear, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
How do FIMTs enhance the safety of gondola lifts and other ropeway systems?
FIMTs provide continuous, real-time data on the condition of the ropeway, allowing for immediate identification of any abnormalities or potential issues. This proactive approach to maintenance helps prevent accidents and ensures the safety of passengers by addressing problems before they escalate.
How do FIMTs maintain data transmission integrity in extreme conditions?
FIMTs are specifically designed to protect the optical fibers from extreme conditions, such as high winds, temperature variations, and moisture, which can be prevalent in ropeway environments. The metal tube encasing the fibers provides a durable barrier against physical damage and environmental stressors, ensuring that data transmission remains consistent and reliable. This is crucial for maintaining operational safety and efficiency, especially in critical monitoring and control applications.
