Waste Hoist

Primary Hoist: 45-ton Rope-Guide Friction Hoist

Largest friction hoist in the world when it was built in 1985

Completely enclosed (for contamination control), the waste hoist at WIPP is a modern friction hoist with rope guides (uses a balanced counterweight and tail ropes). With a 45-ton capacity, it was the largest friction hoist in the world when it was built in 1986.

Hoist deck footprint: 2.87m wide x 4.67m long
Hoist deck height: 2.87m wide x 7.46m high
Access height to the waste hoist deck is limited by a high-bay door at 4.14m high
Nominal configuration is 2-cage (over/under), with bottom (equipment) cage interior height of 4.52m

The photo, at left, shows the 4.14m high-bay doors at the top collar of the waste hoist shaft. The perpendicular cross section of the opening is 3.5m x 4.14m, but the bottom cage cross section is 2.87m x 4.5m (and 4.67m into the plane of the photo).

Depending on actual envelope dimensions and rigging limitations, taller items can be accommodated. However, tail ropes attached to the underside of the waste conveyance preclude slinging operations for objects which are able to be passed through the doors. Tall objects (up to 7.6m long) can be slung under the salt shaft conveyance.

Secondary Access Shaft: Salt Shaft Conveyance

The salt hoist transfers personnel and equipment at about 800 fpm. Salt is skipped out of the mine at almost 1600 fpm.

The secondary access shaft at WIPP is known as the salt shaft, since it is used to bring mined salt to the surface during underground excavation of new cavities. This 8-ton direct pull hoist and wooden guides provide secondary access for personnel and equipment.

Hoist cage footprint: 1.19m wide x 1.29m long
Hoist cage height: 1.19m wide x 2.41m high
Maximum cross section between guides: 1.37m x 2.3m
Objects with a maximum of 7.6m long and a 1.37m x 2.3m footprint can be rigged under the cage

Number of trips per day varies based on material being hoisted and allowable travel speeds. Equipment downloading can be scheduled as needed with coordination with salt hoisting and material delivery schedules.