Power transmission is essential to any mining, manufacturing, industrial, or construction project. It involves using a clutch or brake to transfer energy from a spinning equipment to a non-rotating device.
Despite their apparent similarities, a clutch and a brake serve two different purposes. A clutch is a control and transmission mechanism that moves energy from the driver to the shaft. On the other hand, a brake is a system that uses heat generation to halt, control, or hold a moving load at rest.
Buying your brake and clutch systems from a reputable provider like Kor Pak is advisable to ensure optimum efficiency. Here are the other things to consider:
Actuation type
Actuation is moving a piston or thrust plate to compress or decompress a friction stack. It comes in three main varieties: pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric.
In pneumatic brakes, compressed air applies and releases the brake. Heavy-duty applications like construction or mining equipment frequently use them. This is because of their speed and strength.
Hydraulic fluid is used in hydraulic brakes. Applications requiring significant braking torque, like steel or paper mills, often employ them.
Electric brakes engage and disengage using an electric signal. They are perfect for precise braking control applications, such as those in cranes and hoists.
Thermal abilities
Brakes and clutches frequently produce heat due to engagement. This can be quite problematic for these systems. The produced temperature might surpass 400°C, contingent upon the system’s velocity and inertia. It is crucial to use a clutch or braking system composed of premium materials to prevent harm from this heat.
Choosing advanced technology is one way to deal with this problem. This technique makes it easier to dissipate the heat produced by engagement. Additionally, it reduces the probability of the friction surfaces melting, warping, or overheating. This can increase the lifespan of such systems and make them more dependable and robust.
Dynamic and static torque measurements
Both static and dynamic torque numbers show how efficient a clutch or brake may be. Dynamic clutching is when a clutch assumes the kinetic-energy delta of the slower axis. This is necessary to bring a fixed output to the input rpm. However, dynamic braking is required for industrial applications where the brake absorbs changes in kinetic energy to control rotating axis motion.
Torsional load is a major determinant of static torque values. These describe clutch and brake performance when the units do not absorb kinetic energy. For instance, a clutch serves as a coupling between input and output and must engage before input rotation to achieve static torque operation. In contrast, a brake needs only to hold the output element motionless to achieve static torque action.
Durability
The number of cycles a system can withstand in the industrial setting is usually used to calculate its service life. Choosing a durable system is important. Remember that dry friction brakes and clutches need ongoing maintenance and modification, including friction disc replacement and air gap setting. Such systems may require more regular maintenance due to the continuous wear and heat, which might shorten their service life.
Final words
Selecting the appropriate industrial clutch and brake system is a crucial choice that necessitates a deep comprehension of the application and performance standards.
