Brakes play a key role in the majority of the braking systems used in different industries. Brakes are responsible for preventing injuries when the industrial machinery breaks down. This article is a quick guide to the working of industrial brakes, and the common types.
Working mechanism of industrial brakes
A wide array of brakes are accessible, but each one of them has the same function. Their main function is to slow down or stop movement. Brakes make use of friction to stop moving inertia loads and to hold moving elements in a static place when required. Brakes are known to convert kinetic energy into heat and thereby slow down the moving object. The kinetic energy is produced via friction between two surfaces.
One can find brakes on industrial machines, carts, and vehicle wheels. Dynamic and holding brakes are the two primary types of industrial brakes used. Dynamic brakes have the function of slowing down moving inertia load. On the other hand, the holding industrial brakes secure moving objects into a static position.
Dynamic brakes consume more power than holding brakes. This is because the dynamic industrial brakes slow down the heavy moving parts. Whereas, the holding brakes need to keep the already stopped object in the static position, thereby demanding lesser power.
Types of industrial brakes
There are certain specific brakes required for machinery and industrial purposes. Some of them are as follows:
Fail-safe brakes
The brakes are used to stop movement when there is a loss of power or a PLC issue arises. Such brakes are usually used in overland and downhill conveyor belts, crane hoists, steel mill coiling, elevators, rolling systems, oil winches, mining winches, drawbridges, and so on.
Spring-applied brakes
The spring-applied brakes are known to slow down the loving loads and also hold static loads in position, especially when the release mechanism is turned off. The brakes are used in machinery like trollies and overhead cranes. Moreover, it is also useful in almost every general industrial machine, and even emergency stops.
Hydraulic release brakes and sibre brakes
Spring-applied drum brakes utilize hydraulic power for adjusting the braking torque. Hydraulic release brakes are mostly used in emergency stops, winch holdings, and stage productions. Sibre brakes are available in drum and disc design layouts with varying power sources, and features of fail-safe brake systems. Emergency stops, turbines, and rotor stopping use sibre brakes.
Caring and maintaining brake system components
- It is vital to ensure the industrial machine is positioned level on the floor. This is applicable more for machines that come with side frames.
- Brakes that rely on hydraulic power for operation require regular cleaning of the hydraulic oil. This is because the oil gets contaminated with heat, dust, and grit.
- The oil filter should be altered every year.
- Overfilling the machine must be avoided
Conclusion
Depending on the requirements of the sector, industrial brakes will be used. Choosing the right brake system plays a key role in the functioning and performance of heavy machinery and equipment used in industries.
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