Braking systems are a necessary piece of equipment whenever you use machinery in your industry.
The brakes are essential to safety, and in industrial mining, they must overcome the conditions of working on the surface and underground. They must be capable of stopping and holding on slopes and ramps while carrying full loads.
Because of the increased use of automation in industrial sectors, the braking market is expected to grow, making the quality of control and efficiency in brake systems vital.
Whether for your railcar or another piece of equipment, read on for the beginner’s guide to the types of brakes used in industrial mining equipment.
Railcar Brakes
Railcar brakes are crucial in the industrial mining industry. There are three main options for railcar braking systems.
Dynamic Wheel Brakes
Dynamic braking is a consistent form used for railcars. It uses the kinetic energy of the turning wheels, and with the electricity generated, it causes the train to decelerate and stop.
They respond more rapidly than air brakes and reduce wheel wear. It’s a safe and efficient way to make the train slow down and stop.
Tripper Rail Clamps
This braking application is the type you need if the mining equipment you’re using needs to be locked in place. They are spring-set and hydraulically released so that when you remove the power, the brakes kick in, gripping the rail.
As well as holding positions, these brakes work for emergency stops and lockdowns.
Wheel Gripper
This static braking system grips the track and holds it in place. It’s used for purposes such as railcar dumping.
They’re mounted on the inside or outside of the rails and are either spring-applied or pressure-applied. So even in the event of power failure, the memory circuit will hold.
Braking Systems
You need a reliable braking system with all the heavy equipment on mining sites. Brakes in the mining industry have to survive harsh conditions and maintain quality performance – reliability is vital.
Understanding the basics helps you anticipate possible maintenance requirements.
Drum
A drum brake is a dynamic brake. If you need something cost-efficient, then this is an ideal brake system. Lower torque or less space is when this application comes in.
When you apply the brake, the shoe in the wheel hub pushes against a drum giving you a safe and compact brake.
Disc Brakes
Disc brakes are also dynamic brakes, and they’re often considered the best choice of braking systems.
If you have unlimited space and high torque, these are your equipment’s brakes. They have a metal disc in the front wheels, and when you apply the brakes, a hard pad presses on the disc, causing it to slow down.
Hydraulic
Hydraulic brakes are spring-loaded. Pressure on the brake shoes forces them against the drum and provides adjustable torque. As a result, hydraulic brakes last a long time in harsh environments like mining.
Industrial Mining Braking Systems
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