FEATURE CLUTCHES, BRAKES & COUPLINGS


In the marine industry, brakes need to be specified that not only offer the highest levels of reliability but that can withstand the harsh and corrosive


environment. Here we take a look at two applications where brakes from Stromagmet the application demands


PRECISION, POWER, RELIABILITY


B


rakes are an integral part of many systems used within the marine industry – from ships


and shipbuilding to ports, these components need to offer high levels of reliability, despite being faced with the harsh and salty application environment. Ship yards are very important


facilities. In fact as of 2018, the global shipbuilding market was worth $114.3 billion US with 281 active shipyards operating worldwide. Over 50,000 merchant ships form the spine of the international trade network, while the world’s ten largest navies have an estimated 4,185 vessels in active service. Both merchant and naval fleets, however, need expansion and repairs. Shiplifts are used in modern shipyards to


raise and lower huge vessels. These work by positioning a platform underneath the ship, which is then raised or lowered by multiple hoists in synchronicity. This allows horizontal or angled (if ballast is a factor) lifting of the ship, ideal for launching or dry-docking vessels. Consequently, the vessel can be released out to sea or moved to an onshore transfer system for maintenance work in a highly streamlined manner. To move the load in a highly controlled


manner, precision, power and reliability is essential. And, to hold the vessel in place, the hoists need to brake effectively. So when a leading Italian winch and gearbox


manufacturer needed a reliable and robust braking solution to be incorporated into shiplift hoists, it turned to Stromag. To meet demands, the 4BZFM Series electromagnetic, spring- applied, double-face brakes were specified. These provide a static braking torque of 130Nm. The brakes are installed on the winch’s


gearbox to provide stopping and parking functionality in the case of power loss. Each unit was modified to incorporate a special mounting flange and radial cable. To withstand the harsh environment,


the brakes feature IP67 ingress protection rating, with all steel components featuring special nitrocarburated and postoxidated surfaces to provide a high level of durability


18 OCTOBER 2020 | DESIGN SOLUTIONS / DESIGNSOLUTIONS and corrosion protection.


SEAPORT SOLUTIONS Moving onto seaports, and the Port of Antwerp handles over 200 million tonnes of cargo each year. With ships and barges needing to navigate through the port without obstruction, and rail and road links needing to remain clear, there is a large


network of bascule bridges (drawbridges) that need to operate reliably. Under an investment


The 3CA2 brakes plan approved in 2010, The


Maritime Access department of the Flemish government identified that several of the bridges on the port’s


right bank required attention. In particular, the Noordkasteel bridge, one of a side-by-side pair of Straus-type bascule bridges, was identified as having mechanical components – including its braking system – that had reached the end of their useful life and needed to be replaced. Built in 1980, the bridge is 170m long and has


a 56m long centre bascule section with a 1,200 tonne counterweight. The contractor responsible for specifying and installing the updates was tasked with identifying a braking solution that


would offer stopping and holding capabilities while also withstanding the harsh environmental conditions with minimal maintenance. So, it turned to Stromag. The company recommended the 3CA2 high


performance electromagnetic disc brakes coupled with its AC32 electrical power units for optimum braking performance. The spring applied brakes are electromagnetically released in normal operation, meaning that they will automatically close in the event of an unexpected loss of power. The range has been designed for high performance braking in typically harsh industrial environments including marine and offshore, steel production and nuclear power generation. The AC32 switch-mode power supply unit ensures superior braking performance, quick fault diagnostics and improved efficiency. For this application, Stromag engineers


recommended the 705mm diameter disc with two callipers, each with a braking torque of 2,900Nm. A set of brakes was mounted to both sides of the gearbox to provide stopping and holding functions. An hydraulic release system was also specified for controlled release of the brake in the event of power failure. Not only is the range equipped with automatic


wear compensation to ensure a constant torque throughout the entire life of the brake pads, but the brake pads have wear indicators to make it easy to identify when they need replacing.


Stromag www.stromag.com


Built in 1980, the Noordkasteel bridge is 170m long and has a 56m long centre bascule section with a 1,200 tonne counterweight


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