Have you ever read the specifications for a piece of equipment and wondered how the manufacturer arrives at a given rating, such as torque, speed, or horsepower? We all know that mathematical equations can be used to calculate these factors, but how do they put the piece of equipment into real-world scenarios that confirm these ratings? One way of obtaining confirmation of the machine’s performance is by testing it under load with a dynamometer.
A dynamometer is a device used to measure the torque and speed of an engine, motor, or any other prime mover so that its instantaneous power can be calculated, displayed, and translated into kW or Brake Horsepower. For the dynamometer to calculate these factors under load, some form of resistance is needed. In most cases, a brake provides resistance.
WPT has been providing Brakes to the Dynamometer industry for decades. Our Water-Cooled Brakes have become an industry standard among Mud Motor Dynamometer manufacturers. Mud Motors, or Drilling Motors as they are often called, are progressive cavity positive displacement pumps that are part of the drill string. These motors are powered by pressurized drilling fluid, also known as “mud,” and they create eccentric motion, which is transferred to the bit. This energy created by this motion spins the bit and aids in drilling.
A dynamometer must provide extreme pressures in the form of resistance to simulate the conditions that the Mud Motor will experience downhole. This resistance is typically provided by a water cooled brake. The byproduct of this operation is extreme heat. WPT’s water cooled brakes play an integral role in dissipating and removing this heat. Our copper-lined water jackets are designed to maximize flow and provide superior heat dissipation. A WPT water cooled brake and an appropriately sized reservoir can keep a Mud Motor Dynamometer operating properly and efficiently without fear of overheating.
If you plan to build a Dynamometer and need a brake to provide resistance, contact your nearest WPT representative. We can provide the engineering assistance and products required to get your dynamometer up and running. WPT manufactures several sizes and models of brakes, and we will undoubtedly have one that fits your application. Contact us today for an application review. We can be reached at info@wptpower.com or (940) 761-1971.