On electric mining shovels, disc brakes are mainly designed to function as parking and emergency brakes for the Hoist, Propel, Swing, and Crowd drive systems. Their primary purpose is to hold the drive system stationary when the machine loses power.
These brakes are spring-applied and pneumatically released, which means they will automatically engage in the event of electrical or pneumatic system failure. Although these brakes are not intended to stop motion under normal operating conditions, they are capable of bringing the system to a complete stop in emergency situations, such as when power is lost before the system comes to a full stop. In such cases, the disc brake experiences dynamic loads as it must stop the moving system.
Maintenance Recommendations
Although disc brakes require minimal maintenance, their reliability in emergencies depends on regular inspection and proper maintenance. We recommend the following checks:
- Inspect the air line: Ensure it is in good condition, including checking for wear, damage, or blockage of the air exhaust system.
- Air Leaks: Check for leakage between the brake cylinder and piston.
- Overheating: Look for signs of excessive temperatures on the brake.
- Fasteners: Ensure all bolts and nuts are correctly tightened to spec.
- Piston Travel: Measure and confirm it is within specified limits. Identify the system where the brake is installed, refer to the technical data sheet, and make any necessary adjustments.
Need Technical Support with a Specific Brake?
If you’re performing maintenance, planning, or currently working on a rebuild or replacing the unit, WPT is here to support your project. Our goal is to keep your operations running smoothly, and we offer recommendations on parts, rebuild kits, and best practices to help you achieve optimal results.
Written By: Claudio Arranz Araya, Sales Manager, South America