Copper keeps brakes cool

February 22, 2007

The Kopper Kool line of airtube brakes and clutches from Wichita Co. Ltd., a firm based in the U.K. (wichita.co.uk), rely on copper-alloy wear plates and liquid cooling to absorb heat and keep the brakes and clutches operating.

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The air-activated devices, with tension directly proportional to the air pressure applied, can dissipate up to 2,250 hp (1,689 kW). And air passages through the brakes further cool the device.

A triple roto-coupling lets the brakes serve as a constant-slipping clutch for web applications. A flexible fiberglass pressure plate evenly distributes pressure from the actuator to the braking surfaces, providing maximum friction surface area. Coolant and air connections are said to be easily accessible for installation and maintenance.