January 2016
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World Coal
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37
I
ncreased mining outputs, longer conveying distances, higher power
requirements and greater demands for operational reliability present
constantly increasing challenges for belt conveyor drive systems. Amine
is only productive as long as things keep moving. Particularly in
underground mining, it is critical that every system component is rugged
and reliable. As they are very robust, easy to handle and insensitive to harsh
environments, fluid couplings are a very common drive component. Proven
over decades, the technology gains more and more importance today due to
its versatility and its particular adaptability for individual operating
conditions.
Wear-free power transmission
Fluid couplings transmit power via a fluid flow. Two bladed wheels inside
the coupling face each other. The pump wheel is connected to the motor and
the turbine wheel is connected to the driven machine. The operating fluid
flows between the two wheels. As there is no mechanical connection, power
transmission is wear-free. The more operating medium is in the working
chamber, the higher the power transmission. The operating fluid also
absorbs vibrations and shocks in the driveline and thus protects all system
components from damage. All these characteristics make fluid couplings a
reliable drive component with little downtime and long service intervals.
