Stieber Clutch Applications on Inclined Coal Mine Conveyors

1.RDBK Backstops for inclined coal mine conveyors

The main gearbox OEM requires a compact, load-sharing, releasable backstop solution

New inclined conveyor system for a coal mine in Pennsylvania. Unlike other backstop designs that provide limited reverse rotation after engagement, the new solution needs to allow controlled release under load and be capable of backward rotation for maintenance and cleaning work.

To meet application requirements, Stieber Clutch provides the newly developed RDBK high-speed backstop. RDBK features an internal torque limiter, specifically designed for the high-speed or intermediate shafts of drive units in multi-drive systems, such as large inclined conveyors, where two or more backstops share the reverse load.

The RDBK unit also features a releasable function, which helps reduce downtime in the event of a jammed backstop, belt blockage, or overload.

By using an internal hydraulic system, RDBK can perform as many reverse rotations as needed to completely unload the conveyor before maintenance work is carried out.

* Maximum torque capacity is 180,000 Nm; the unique compact design makes the torque capacity of RDBK 3.5 times higher than that of similarly designed backstops; energy consumption is up to 15 times. The friction linings operate in an oil bath to ensure the unit remains functional after long periods of inactivity.

2.RDBR-E limiting clutch for inclined coal mine conveyors

The new conveyor at Australia's Moolarben Coal Complex requires a load-sharing, releasable backstop solution. Once fully operational, this large facility will produce approximately 1700 million tons of coal annually. The backstops are installed on the mine's drift conveyor, which is 1800 mm (5.9 feet) wide and 3,050 meters (1.9 miles) long, transporting coal from the longwall system underground. The inclined conveyor has a lift of 80 meters (262 feet) and a capacity of 4,500 tph. The mine's surface ramp conveyor also requires additional releasable backstops.

Based on a long-term partnership, Stieber Clutch approached the conveyor OEM for this project to introduce its new RDBR-E torque-limiting/load-sharing releasable backstop technology. Unlike other backstop designs that provide limited reverse rotation

after engagement, the new Stieber design allows for controlled release under load while providing virtually unlimited backward rotation for maintenance and cleaning work.

RDBR-E features an internal torque limiter, specifically designed for the low-speed shafts of drive units in multi-drive systems, such as large inclined conveyors, where two or more backstops share the reverse load.

Stieber backstops were selected to meet strict conveyor application requirements due to their ** release function. Stieber Clutch supplied two RDBR 300 models for the drift conveyor, each with a torque of 70 kNm, and one RDBR 360 model for the ramp conveyor, each with a torque of 120 kNm.

Weidou Intelligent Technology professionally distributes Stieber backstop clutches and Stieber limiting clutches, providing high-quality service through close cooperation with the manufacturer.