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Wichita Clutch Grinding Mill Clutch for Copper Mine SAG Mill
A Leading global grinding mill OEM needed a reliable clutch solution for a geared SAG
mill at one of China’s largest open pit copper mines. The clutch is needed to provide
smooth starts during mill startup. While the mill is running, the clutch also functions as a
torque limiter, reducing expensive downtime and repairs by protecting the drivetrain from
possible damage caused by falling ore.
Wichita Clutch engineers provided a Model 336H Grinding Mill Clutch (GMC) with 36 in.
diameter friction discs and a torque rating of 2,134,650 in.lbs. (241,183 Nm) to meet
the tough mill application requirements. Wichita air-applied GMCs are specially designed
to provide quick, smooth starts with limited current surge on geared grinding mills with
large inertia loads.
Wichita GMC models are equipped with a driving adapter that is designed to allow the
clutch to be used in a shaft-to-shaft or through-shaft coupling arrangement. A quickchange
feature enables replacement of any wearing clutch part without disturbing either
shaft. GMC units also utilize a special high energy absorbing, high-coefficient friction
material for greater heat dissipation during mill jogging and inching operations.
The Wichita Clutch airtube design combines all the best features of a disc type clutch
with all the advantages of direct air engagement. It is the simplest and most trouble-free
method of applying air pressure.
The clutch is adaptable to remote control allowing centralized operation through simple
air or electric circuits.
Highlights
- Air-applied clutch with
full-circle friction discs
- Torque capacity not
affected by centrifugal
force
- High-coefficient, high
energy absorbing friction
material
- High heat dissipation for
jogging and inching during
routine maintenance
- Quick-change ring allows
easier access to friction
discs
- No adjustment or lubrication
- Optional axial locking
device