PROBLEM

A municipality operated a number of pumping stations to control flooding. The pumps were driven by diesel engines. Over the years, reverse water pressure back-drove the pump and engine resulting in equipment damage.

SOLUTION

We reviewed the installation and found we had limited options to mount a brake or backstop.

Given the space limitations, a caliper disc brake was the easiest to retro-fit. We discussed how they would like the brake to operate and decided on spring-set with air release. It was agreed that the pump load and engine resistance would retard the system quickly so we had to address heat build-up during shut down.

The solution was a special disc with multiple bolt circle so that it could be “sandwiched” into existing hardware. A pedestal was then added to hold the caliper disc brake.

If you need to upgrade an existing system—give us a call, we can help.