August 25, 2010 - Eaton announced the world’s largest clutch for the mineral processing industry. The Airflex 76VC2000 dual clutch system transmits rotary torque from high-speed electric motors that drive gearboxes or low-speed synchronous motors to high-performing mills up to 14,750 horsepower per pinion. The clutch’s 76-inch-diameter friction drum enables it to transmit adequate torque for large grinding mill-drive applications.The clutch offers a new motion-control solution for higher horsepower grinding mills, which have been driven primarily by clutchless, low-speed motors offering a very slow startup rate that keeps component wear to a minimum and reduces power consumption.The new VC clutches have performed 500,000 cycles in field testing—equivalent to 50 years of operation.
They are custom built to specific motor and mill configuration requirements and are available in 24 sizes.
