Force Control Industries introduces the new Size 30 Posidyne® clutch brake with “Oil Shear Technology” that can be operated as a clutch only for applications such as pumps or fans or as a clutch brake for cycling or indexing applications.  This Posidyne clutch brake dynamically accelerates or decelerates high inertia loads without wear on friction discs, providing years of maintenance-free, no-downtime operation.  That is in contrast to dry friction clutches or brakes which are designed to lock up, and tend to have significant wear if used dynamically. The Size 30 features smooth and quiet acceleration or deceleration due to the Oil Shear Technology.  It is ideal for bulk materials handling applications such as use on conveyors, load-out conveyors, as well as bulk loading applications like rail car dumpers, portside conveyors, and other critical “no downtime” applications. The Posidyne Size 30 consists of 7 basic components (1) the input shaft which is connected to the motor or engine, (2) the output shaft which is connected to the load, (3) a clutch and brake stack consisting or multiple alternating friction discs and drive plates, and (4) a centrally located piston between the brake and clutch that will engage either the clutch, or brake, but never overlap to engage both at the same time.  Two other important components are (5) the piston seals (o-rings with Teflon liners with each o-ring), and (6) springs tending to push the piston to the brake side (there are many combinations of springs and pressure called logic types). The final component is (7) the transmission fluid that make the whole unit possible.
Actuation media to move the piston creating pressure on the clutch or brake can be air (maximum 80 psi, only 97 In.^3 per engagement) or hydraulic pressure for applications outside or not near a compressed air supply. The Posidyne Size 30 provides quiet, smooth, maintenance-free, operation with no adjustment or regular downtime required.  It features a totally-enclosed, heavy duty, foot mounted, cast iron sealed housing operation in dirty, dusty, wet environments.  In the mine or outside, at loading facilities, on barges or boats, the Size 30 functions with no regular maintenance intervention during its 40,000,00-cycle design life (annual fluid changes are suggested for maximum service life). The multiple disc friction stacks provide high torque and thermal capacity in a low inertia (only 61 Lb. Ft.^2) compact package. Highly developed friction materials function optimally with the transmission fluid and resist wear. Teflon liners protecting every piston o-ring seal eliminates cracking and leaking of the o-ring seal, and provides smoother quicker engagement. Because there is virtually no wear of the friction material, piston travel is reduced, utilizing less actuation air or hydraulic fluid, and providing a quicker response. Oil Shear Technology is the heart of all Force Control clutches and brakes. Transmission fluid flowing through the friction stack is put in a shear condition during dynamic engagement. It transmits torque between the friction discs and drive plates, protecting the parts from mechanical contact, and absorbing the heat of engagement as it flows through the stack. Upon exiting the stack it flows down the housing walls where it is cooled and back into the bottom of the unit to re-circulate back into the friction area. As the pressure continues to clamp the friction stack together it reaches a point of static lock up unless continuous slip is a desired condition. The transmission fluid also serves to lubricate the bearings and splines for greatly improved operating life. Depending on the thermal loads the additional cooling of the transmission fluid can be done with fan cooling, water cooling, external oil-to-air cooling, or oil-to-water cooling – and for continuous slip applications forced lube units are available. This highly reliable clutch brake operates nearly maintenance free for the duration of its design cycle life of approximately 40,000,000 cycles. Repair kits are available, as is rebuild service by Force Control Industries which is recommended.