Composite water jackets now available as replacements in non-Wichita brakes
Wichita Clutch, Wichita Falls, Texas, has developed new corrosion-resistant, lightweight engineered composite water jackets designed as drop-in replacements for cast iron jackets in WCB compatible brakes.
The new water jackets feature composite material originally developed by Wichita engineers for use in their popular AquaMaKKs® water-cooled clutch/brakes. Used in the field for over three years, the engineered polymer blend has proven to be as strong as iron jackets while meeting or exceeding typical design stresses. The composite material combined with marine-coated hardware, provides superior external corrosion resistance in any corrosive water environment including off-shore applications. The composite material also allows for worry-free use of corrosive water for internal jacket cooling (requires proper filtration).
Wichita composite water jackets offer the additional benefit of weight reduction, with some jackets weighing at least 60% less than iron jackets. For example, a 36-inch cast iron water jacket assembly weighs approximately 750 lbs., while a composite water jacket assembly weighs only 185 lbs. The reduced weight is a significant maintenance advantage, as well as when equipment is installed on weight-restricted applications.
New Wichita Clutch float, center and back plate composite water jackets are now available as drop-in replacements for 36″ size popular branded WCB style brakes. Replacement jackets for additional WCB brake sizes are currently being developed.
Wichita introduces lightweight wcbAM brakes
A new, lightweight version of its popular AquaMaKKs® water-cooled brakes has been developed by Wichita. All water jackets, including the float, center and back plate, are made of corrosion-resistant, lightweight engineered composite material.
Along with a full set of composite water jackets, the models feature a newly-designed, lightweight, corrosion resistant aluminum actuator head. “The new design will provide our customers with the ultimate in corrosion protection and, equally important, significant weight savings,” said Richard Mayberry, engineering manager at Wichita Clutch.
The 236 wcbAM model only weighs approximately 1,920 lbs. while other 236 size comparable iron models weigh approximately 3,550 lbs. The reduced weight of approximately 40% is a significant maintenance advantage, as well as when equipment is installed on weight-restricted applications.
New wcbAM brakes are now available in the 36″ size. Additional sizes are currently being developed.
New AirMaKKs SSB tension brakes designed for energy and offshore applications
Wichita has also recently added the air cooled, spring-set, air release AirMaKKs SSB high torque brakes to its AquaMaKKs family of clutches and brakes. The AirMaKKs SSB is designed to provide low speed braking assist and serves as a drawworks main brake that provides parking and E-stop braking functions.
AirMaKKs SSB models utilize the basic AquaMaKKs brake housing with torque plates installed instead of water jackets. Units also feature three-part epoxy marine grade paint and corrosion resistant coatings. Models are available in the 19, 25, and 36 inch AquaMaKKs sizes.