Wichita Clutch Spring-Set Brakes for Offshore Platform King Post Cranes

A major global manufacturer of oil and gas drilling rigs and equipment required a winch braking solution for its king post cranes with lifting capacities up to 2,720 metric tons. The space-saving heavy-lift cranes are used to transfer equipment from support vessel decks to the platform deck. They also raise and lower equipment to and from the seabed. Since they are post-mounted directly to the rig, no counterweights are needed. The brakes are used for static holding and emergency stopping.

Wichita Clutch provided spring-set, air released 136H brakes to meet the large winch application requirements. Positioned on the winch cable drums, the heavy-duty brakes have a slip torque capacity of 400,000 in.lbs. (45,193 Nm). Spring-set actuation assures quick, smooth stops. Units feature high-strength cast iron construction and thicker friction discs for longer wear life. No adjustment or lubrication is required. Brakes were supplied with materials traceability documentation and Charpy impact test results.

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