The Bolani Ores Mines (BOM) of SAIL has successfully installed and commissioned an advanced Fail-Safe Disc Braking System on the downhill conveyor PC-8, significantly enhancing the safety, reliability and operational control of the conveyor system.
It is noteworthy that the braking system is a critical safety component of a downhill conveyor. Earlier, the downhill conveyor PC-8 at Bolani Ores Mines faced limitations with the existing thruster braking system, particularly under loaded conditions and during power failure situations, highlighting the need for a more reliable braking solution.
To address the limitation, the collective of Bolani Ores Mines conceptualized the installation of a disc braking system to supplement the existing thruster brakes. The disc brake was installed at the low-speed end of the drive pulley, for which a modified drive drum with an extended shaft was specially procured.
Thereafter the braking system was sourced and the system was successfully installed and commissioned. The system has been indicating marked improvement in braking reliability, operational stability and operational confidence under both normal and emergency conditions. Operating on a fail-safe principle, the disc braking system ensures automatic brake application during power failure or system abnormalities, thereby significantly enhancing braking effectiveness and safety.
Notably, this is the first-ever installation of a disc braking system in SAIL Mines, marking an important milestone and setting a new benchmark for improved safety, reliability and adoption of advanced braking technology in downhill conveyor systems across SAIL’s mining operations.
