Standard of the Drilling Industry for over 60 Years
The Hydromatic® Brake or Hydrotarder® is a hydrodynamic device that absorbs power by converting mechanical energy into heat in its working fluid, which is normally water. Resistance is created exclusively by fluid friction and agitation of the fluid circulated between the vaned pockets of the rotor and stator elements with the conversion of mechanical energy to heat taking place directly within the fluid itself. The amount of mechanical energy that can be absorbed in this manner is dependent upon the quantity and velocity of the fluid in the working chamber.
It will be readily seen that with any specific quantity of fluid in the working chamber, the velocity of the fluid will be increased with increased revolving speed of the rotor. It should be noted, however, that other limitations such as shaft diameter and fluid flow capacity may be the limiting factor instead of speed.
Still the Simplest and Easiest to Operate
The new and improved Hydromatic® Brakes are as easy and simple to operate as ever. Any Driller can operate them without previous experience or special training. All that needs to be done is to open or close the valve that controls the water level in the brake circulating system.
Now Further Ahead Than Ever
Today’s Hydromatic® Brakes are the result of years of continuous research and improvement. Drillers who have tried them say the new, improved Hydromatic® Brakes are definitely better than ever and still the best auxiliary drawworks brake ever offered.
Pressures in excess of those recommended will NOT increase the resistance capacity of a brake, but will cause rapid wear on the sealing elements.
All of the mechanical energy absorbed in a Hydromatic ® Brake appears as heat in the water inside the brake. The primary function of the brake water circulating system is to supply cool water to the brake inlet, and to dissipate the heat from the brake to prevent steam formation within the brake.
The secondary function of a Hydromatic® Brake water circulating system is to provide controls to permit the driller to vary the brake capacity to meet the rig requirements, The capacity at any speed is adjustable by regulating the quantity of water being circulated between the vaned pockets of the rotor and stators in the working chamber. Depending on the type of installation, infinitely close regulation or regulation in any desired number of steps may be obtained by varying the rate of flow into the brake or varying the level of the water in the circulating system and standpipe, dependent on the type of brake and type of circulating system.
Any circulating system used must include a means for dissipating the heat from the circulating system at the rate at which it is generated in the water by the retardation of the brake. Heat dissipation may be accomplished by the use of heat exchangers, or by providing a sufficient supply of fluid to act as a heat sink.