Temperature rise characteristics of a new designed disc for inclined downward belt conveyor

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this work is to reveal the temperature rise characteristics of the new designed disc during a braking process. In underground coal mines, the highest temperature of the disc brake used for inclined downward belt conveyors should be < 150 to prevent gas explosion during a braking process. To meet the requirements, a new type of disc was designed. Design/methodology/approach – By using ANSYS software, the disc surface and interior temperature rise variations, effect of braking time and running speed on temperature rise are analyzed numerically. Findings – The results show that the new designed disc can meet the coal mines’ requirements well, during the braking process the disc surface temperature increases at first and then decreases, there is an obvious temperature gradient in the axial direction; when running speed increases to two times of the rated one, the highest temperature nearly reaches 150; and a prolonged braking time can decrease the highest temperature effectively. Research limitations/implications – It indicates that the disc brake should act as earlier as possible to slow down the belt conveyor when overspeed occurs; and when the running speed increases to two times of the rated one, the braking time must be prolonged to prevent gas explosion. Originality/value – Research findings of this paper provides theoretical basis for the practical applications of the disc brake used for inclined downward belt conveyor.