Pont Barrage de Monsin dam gate refurbishment benefits from Stromag Model 660 brakes

Spanning the Muese River in Liege, Belgium, the Pont Barrage de Monsin has many functions. Six 27 m wide, 110 tonne steel gates regulate the flow of water downstream; while an inbuilt hydroelectric powerplant generates up to 18 MW of electricity. A road bridge that links Jupille and the Port of Liege also passes over the site. Operational since 1930, the dam is a key water control asset in the area.

As part of a €20m overhaul beginning in 2018, two of the dam gates were selected for a complete refurbishment. The mechanical drive components, which are located across three lifting towers, were an area of particular focus. Several mechanical packages were required, each containing a new gearmotor, brakes, discs, torque limiter and a coupling.

The mechanical contractor for the project, on the strength of years of successful collaboration with many of the leading brands within Altra Industrial Motion Corp., contacted Stromag with regards to specifying a highly reliable brake for the mechanical package. A complete braking solution from a single established supplier was required, with the scope to customise the design without severely impacting value. As a designer, manufacturer and installer of high-performance brakes for industrial applications – with a comprehensive customisation service – Stromag was a natural choice.

Stromag assessed the data provided by the contractor and recommended standard Model 660 spring set, electromagnetically released calliper brakes. Offering a torque rating up to 0.45 kNm, the units met the required performance level. This was supported by the selection of 175 mm diameter brake discs. The brakes were matched with compact Stromag AC64-50CP electrical power units. Designed to suit two-disc brake callipers, the power units also featured IP-66 rated enclosures to ensure long-term protection and reliability.

One of the principle challenges of the project was the assembly of each mechanical package. To minimise any delays during assembly and ensure that the installations were ready for testing, Stromag worked closely with the mechanical contractor to deliver key components quickly. By specifying a complete solution from Stromag, the contractor could also benefit from the expediency of working with a single, capable supplier. With installation and tests successfully completed, the new mechanical packages were ready to deploy the gates and control water levels.

Stromag is a leading global provider of high-performance industrial brakes. Working closely with customers, Stromag experts can specify braking solutions that meet the performance criteria of a wide array of challenging applications. Additionally, the business provides maintenance support to ensure the continued reliability of equipment.

Founded in 1932, Stromag has grown to become a globally recognized leader in the development and manufacture of innovative power transmission components for industrial drivetrain applications. Stromag engineers utilize the latest design technologies and materials to provide creative, energy-efficient solutions that meet their customer’s most challenging requirements.

Stromag’s extensive product range includes flexible couplings, disc brakes, limit switches, an array of hydraulically, pneumatically, and electrically actuated brakes, and a complete line of electric, hydraulic and pneumatic clutches.

Stromag engineered solutions improve drivetrain performance in a variety of key markets including energy, off-highway, metals, marine, transportation, printing, textiles, and material handling on applications such as wind turbines, conveyor systems, rolling mills, agriculture and construction machinery, municipal vehicles, forklifts, cranes, presses, deck winches, diesel engines, gensets and stage machinery.