Premium Brakes, Clutches & Friction Materials for Oil & Gas Operations

Oil and gas producers in the U.S. are ramping up production. You can’t compete if your equipment isn’t in top condition. This warrants the question: have you looked at your brake systems recently?

The oil and gas industry has specific needs for brakes, clutches, and friction materials. Learn more about it here.

Caliper Disc Brakes for the Oil and Gas Industry

Brakes and clutches have many on-shore and offshore applications in the oil and gas industry. Disc brakes are ideal for these demanding uses.

Caliper disc brakes are well-suited for applications with high torque. They also perform well for high-energy stopping and tensioning uses. This is because caliper disc brakes disperse the energy from the braking process as heat.

Spring-Applied Disc Brakes

Many oilfield braking systems use spring-applied or spring-operated disc brakes. These systems brake and hold components even when the power supply fails. As a result, they can produce higher braking torque than standard brakes.

Spring-applied brakes are a good choice for applications that need extra safety precautions.

Hydraulic and pneumatic (air) spring-applied brakes are options for oil and gas industry uses. The hydraulic or pneumatic force disengages the calipers. This is the opposite of how standard brakes work.

Choosing hydraulic or pneumatic released brakes depends on factors including:

• Torque requirements
• System budget
• Working environment

Hydraulically-released brakes are better for higher torque applications. Air-released brakes are more economical. They’re easy to use and very accurate.

Oilfield Friction Materials

A wide range of friction materials have applications in the oil industry. These materials have uses that include:

• Drawworks brake blocks
• Clutch blocks
• Insulator plates
• Gear tooth clutch facings
• Plain rings/Catheads
• Disc pads

In the past, asbestos was the friction material of choice. However, non-asbestos materials are now the standard due to the health risks of asbestos.

Woven Friction Materials

Woven friction materials can be made from many different types of fibers. The composition you want depends on your application. Possible types of fibers include:

• Ceramic
• Fiberglass
• Aramid (aromatic polyamide)
• Copper
• Brass

Friction materials can be entirely non-metallic. However, they can include metallic fibers to increase heat dissipation. In addition, the material contains resins with features like suppressing sparks.

A-Block Premium Woven Material

A-Block is a new, non-asbestos woven material. It’s specifically for use on oilfield drawworks and well-servicing rigs.

A-Block offers a range of characteristics that make it ideal for oil and gas industry use. Some of these features include:

• Less abrasion than traditional materials
• Constant friction level with excellent fade resistance
• Resistance to oil, grease, and water

This friction material provides smooth, long-lasting performance.

Molded Friction Materials

Molded friction materials are another popular choice for applications in the petroleum industry. They’re well-suited for heavy-duty brake and clutch systems. In addition, a wide range of friction levels is possible with molded materials.

Molded friction materials are made from:

• Vermiculite particles
• Asbestos-free filler
• Thermosetting resin

Hydraulic pressing is a common production method.

Finding the Right Brakes, Clutches, and Friction Materials for Oil and Gas Applications

Brakes, clutches, and friction materials for the oil and gas industry need to withstand demanding service conditions. To get the best results, you need to find the right solution for your applications.

Kor-Pak has broad experience in the oil and gas industry. We offer a sophisticated line of braking systems and an extensive selection of oilfield friction materials. In addition, we can work with you to design custom products or retrofit your existing equipment.

Contact us today for more information. Then, let’s solve your braking challenges.