Design Advantages and Features
High Stability
The
novel rotor and stator design used in the Hydra-Brake® provides a
unit of high stability when used with a constant pressure water
supply source and properly selected control valves.
Wide Range Ability
Hydra-Brakes®
cover a wide horsepower/speed range. At a chosen speed and with
proper controls, power absorbed can be controlled from 100% to 2% of
rated power by changing the water level in the unit. In addition, the
stationary discs are easily removed to permit even lower absorption.
An atmospheric drain below the level of the brake and a water
compartment vent are necessary to obtain this wide range.
Portability
Flange-mounted
Hydra-Brakes® are lightweight and compact. These features permit the
brake to be mounted easily and quickly and readily moved from one
location to another. A splined floating shaft, connecting prime mover
to brake, allows direct flange mounting of the brake without the
normal alignment problems.
Low-Cost Installation
Hydra-Brakes®
are not only low in initial cost compared to other types of
absorption dynamometers, but they are also inexpensive to maintain.
Surfaces subjected to corrosion are amply protected, and
corrosion-resistant materials are selected. Due to the simplicity of
design, the brakes can be easily disassembled for periodic
inspection.
Other Advantages
Most
models are provided with positive-type water shaft seals consisting
of a spring-loaded carbon ring operating against an optically flat,
stainless steel rubbing ring. These seals are operating
satisfactorily at speeds of 23,000 rpm. Hydra-Brakes® are usually
provided with ball bearings that can be lubricated with either oil or
grease, depending upon operating speeds. Means may be provided for
mounting bearing thermocouples, and a tachometer drive can be
furnished if desired. Also available are special flexible inlet and
discharge water fittings which eliminate long hose connections.