Mine hoist braking systems

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 79, No. 894, 1986

L.C. GALLOWAY, and G.L. TILEY, G.L. Tiley & Associates Ltd. Hamilton, Ontario

Mine hoist brakes must meet the following statutory performance criteria: There should be two independent braking systems; at least one should act directly on the hoist drum. If one brake fails, the others should be able to retard and stop the hoist safely before the descending conveyance, carrying the rated load, reaches any obstruction. When all brakes apply,  decelerations should not be so violent that men travelling in the conveyance are injured. The brakes shall not overheat and fade during an emergency stop. This paper discusses design principles and capacities of caliper and disc type brakes, when applied to double drum and friction hoists of equivalent capacity.

Keywords: Mine hoists, Braking systems, Thermal capacity, Testing, Mine safety, Emergency.