QLD Mining and Energy Bulletin
Issue link: http://ebook.aprs.com.au/i/50246
Failsafe brakes for mine support vehicles The Sealed Integrated Braking System (SIBS®) developed in Australia by WA based Advanced Braking Technology (ABT) has for the last ten years been delivering safe braking solutions for mine support vehicles through Australia, South Africa and North America. T o find out more about this innovative Australian company, Queensland Mining and Energy Bulletin (QMEB) talks to Mr Stephen Wilkinson, ABT's Sales Manager and asks why many major mining companies and contractors are now specifying SIBS brakes as standard equipment. QMEB – What is a SIBS® brake? ABT – The SIBS® brake system is a "failsafe" wheel-end "wet brake" system that replaces the OEM supplied brakes on light commercial vehicles used by the mining sector. SIBS® brakes are a single rotor high speed wet braking system where the critical brake system components are enclosed and protected in a sealed housing. The brake rotor is immersed in SIBS® cooling fluid. This specially formulated oil aids the transfer and dissipation of the heat generated during braking, significantly lowering the braking component temperatures and wear rates. This results in improved brake performance and reliability. QMEB – Why do you seal the SIBS® brake? ABT – Reliability. The enclosed design of the SIBS® brake system means that the brakes critical components are totally protected from environmental contaminants such as mud, abrasives and corrosive water that combine to cause standard brake components to wear very quickly and fail prematurely. QMEB – What is meant by a "Failsafe" brake? ABT – The SIBS® brake system includes a "Spring Applied Hydraulic Release" park brake system that is incorporated into the rear wheelends. If ever the brake system were to suffer a hydraulic or electrical system failure the springs automatically apply the park brake. In other words the brake fails to the safe condition (Failssafe). At no point will the vehicle be left without a brake that can stop and hold the vehicle. QMEB – Is the SIBS® brake applied automatically? 138 QLD Mining and Energy Bulletin Summer 2011/12 ABT - The Emergency/Park Brake is interlocked into selected control points on the vehicle, typically the ignition switch and door switches. These interlocks provide an unprecedented level of safety for vehicle operators and site personnel, ensuring full automatic activation of the park brake when the vehicle is either switched off or the operator alights from the vehicle, virtually eliminating the risk of uncontrolled vehicle movements. QMEB – When would an operator apply the emergency brake? ABT – The operator can apply the emergency brake at any point he or she needs to stop and hold the vehicle. For example if a problem developed with the service brake system then by applying the emergency brake the operator can bring the vehicle to a stop. This eliminates the risk of unplanned or uncontrolled vehicle movements. [Products and Services Showcase] Safety Braking for Mine Vehicles