Wichita Clutch Develops New Composite Water Jackets
04/11/2013 - Wichita Clutch, Wichita Falls, Texas, has developed new corrosion-resistant, lightweight engineered composite water jackets designed as drop-in replacements for cast iron jackets in WCB compatible brakes.
Wichita Clutch, Wichita Falls, Texas, has developed new corrosion-resistant, lightweight engineered composite water jackets designed as drop-in replacements for cast iron jackets in WCB compatible brakes.
The new water jacket composite material was originally developed by Wichita engineers for use in their popular AquaMaKKs® water-cooled clutch/brakes. Used in the field for over three years, the engineered polymer blend has proven to be as strong as iron jackets while meeting or exceeding typical design stresses. The composite material provides superior external corrosion resistance in any corrosive water environment including off-shore applications. The composite material also allows for worry-free use of corrosive water for internal jacket cooling (requires proper filtration). For added corrosion protection, all hardware used on the composite water jacket assemblies is marine-coated.
Wichita composite water jackets offer the additional benefit of weight reduction, with some jackets weighing at least 60% less than iron jackets. For example, a 36-inch cast iron water jacket assembly weighs approximately 750 lbs., while a composite water jacket assembly weighs only 185 lbs. The reduced weight is a significant maintenance advantage, as well as when equipment is installed in weight-restricted applications.
New Wichita Clutch float, center and back plate composite water jackets are now available as drop-in replacements for 36” size popular branded WCB style brakes. Replacement jackets for additional WCB brake sizes are currently being developed.
