We highly depend on automobiles for transportation, which calls for developments and modifications for maximum performance of these machines. The clutch connects the engine (vehicle’s heart) with the gearbox in any vehicle. Its main function is to transmit power from the vehicle’s engine to the wheels. Industrial clutches are similarly used to power different systems, equipment, and rotary assemblies.
Types of Clutches
A clutch is a device mainly used to engage and disengage power transmission from one shaft to another. It is mostly used to limit the power between these two shafts. Common parts of a typical clutch include the diaphragm spring, hub, friction surface, and coil spring.
There are different types of industrial clutches depending on the restrictions and requirements of their application process. They can be grouped into two main categories; fluid flywheels and friction clutches. Fluid flywheels use hydraulic fluid to drive force between the two shafts, while friction clutches use friction to do the same.
Under these main categories, the different clutches include centrifugal clutch, multi-plate clutch, hydraulic clutch, cone clutch, vacuum clutch, and single plate clutches. This article mainly looks at how the pneumatic and hydraulic clutches work.
1. Pneumatic Clutch
A pneumatic clutch transmits power from one component to another using compressed air as the operating fluid. Engaging this clutch as a driver will see power move from the engine to the wheels and transmission base. On the other hand, disengaging stops the power transfer while allowing the engine to run.
These clutches don’t overheat as they’re designed to allow air to move across them to cool the plates. Pneumatic industrial clutches also offer several other benefits that include;
Increased safety: Air is a safe operating fluid that is non-flammable and less hazardous to the environment.
Medium availability: Air is readily available for free, making its replacement hassle-free.
Affordability: Pneumatic clutches are cheap to manufacture as they use simple materials such as Zinc, Plastic, and aluminum.
When choosing a pneumatic clutch, you need to look at important features like torque, speed, shaft configuration, power, load connection, and maximum pressure. All these will ensure you have a smooth engaging and disengaging.
2. Hydraulic Clutch
Hydraulic industrial clutches use hydraulic fluid to transmit power to the clutch disc. A press on the clutch pedals pressurizes the fluid to engage and disengage the gear. The hydraulic fluid, otherwise known as the clutch or brake fluid, is stored in a clutch master cylinder.
A hydraulic clutch system consists of different parts such as the flywheel, clutch pedal, clutch plate, splined sleeves, pressure plate, and diaphragm clutch. These parts work in harmony to give you a smooth feel when pushing.
Advantages of this clutch include;
- It is self-lubricating which calls for very few maintenance procedures.
- It comes in many variations, so you can get a customizable one to fit any place.
- It lacks a disengagement cable which keeps it safe from damage from a loosening cable.
Conclusion
Clutches are significant components of engines in any machinery. They not only transmit power to different parts but also ensures smooth engaging and disengaging of gears in vehicles. With a clutch, the driver can control the engine speed to have safe and secure driving.
About The Author
Stephanie Braga
Hi, I am Stephanie Braga. A professional blogger and content community manager on this platform. I love to write and post content on different niche. Contact me, if you need any help related to digital marketing or content marketing.
