Torque Blocker (TB) - Hydraulically Actuated Overload Clutch

Torque Blocker
Protect your critical heavy duty equipment with the Riverhawk torque Blocker. The Torque Blocker fits within the coupling spacer that connects the shafts of the drive and driven equipment. It protects equipment from torque overload by releasing when a preset torque load is exceeded. Examples of overload are short circuit conditions in electric generators, running restart of electric motors, jams in rolling mills and liquid slugs in compressors. After release, the Torque Blocker the allows machinery to safety coast down. Reset is simple and quick.

Design and Operation
The Torque Blocker is a hydraulically actuated overload clutch designed to mount between two machine shafts. When set, it forms a ridged connection between the two shafts. Upon a torque overload, the unit releases to allow the two shafts to rotate freely for coast down.

The unit is locked by pumping hydraulic pressure into the unit. This drives the friction surfaces together under high pressure. The operator then rotates the fuse pins into position to mechanically lock the unit and then drains the oil. At this point the friction surfaces form a frozen assembly that rigidly locks the shafts together.

When a torque overload occurs, the friction surfaces slip just enough to release the pins from the locked position to the free position. This quickly releases the pressure from the friction surfaces so the unit no longer transmits torque. The fuse pins are not damaged upon release and do not require replacement. The internal bearings within the unit provide support while the machinery coasts down.

Note 1: The operator can adjust the release torque if necessary. He simply replaces the "torque setting bolts" while resetting unit.

Note 2: Riverhawk also offers an electronic monitor that can signal a release and help to assure a timely shut down of the machinery.