June 2021

S ince it was opened in 1930, the Pont Barrage de Monsin which spans the Muese River in Liege, Belgium, has been a key to controlling water flows and levels in the area. The structure has several functions. Six 27m-wide, 110-tonne steel gates regulate the flow of water, while a hydroelectric powerplant generates up to 18MW of electricity. A road bridge that links the port of Liege to Jupille also passes over the barrage. As part of a €20m overhaul that started in 2018, two of the dam gates were refurbished completely. The mechanical drive components, which are located in three lifting towers, were an area of particular focus. Several mechanical packages were required, each containing a new gearmotor, brakes, discs, torque limiter and a coupling. The project’s mechanical contractor contacted Stromag to help specify a reliable, customisable brake as part of the mechanical package. Stromag recommended its Model 660 spring-set, electromagnetically-released calliper brakes with 175mm-diameter brake discs, which have a torque rating of up to 0.45kNm. The brakes were matched with IP66-protected electrical power units suitable for two-disc brake callipers. To minimise delays during assembly and ensure that the installations were ready for testing, Stromag worked closely with the mechanical contractor to deliver key components quickly. By specifying a complete solution from Stromag, the contractor could also benefit from the expediency of working with a single, capable supplier. With installation and tests successfully completed, the new mechanical packages were ready to deploy the gates and control water levels. n 37 www.drivesncontrols.com June 2021 BRAKES, CLUTCHES AND COUPLINGS n Brake upgrade helps to control 100-tonne gates at barrage A key barrage in Belgium has been refurbished with the mechanical drive components for two of its 100-tonne steel gates being upgraded to include powerful calliper brakes. www.crossmorse.com Shady Lane, Great Barr, Birmingham. B44 9EU Tel: 0044 (0) 121 360 0155 Cross + Morse The Driving Force in Power Transmission sales@crossmorse.com Torque Limiters and Couplings Morflex Couplings Sheargard Overload Clutches Flexible Couplings Duo Cam Clutches and Couplings Sprag Clutches Backstop Clutches The Pont Barrage de Monsin has been upgraded with powerful new calliper brakes on two of its 100-tonne steel gates