Category Archive: Clutches

Heavy-Duty Centrifugal Clutches: A BLM Case History

Click to ExpandHeavy-Duty Centrifugal Clutches: A BLM Case History

BLM Automatic Clutch has been involved in some of the world’s most significant marine engineering undertakings. Our legacy is built on advanced engineering with practical application to global challenges, and our integral contribution to the St. Lawrence Seaway is a case in point. BLM’s advanced heavy-duty centrifugal clutches contributed to the ambitious waterway’s success by enabling the hydraulic dredgers to safely and efficiently remove massive volumes of earth around the clock while protecting equipment and operators.

In the 1950s, large transatlantic ships had trouble sailing up the St. Lawrence River to get to the Great Lakes from the Atlantic. To resolve this, a joint venture between America and Canada built the St. Lawrence Seaway—a system of locks, canals, and channels that would enable ocean-going vessels to travel as far inland as Duluth, Minnesota, on the western side of Lake Superior. The St. Lawrence Seaway and River are a vital economic and geographic feature of the Great Lakes region, enabling deep-draft ocean vessels to bypass New England ports and reach the American Midwest and the most populous Canadian cities directly.

This marvel of 20th-century engineering was achieved through the cooperation of many organizations, including BLM. We designed and manufactured engine clutches strong enough to withstand the high forces of deep-river dredging.

What Is a Heavy-Duty Centrifugal Clutch?

The majority of standard centrifugal clutch designs are only appropriate for motors with fractional to 50 HP. BLM’s heavy-duty centrifugal clutches are capable of handling 800 HP engines and are central to powering large-scale projects like the St. Lawrence Seaway.

BLM is still a world-leading provider of centrifugal clutches for high-torque applications. Our advanced clutch technology ensures efficient power transmission while minimizing load forces. The result is longer-lasting equipment and overload protection that keeps operators safe and lets them turn hydraulic pumps off without slowing the engine down. This factor proved crucial for the continual operation of the hydraulic pumps involved in the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Engineering the St. Lawrence Seaway

The St. Lawrence Seaway is still considered one of the 20th century’s most important engineering feats. Construction of the seaway started a new era of marine transportation and engineering. The 189-mile seaway was built by a 22,000-strong workforce that moved 210 million cubic yards of earth and laid over 6 million cubic yards of concrete. BLM’s heavy-duty centrifugal clutches powered the continual hydraulic dredging equipment responsible for removing this high volume of earth and rock.

Our heavy-duty clutch couplings fit between the hydraulic dredgers’ diesel engines and pumps, enabling continuous, smooth operation so that the dredges would not break down. Here’s how our clutch benefited this project:

  • It protected the engines and pump rotors by automatically slipping if excessively large rocks entered the pump casing.
  • The clutch coupled the pump to the engine with a self-aligning spherical roller pilot bearing to maintain alignment.
  • Idle speed could be automatically set to 200 RPM, which allowed operators to discontinue pumping without shutting the engine down. This was a crucial factor in preventing excessive wear to motors due to repeatedly restarting the engine.

Custom Centrifugal Clutches by BLM

Today, the St. Lawrence Seaway is still a vital waterway for Canadian and American global trade, as it facilitates the transportation of 40-50 million tons of cargo every year. For almost a century, BLM has been working closely with customers to develop prototypes to ensure they have the product they need before committing to large-scale orders. Our custom centrifugal clutches keep their employees and equipment safe even under extreme conditions.

We also design and manufacture one-off industrial centrifugal clutches to replace obsolete OEM parts. These specialized centrifugal clutches deliver exceptional functionality to their specific application. Contact us to learn more about our custom clutches, capabilities, or other case studies. To get started on your project, request a quote today.

Should I Use a Centrifugal Clutch or a Torque Converter?

In power transmission applications, power can be transmitted from the driving component to the driven component by a variety of mechanical devices. Two of the most common devices utilized for this purpose are clutches (e.g., centrifugal clutches) and fluid couplings (e.g., torque converters). Below, we highlight how each of the devices works and what applications they are used in to help you understand which is best suited for your power transmission application.

Centrifugal Clutch vs. Torque Converter

Centrifugal Clutch vs Torque Converter

Overview of Centrifugal Clutches

Clutches are designed to transmit power by engaging the driving shaft with the driven shaft. However, the mechanism and method of power transmission depend on the clutch employed. For example, centrifugal clutches are designed to engage and disengage automatically depending on the rotational speed inputs received.

Centrifugal clutches sit between the engine and the load to be driven. They connect the engine drive to the driven using centrifugal force. As the engine turns, it generates centrifugal force within the clutch. The centrifugal force generated is proportional to the speed input, meaning slower speeds produce lower centrifugal force and greater speeds produce higher centrifugal force. At a certain point (depending on the design of the clutch), the centrifugal force generated is sufficient to cause the clutch to engage, connecting the driving and driven components. If the input speed decreases and, consequently, the centrifugal force generated decreases, the clutch disengages, resulting in the drive and driven components to separate.

Overview of Torque Converters

Fluid couplings are designed to transmit power without directly engaging the driven shaft with the driven shaft. One type—torque converters—is commonly used in automobiles with automatic transmissions.

Torque converters consist of the housing (contains all of the other components), the impeller (attached to the housing and connects to the engine), the turbine (attached to the housing and connects to the transmission), the transmission fluid (contained between the impeller and turbine and transfers mechanical power generated by the impeller to the turbine), and the stator (located at the center of the housing and multiples torque as the turbine sends fluid back to the impeller). As the engine crankshaft spins, it causes the impeller to spin and push the transmission fluid to the outsides of the turbine. The force introduced by the transmission fluid causes the turbine to rotate and, consequently, the transmission shaft to rotate. The rotation of the turbine also causes the fluid to move back toward the impeller. As the fluid moves through the center of the housing, it passes through the stator. The stator redirects the fluid before it returns to the impeller, increasing the torque. The cycle repeats as the engine speed increases, resulting in acceleration.

Differences Between Centrifugal Clutches and Torque Converters

The main differences between centrifugal clutches and torque converters are:

  • Centrifugal clutches connect the engine to the transmission, while torque converters allow the engine and transmission to run independently from one another.
  • Centrifugal clutches are suitable for power transmission applications involving high speeds, while torque converters are suitable for power transmission applications involving heavy loads.

View Our Catalog of CAD Drawings

Applications for Centrifugal Clutches and Torque Converters

Both centrifugal clutches and torque converters are used in power transmission applications. However, as they employ different power transmission mechanisms and methods, they are suitable for different use cases.

Typical applications for centrifugal clutches include:

  • Chippers
  • Saw mills

Typical applications for torque converters include:

  • Conveyor belts
  • Drill rigs
  • Forklifts

Centrifugal Clutches From BLM

Both centrifugal clutches and torque converters play a critical role in power transmission operations across a wide range of industries. Compared to other types of clutches, centrifugal clutches offer numerous advantages, including simpler operation, lower maintenance costs, smoother acceleration, and better engagement speed control.

Looking for quality centrifugal clutches for your power transmission system? BLM Automatic Clutch has you covered. We design and manufacture custom centrifugal clutches with input speed capacities ranging from fractional to 3,000 hp. To learn more about our product offerings, contact us today. To discuss your requirements with one of our experts, request a quote.

The How and Why of Centrifugal Clutches

BLM designs and manufactures centrifugal clutches for a wide variety of small and large applications. They are integral machinery components in almost every industry, and there are numerous benefits to their usage. This critical component is ideal for starting power equipment safely and effectively.

How a centrifugal clutch operates

centrifugal clutch diagramThe primary purpose of a centrifugal clutch is to connect the power source (engine, motor, turbine, etc.) to the load that is accelerated. It uses centrifugal force to turn the driveshaft and acts as a transmission activated by the increasing rpm of the engine. It uses centrifugal force to turn the driveshaft and basically acts as a transmission that is activated by the increasing rpm of the engine. Sizing the clutch to the running requirements of the load, and not the horsepower capacity of the motor, allows the motor to develop maximum torque and offers the advantage of using a smaller motor and gear reducer.

Utilizing a centrifugal clutch allows maximum torque with minimum current draw. This is the most efficient condition for accelerating the load as the clutch does the slipping and heat dissipation, preventing the motor from absorbing the heat and then becoming damaged by it. Clutches can be adjusted for capacity by varying the weight of the internal operating mechanism enabling a wide range within each clutch size.

Advantages of a centrifugal clutch

How and Why of Centrifugal ClutchesWhen properly selected, the clutch will eliminate shock loading of the power train, enabling smooth acceleration, and providing overload protection to the motor and machinery in the case of an overload. 

BLM clutches, in particular, are designed to:

  • Automatically engage and disengage
  • Enable motor start without load
  • Allow smooth acceleration without shock
  • Permit smaller motor use
  • Slip in overload conditions
  • Eliminate the need for starting equipment
  • Save energy when starting up

Another specific advantage of the centrifugal clutch is its ease of maintenance. Because the BLM clutch is made of separate pieces, these pieces can be disassembled and easily taken apart without having to use a motor or a gearbox. This means simple access for maintenance. 

View Our Catalog of CAD Drawings

Common uses and applications

Most people are familiar with the clutches used in personal vehicles such as cars and motorcycles, but in reality, you might be surprised to find just how many applications there are for centrifugal clutches in other areas. Centrifugal clutches are widely used in machinery throughout industrial applications, including mining, manufacturing, and the military, to protect motors from damaging conditions and to keep machinery running at optimal levels.

The mining industry relies on heavy-duty machines with reliable and durable components. Coal crushers are one example. Put simply; a coal crusher is a machine used for crushing rock and other bulk materials for further processing. They reduce hard materials such as ore, coal, and stone into smaller particles that are more convenient to use. These machines work by feeding the material between two large rollers that turn together while applying great force. They rely on a clutch, which connects the two rolling components so that they can spin together at the same speed.

In the chemical industry, clutches are employed in mixers. Mixers come in a number of different shapes and sizes but mostly work according to the same principle. They use a motor to drive the shaft and blade rapidly, in a circular motion. In this case, the clutch serves to transmit motion from the motor to the mixer shaft, which then spins the blades. A special consideration when manufacturing clutches for the chemical industry is their ability to withstand heavy loads and demanding tasks.

Clutches are also widely employed in the military industry. In military aircraft, for example, clutches are found in autopilot systems, fuel control, and air cabin control systems, among many others. These clutches must be able to endure harsh environmental conditions without sacrificing the quality of performance. Some of these conditions include humidity, heat, and vibrations. This type of application often calls for high-performance friction materials.

Over the past 80 years, at BLM Automatic Clutch, we’ve manufactured a countless number of friction clutches for several types of applications. We work with customers in all manufacturing industries, and our clutches come in all kinds of combinations: coupling, flywheel, universal shaft, pulley, and soft start combinations. Our experienced engineering, design, and manufacturing team can provide the correct clutch configuration to meet all types of requirements.

BLM clutches can be used to solve or eliminate common equipment problems associated with some of the following conditions:

  • Cuts the duration of high amperage draw when motor is starting to less than one second.
  • Overheating motors when starting is prevented by providing the equivalent of a no-load start.
  • Using oversized motors for starting, which can cause shock loads and bad power factor, are not necessary since the clutch enables using a motor with a capacity closer to the running load.
  • No need to use reduced voltage starters since simple across-the-line starters can be used with a clutch.
  • Starting shock, a condition that causes damage to moving parts and is a major cause of equipment maintenance, is not an issue with a BLM clutch since soft starts increase the life of components such as belts and gears.
  • Fragile materials (wires, thread, paper) are often subject to breakage as the result of stating shock; the gentile, low torque starting of a clutch eliminates breakage and downtime.
  • Difficulty of starting heavy loads is problematic but a clutch selected for cushioned, high torque starts can easily handle heavy loads.
  • Motor burnout because of overloads won’t occur with a clutch that slips before the motor is damaged.
  • High overload torque capacity of the motor causes overload damage. A properly selected clutch slips under the overload at a torque level lower than the motor capacity.
  • Sudden overloads that cause damage due to the flywheel effect of the motor rotor are eliminated because the clutch will slip when a jam-up occurs to protect against damage to the motor.

BLM Solutions

BLM’s clutch mechanism offers a distinct competitive advantage. In competitors’ clutches, the majority are made as one solid unit, making it extremely difficult to do anything without taking the clutch apart entirely—not a quick, easy fix.

However, our mechanism is in a drive body attached to a flange that can easily be dropped out, allowing the user to change the clutch out in a very short period of time. As anyone knows, saving time and money when it comes to maintenance are two of the biggest factors in remaining competitive, efficient, and successful.

Our custom centrifugal clutches are backed by over 80 years of experience. In this time, we’ve perfected the design of the clutch, knowing how to make them high quality, long-lasting, and extremely easy to use and maintain.

BLM’s centrifugal clutches are available in a wide range of sizes with custom solutions available for any application. We have the experience and expertise to engineer custom centrifugal clutches that will solve even the most challenging equipment problems. To learn more about these products, please contact BLM today.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Centrifugal Clutches

You may be familiar with centrifugal clutches (sometimes referred to as a friction clutch), a type of clutch that uses rotational (centrifugal) force from a power source to drive a shaft, chain, or belt.

Centrifugal clutches can be found in chainsaws, sawmills, conveyors, compressors, and other engine applications. By using centrifugal force, the clutch shoes slowly push outward against the housing, rotating a torque-powered device. When the clutch is idle, the springs contract to prevent torque transfer.

As you can imagine, custom centrifugal clutches and friction clutches can be used in a variety of applications. But what about other clutches? How does a centrifugal clutch compare with other types of clutches? And what are the advantages and disadvantages of centrifugal clutches? In this post, we’ll explain both the benefits and tradeoffs from centrifugal clutches to help you better understand how to use them for your own needs.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Centrifugal Clutches

Advantages of Centrifugal Clutches/Friction Clutches

From lower maintenance to lower costs, there are several reasons to opt for the centrifugal clutch over alternative types:

automatic centrifugal clutches

Automatic – Centrifugal clutches automatically engage and disengage. You don’t need any type of control mechanism. Centrifugal clutch relies on the laws of physics.

centrifugal clutches - lower cost

Lower costs – Centrifugal clutches are relatively inexpensive compared to other clutch types. Partly because there are fewer parts involved, no battery or additional components necessary.

centrifugal clutch-low maintenance

Low maintenance requirements – In terms of servicing and maintenance, centrifugal clutches are more cost-effective. As long as the initial design and construction is sound, there is little chance the system will break or wear away.

centrifugal clutch engines

Less chance of engine stalling and damage – Heavy loads and abrupt starts can put a burden on engines. Instead, progressive engagement with the load is safer. Centrifugal clutches specialize in smooth and shockless acceleration.

centrifugal clutch speed control

Greater engagement speed control – The centrifugal clutch progressively engages to increase torque from the engine to the load. This ensures a much longer lifespan and more energy saved on startup.

To learn more about the advantages and functions of centrifugal clutches, be sure to check out this video we produced for a more visual lesson.

View Our Catalog of CAD Drawings

When to Use Manual Clutch Alternatives

While friction clutches bring numerous benefits, they’re not always a fit for every application. Here are a few considerations to be aware of if you plan on using a centrifugal clutch:

  • Engines with low RPM may cause slippage. In devices with relatively low RPM, there would be greater amounts of friction that could heat up the clutch drum and lead to a loss of power.
  • Peak speed of a centrifugal clutch will depend on the clutch size. The smaller the clutch the faster the speed. This is due to the centrifugal force required to engage.
  • Ideal for engines with a broad range of speed. When your engine reaches a certain speed, the clutch is activated. If the load increases beyond its rated capacity the clutch will automatically “slip” thus protecting the engine and driven equipment.

when to use manual clutches

If your engine requires significantly high or low RPM or a consistent speed, you may want to consider some popular alternatives to the centrifugal clutch, including the manual, hydraulic, and electrical clutches:

  • Manual Clutch – Found in manual transmission vehicles, these clutches must be engaged by the operator.
  • Hydraulic Clutch – These clutches use oil to push pistons back and forth to engage the clutch. Requires more energy on startup and has several potential points of failure.
  • Electrical Clutch – Converts electricity into mechanical energy. The battery passes a current to create an electromagnetic field, which in turn attracts a pressure plate to engage a clutch.

About BLM Centrifugal Clutch Solutions

BLM Centrifugal Clutches are the industry leaders in custom centrifugal clutches. For over 80 years, BLM Centrifugal Clutch has serviced both public and private contracts, spanning the military, mining, agriculture, chemical, and governmental sectors. We are also Compliant with ISO 9002.

In addition to a proven track record, BLM Centrifugal Solutions is the only brand that offers the highest levels of customization for a variety of requirements and applications. Customization is available for single-use or one of a kind specialized applications, like painted or electroplated finishes. Finally, all centrifugal solutions include maintenance, repair, and warranty.

Request A Quote

Want to learn how your own business or product can benefit from a custom centrifugal clutch? Contact BLM Centrifugal Solutions today. No other competitor will offer this level of support and customization, and no other competitor even comes close in terms of quality and durability. We have proven our reputation in six major industries, and we will assist you with your product long after purchase.

Don’t delay, contact us today!

In a Jam? Let BLM Solve Your Mechanical Troubles

In clutch situations (pun intended), not every manufacturer can come through with alternative solutions for originally specified equipment. That’s what sets BLM apart from other clutch manufacturers. Our portfolio of over 4,000 drawings enables us to modify designs for any challenging application.

It is one application in particular that we feel best represents our custom capabilities and extreme problem solving skills. The project involved an OEM customer in the City Waterworks industry and a 60 HP pump that was continually failing because the OEM clutch was unable to maintain alignment. This situation was very problematic as it disrupted service and prevented the system from operating properly. To maintain alignment between the between the drive and driven shaft, the OEM knew they needed a better clutch design.

Luckily for them they also knew who to turn to for a clutch that can be specifically designed for their application. Our solution consisted of an 8” GMG 80M3 clutch. This was a modification of a BLM drawing which used a gear coupling that allows for misalignment. The modified design also fit the space requirement while meeting tightest tolerances of ±0.003”. The most impressive part of this project is that we delivered 20 custom iron 8” centrifugal clutches in 3 weeks!

Special projects like this one are just one part of our comprehensive services. As a custom designer and manufacturer of centrifugal clutches for large and small applications, we are regularly called in to develop new solutions for existing problems. Our customers know that we can deliver correct clutch configurations for problematic applications and meet specific requirements.

Do you have unique requirements that demand a custom configuration? At BLM we are experts at designing, machining, and manufacturing centrifugal clutches that meet exacting project standards. Let us help you keep your systems running smoothly and efficiently and keep the jams on the toast!

Tornado Season Is Here: Be Prepared For Cleanup Operations With BLM Automatic Clutches In Your Chippers And Equipment

The official 2016 “Tornado Season” has arrived in the U.S., with tornadoes already striking the East Coast and southern states in the late winter and early days of March. More tornadoes and “clusters” of tornadoes are predicted for the spring months. One recent report (Tornado Clusters Becoming More Deadly and More Common), says, “U.S. tornadoes are becoming more likely to strike in clusters. A NOAA study, published in October 2014 in the journal Science, showed a rise in the number of days with multiple reported tornadoes. Another study, published in July 2014 in the journal Climate Dynamics, found a similar clustering of tornadoes.” According to another weather resource, USTornadoes.com, a website dedicated to providing “the information people seek on tornadoes in the United States,” the U.S. can expect the tornado count to be “near normal this spring,” with 511 tornadoes being the average number of tornadoes occurring this time of year each year from 1991-2010.  

The expected occurrence of hundreds of tornadoes and more clusters of tornadoes means there will be lots of cleanups ahead. Fallen tree branches and scattered dirt and debris tossed by the tornadoes and other major storms this spring will require chippers, saws and other equipment to handle cleanup tasks. BLM Automatic Four Block Series clutches are commonly used in chippers used by municipal, utility and construction workers across the U.S.

We like to think our clutches help make everyone’s job a little easier, especially after a tornado or storm. BLM Automatic clutches do help make the cleanup of fallen trees and branches more efficient and easier to manage for the people involved in what can be a very stressful time. You don’t want to worry about a chipper starting or equipment being overloaded when you’re dealing with a tornado’s or a storm’s aftermath. Whatever the post-tornado or post-storm procedures might be, BLM Automatic clutches play an integral role in getting the cleanup and repairs done as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Whatever the application, if it requires starting assistance and/or overload protection, our clutches can help do the job. BLM Automatic customizes the clutches we manufacture based on our customers’ needs and the specific applications. But, we produce two standard designs: BLM Automatic Four Block Series clutches with ¼-50HP, and Six Block Series clutches with up to 3,000HP. As we previously mentioned, the Four Block Series clutches are commonly used in chippers, and they’re also used in tampers, concrete pumps, mortar mixers and conveyors, and in many other applications. Six Block Series clutches are used in large and varied industrial and commercial applications.

But, getting back to talking about tornadoes and the spring cleanup season, we hope the predictions are wrong and this year proves to be a quieter year for tornado occurrences. Either way, please stay safe, and rest assured knowing that you’re prepared for cleanup operations with BLM Automatic clutches in your chippers and cleanup equipment.

Coming Through in the Clutch—BLM Celebrates all Veterans

November is the month where we set aside a day to remember and thank our veterans for all they have sacrificed for us. On November 11th, the U.S. celebrates Veteran’s Day and Canada celebrates Remembrance Day. No matter what it’s named, it reminds us to consider all the sacrifices the men and women of the military make while protecting our freedoms.

At BLM Automatic Clutch, we don’t just think of our veterans’ one day a year but we recognize them daily. In fact, military personnel are readily in our thoughts as we have received the call to design and manufacture centrifugal clutches for defense industry applications.

In the past, our custom capabilities have been called upon to assist the Navy and the Army with components for special projects. One such project required us to manufacture a 6” clutch designed to for a 21 HP, 3600 RPM/1500 Idle chiller used during the Desert Storm conflict. We have also produced clutches that were critical components of shipboard helicopter elevators and ventilation systems for military tanks.

Innovative solutions are a core mission at BLM Automatic Clutch, and we are committed to meeting the needs of all of our customers no matter how rigorous the applications. The quality, service, and dedication in our work is what drives us to meet the high standards our customers require and deserve.

In honor of our men and women who have chosen to serve their countries with military service, we say, “Thank You.” You work to keep us safe, and we work to make products that will help keep you safe.

OEMs and BLM Automatic Clutch: Partners for Centrifugal Solutions Success!

We love working with OEMs! Throughout our experience providing centrifugal solutions, BLM has partnered with all types of manufacturers, providing the best solutions for their centrifugal clutch needs. Why do we enjoy working with equipment manufacturers so much? When we work with OEMs, we usually get the opportunity to start our working relationship at the very beginning of a project, when we can really dive into the project and play an integral role in the equipment’s design from the very beginning. We enjoy partnering with OEMs from start to finish – from the initial stages of the equipment’s design, right through the manufacturing phase, and eventually to its application and use. BLM always provides centrifugal clutch solutions that are appropriate and fine-tuned for specific applications.

Keep in mind that there are a lot of details and specs involved in equipment manufacturing. But that’s what makes our role in our partnerships with OEMs so enjoyable – and so critical. Our experience has set us up to understand and accommodate an OEM’s needs and special requests, from start to finish through any project that includes a centrifugal clutch, and we take great pride in providing the most economical solutions. Working with us, OEMs also have the opportunity to customize their centrifugal clutches, as well, and we can custom paint them with a company’s colors and labeling. Additionally, to accommodate an OEM’s need for quick turnaround, BLM accepts blanket orders to facilitate the manufacturing process of centrifugal clutches.. We want our OEM customers – and everyone – to know they can always count on us to provide centrifugal solutions in a timely fashion!

One more important note: At BLM, we understand centrifugal clutches more than anyone else, and we know that every detail and every spec, no matter how small or seemingly “insignificant,” can significantly impact a centrifugal clutch and how well it functions. (See our recent blog post that talks more in-depth about how to avoid centrifugal clutch failure.)

OEMs that partner with BLM know they can count on our expertise in providing the best solutions for their centrifugal clutch needs. We listen to their requests, and take the time to understand applications and details, and then we offer OEMs the most economical and efficient centrifugal solutions. We also offer prototypes and consult with all of our customers – not just OEMs – through every manufacturing stage, ensuring successful end results. Learn more about how we can work together and partner for success by visiting our website.

BLM Automatic Clutches Used Around The World

The seasons might be changing, but that doesn’t mean the vacations and traveling stop. In fact, according to AAA 98.6 million Americans travel during the holiday season.

So what does that mean for BLM Automotic Clutch? Well, the fact of the matter is, we help your travels become easier by providing the clutches for the conveyor belts used for your luggage.

Once you hand off your suitcase to an attendant, they ticket it and send it on a conveyor belt meant to get your luggage onto the correct flight in ample time. After you land you also wish to receive your bags by a hassle free conveyor belt system. With BLM clutches on the conveyor belts, they is sure to run quickly and smoothly as expected.

Not only can you find BLM Automatic clutches in airports around the world but also on all types of conveyor belt systems including the mining industry, agricultural, and food and beverage sectors. With BLM Automatic clutches conveyors result in minimum stop and slip problems.

BLM Automatic Clutch is certain that whatever your application our clutches will perform to the highest standards. Our Four Block Series clutch is the perfect solution to your clutch needs. For more information about our clutches please visit our website.

We Disagree with Kermit-the-Frog: It IS Easy Being Green with Centrifugal Clutches

When the popular American television series Sesame Street first aired almost 46 years ago, the manufacturing industries weren’t concerned, or weren’t as concerned, with “sustainability” and with “being green,” as everyone is today. Those of us who grew up with Kermit-the-Frog singing and complaining about “being green” know he wasn’t referring to sustainability when he was singing. But now, in 2015, you hear manufacturers and companies in all industries talking about sustainability and reporting about how they’re “being green.” Some manufacturers are repeating Kermit-the-Frog’s words, and saying, “It’s not easy being green…” They’re pointing out challenges they’re facing, or mentioning some complaints about the costs and reporting requirements associated with sustainability efforts. Companies and manufacturers are looking for ways to be more sustainable and more green.

Organized efforts, initiatives, and media, regularly offer ideas and information to help companies from all industries “be green.” Greenbiz.com is one example of an information source dedicated to sustainability in business. The website says it “advances the opportunities at the intersection of business, technology and sustainability…” A recent article on the site, 10 Lessons for Future Sustainability Leaders, asks, “Is sustainability part or your core strategy?” The article continues by answering the question and saying, “To create a high-quality integrated [sustainability] report, you must answer this question affirmatively.”

If sustainability and “being green” is important to your company, and if you’re a manufacturer using centrifugal clutches, you know that centrifugal clutches make it easier to be green. As we originally reported in an industry news release six years ago, “BLM’s distinctive blue clutches have always been a green solution, long before it was politically correct. BLM has always produced an energy efficient clutch.”

Here’s an overview of how our centrifugal clutches save energy and help manufacturers “be green”: An electric motor with a centrifugal clutch starts under no load and does not engage and drive the load until it reaches near rated speed. Once up to speed, a motor has more torque to start and accelerate the load and it consumes much less current than a motor that must struggle to start under full load.

In addition to reduced electrical power consumption costs, there are other “green” benefits offered by our blue clutches:

-They’re more economical because the motor is “right-sized” and not over-sized. (See our previous blog post for more information about proper clutch size.)

-A standard motor with a clutch runs more efficiently than an oversized motor running below its full-rated load.

-Clutches can promote and increase motor life by as much as 5x due to the shortened high-current draw saving motor insulation and windings.

Take a look at our website to learn more about how centrifugal clutches are a green and clean alternative, and see how it IS easy to be green with centrifugal clutches.