Dellner Bubenzer has one of the widest ranges of brakes and couplings for the mining sector, including hoist, slewing drive and belt conveyor applications. It has been innovating and solving the special challenges of the mining industry for decades. In close coordination with mining equipment manufacturers, it provides solutions to operational and safety braking challenges. IM Editorial Director Paul Moore recently caught up with Arno Ett – Sales Manager, Dellner Bubenzer Brasil.
Arno Ett – Sales Manager, Dellner Bubenzer Brasil
Q How do you ensure that you find the right solution for the customer for the specific mining application?
At Dellner Bubenzer we always start with a thorough application analysis, not with the product itself. Each project begins with a detailed evaluation of operational parameters such as torque, braking energy, duty cycles, environmental conditions, safety requirements and applicable standards. Based on this information, our engineers select and configure the most suitable solution using advanced calculation tools and extensive experience gained from thousands of mining applications. This approach ensures that the customer receives a reliable, safe and optimised solution, particularly for critical applications such as mine hoists, slewing drives and belt conveyors.
Q Can you give an example of a specific DB brake or coupling solution that is commonly used for each of the three hoist, slewing drive and conveyor markets and why that solution fits that application?
For mine hoists, high-capacity industrial brake systems such as the SB series are commonly used as a Service Brake, with the SF series often deployed as an Emergency Brake. These brakes are designed for critical lifting applications and offer high energy absorption capacity and reliability. In slewing drives, typically used in excavators or stacker-reclaimers, brake systems such as the KFB, SFB, SF and SB17MX series are frequently applied due to their robust construction and precise control capabilities. For the gantry drive also are frequently used the storm brakes and service brakes. For belt conveyors, both industrial brakes and couplings are widely used. Controlled braking systems ensure safe stopping of long or downhill conveyors, while couplings (high and low rpm) protect the drivetrain against torque peaks and misalignment. When an ultra-compact system is required or for severe applications with sustainable features, we have our Buel, performing exemplary and far superior to all competitors currently on the global market.
Q Do you carry out ongoing R&D into new designs for mining applications and where do you conduct application related test work?
Yes, Dellner Bubenzer continuously invests in research and development to further improve performance, safety and durability. Much of this development work takes place in our engineering centres and laboratories in Germany and Italy, supported by additional testing capabilities within the global group. These facilities include advanced brake and drivetrain test benches used to validate braking performance, thermal capacity, wear behaviour and operational reliability under simulated operating conditions. In addition, many solutions are developed in close collaboration with OEMs and mining operators, enabling validation directly in real field conditions.
Dellner Bubenzer SF-Series brake on downhill mining conveyor
Q What would you say are the standout attributes of your brakes and couplings in terms of safety, quality of products and materials; and inherent design?
Our key differentiators are based on three pillars. First, functional safety, with designs that meet the highest international standards and often include redundancy and monitoring features. Second, quality of materials and manufacturing, ensuring reliable operation in extremely demanding mining environments characterised by dust, vibration, heavy loads and intensive duty cycles. Third, robust engineering design, focusing on reliability, long service life and ease of maintenance. This results in equipment capable of operating for many years with minimal intervention.
Q Are you one of the premium suppliers with a higher initial cost but much better TCO?
Yes, we are generally positioned as a premium supplier. While the initial investment may be higher, our products are designed to deliver greater reliability, reduced maintenance requirements and longer service life. When evaluating the Total Cost of Ownership, including maintenance costs and unplanned downtime, our solutions often provide significant long-term economic advantages. That said, we offer a broad portfolio tailored to different application needs. This ranges from cost-effective models for low-duty applications in controlled environments to highly engineered solutions for precise and demanding use cases. All our products are thoroughly tested and proven reliable for their intended applications. In addition, we provide a wide range of customisation options – including controls, sensors, materials, and coatings – allowing our solutions to perform effectively even in the most challenging environments.
Q How important is mining as a market for DB in terms of revenue and sales and are your mining sales dominated by any particular regions? Do you supply the market direct or via dealers?
Mining is a strategic market segment for Dellner Bubenzer globally. We support projects in several regions in Brazil, where large-scale mining operations are concentrated. Depending on the region and application, we serve the market directly with end users and OEMs, or through specialised partners and distributors.
Screen from Dellner Bubenzer’s Belt Conveyor Control (BCC) 3000 system
Source: im-mining.com
