Strengthen Maintenance Programs and Boost Backstop Reliability
Published by Kristian Ilasko,
Digital Content Coordinator
Global Mining Review,
Backstops play a vital role in preventing reverse rotation and protecting equipment during load changes or power loss. When a backstop degrades unnoticed, the consequences can extend beyond the component itself, impacting entire drivetrains and disrupting production. Traditional inspections remain important, but on their own they may not always reveal early-stage issues. Subtle changes inside competitor oil-lubricated backstops such as lubrication breakdown, internal friction, or developing wear can occur long before visible symptoms appear. Temperature changes are often among the earliest indicators of these conditions, making thermal monitoring a valuable addition to a preventative maintenance program.
Thermal imaging provides a practical, non-invasive way to monitor backstop condition by visualizing heat patterns and trends during operation. By identifying abnormal temperatures early, maintenance teams can address potential issues before they affect performance. This shifts maintenance from a reactive model to a proactive one enabling planned interventions, improved scheduling, and better prioritization of maintenance resources.
U.S. Tsubaki supports this approach by providing a Thermal Imaging Survey, free of charge, designed to help maintenance teams determine the current health of an installed backstop. From this survey temperature data from backstops across multiple assets can be determined, providing consistent visibility into operating conditions. To best support maintenance planning, documenting trends over time through yearly surveys will enable data-backed decisions around service intervals, inspections, and component replacement.
The survey establishes a performance baseline that can be referenced throughout the year. With this baseline in place, maintenance teams are better equipped to identify deviations from normal operating conditions and take corrective action early.
For operations beginning the year with maintenance planning and budgeting, this level of insight is especially valuable. Instead of reacting to unexpected failures, teams can focus attention where thermal data indicates the highest risk. This not only reduces downtime but also supports longer backstop and equipment life by addressing issues before damage accelerates.
Thermal imaging also delivers value beyond backstops. When used as part of a broader condition monitoring strategy, it can reveal issues before they lead to costly downtime. Digital tools simplify data collection and reporting, while improving consistency and traceability across maintenance programs.
The start of a new year is an ideal time for mining operations to reassess maintenance strategies and adopt technologies that improve predictability and long-term performance. Proactive thermal imaging supports safer operations, more effective planning, and reduced unplanned shutdowns.
By building a reliable maintenance program that incorporates preventative tools like thermal imaging, mining companies can protect critical assets, extend equipment and backstop life, and keep operations running smoothly throughout the year.
To further assist customers in strengthening their maintenance programs, U.S. Tsubaki offers a no cost backstop survey and training program. This on-site service evaluates equipment utilizing backstops and clutches and includes a thermal imaging assessment. The program also provides formal training for maintenance personnel and a live demonstration of the Thermal Imaging App, helping teams understand how we collect, interpret, and apply thermal data effectively. Sign up for your own no cost survey or learn more about the Thermal Imaging application by clicking here.
For more information on our clutch product offerings and specifications or to view the Clutch Catalog, visit ustsubaki.com. Our team of experts is invested in your success and here to help you find the solutions that keep things moving safely and efficiently.
Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/special-reports/20022026/strengthen-maintenance-programs-and-boost-backstop-reliability/
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