Torque limiting technology safeguards high-torque mining drives

BMG has extended its power transmission portfolio to include Regal Rexnord Autogard torque limiters, which have been developed to protect machinery and enhance safety in demanding environments.

Autogard torque limiters provide mechanical protection for drive systems in many industries, including mining and quarrying, that operate under uneven torque loads, shock loads and overload conditions.

Autogard 820 Series torque limiters are particularly well suited in mining applications, like horizontal Semi-Autogenous Grinding (SAG) mills, where reliable power transmission is critical and where sudden jams or load fluctuations can cause significant damage to motors, gearboxes and couplings. In these challenging applications, torque limiters act as a protective interface, disconnecting the drive as soon as a preset torque threshold is exceeded.

Autogard torque limiters protect drive systems by mechanically disengaging when the torque limit is reached. Once the overload condition has cleared, operation can resume without damage to upstream components. This system reduces the risk of mechanical failure and limits unplanned downtime in continuous process operations.

In ball and SAG mill applications, uneven torque loads are unavoidable due to the crushing process itself. Autogard 820 Series torque limiters are designed for very high-torque drives in heavy-industry environments and provide bidirectional protection with a high degree of accuracy. The modular design allows trip torque capacity to be set to suit specific operating conditions, with repeatable disengagement in the event of overload. After a trip event, modules can be reset quickly using standard tools, allowing maintenance teams to restore operation with minimal delay.

“In many industries – including mining, cement, sugar milling, bulk materials handling, wineries and breweries – conveyor blockages and process surges are common,” says Carlo Beukes, Business Unit Manager for BMG’s Power Transmission division. “Autogard torque limiters efficiently protect high-value drive equipment against overload, preventing damage and minimising downtime in operations that depend on continuous production.”

Unlike conventional shear pins or friction-based devices, the Autogard system offers repeatable disengagement accuracy, with low maintenance requirements. Torque capacities across the range extend from approximately 3 Nm to 45 000 Nm and are suitable for light, medium and heavy-duty applications, including conveyors, crushers, mixers and process machinery. Units can be installed in standard shaft or coupling configurations in both new installations and retrofit projects.

BMG’s Regal Rexnord power transmission components also include industrial gear units, low-speed backstops, idlers, couplings, bearings and shaft locking assemblies. Other important components are Falk True Hold low speed backstops and Rexnord Omega and Viva elastomeric couplings.

BMG’s power transmission specialists provide support throughout the specification and implementation process, including sizing, alignment and commissioning assistance. This technical solutions capability is enhanced by the company’s established branch network, ensuring ongoing service for critical drive components in the field.