The BCS 600 is a self-contained hydraulic brake control and monitoring system from RINGSPANN (SIAM RINGSPANN) that transforms the open-loop hydraulic power unit into a closed-loop controlled braking system. Housed in a two-cabinet assembly — upper cabinet for electrical control with integral touch panel, lower cabinet for the hydraulic power pack — the BCS 600 manages both hydraulically released (spring-applied, fail-safe) and hydraulically activated brake calipers. Three operator-selectable braking strategies are available: stopping within a pre-set distance, decelerating at a defined rate, or completing the stop within a specified time. The system continuously monitors rotational speed, hydraulic pressure, oil temperature, spring package force, and brake pad gap, with configurable warning and fault thresholds.

How does the PI control architecture deliver controlled braking?

Three independently tunable PI (Proportional-Integral) controllers execute the braking strategy. The pressure controller regulates hydraulic pressure to the brake caliper — for example at P-gain 1.5 bar/bar and I-gain 0.2 bar/(bar·s) — to apply the commanded braking force. The speed controller (typical P-gain 1.0 bar/rpm, I-gain 1.0 bar/(rpm·s)) modulates pressure to follow a deceleration ramp. Where a torque sensor is fitted, the torque controller provides the most direct braking force regulation. The operator selects the primary control mode; the others serve as limit monitors. Periodic light braking cycles can be scheduled to clean the brake disc surface, maintaining consistent friction characteristics.

What safety provisions does the BCS 600 include?

The system is engineered for applications where braking failure is catastrophic — mining conveyor belts carrying ore, elevator car drives with personnel onboard, hoists suspending heavy loads. Spring package force is continuously monitored; if spring force degrades below the configurable fault threshold, the BCS 600 triggers an immediate controlled stop. An optional uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides at least 3 minutes of full braking capability during mains failure — sufficient for one complete controlled braking cycle to bring the load to a safe stop. A second BCS 600 can be installed in redundant configuration, with each unit capable of independently executing the braking sequence if the other fails. All operating data, events, and alarm transitions are permanently logged for forensic analysis.