Medium-to-High Power Water-Brake Platform

The NSW 11-inch water brake is intended for applications above the typical 9-inch operating range where increased torque absorption and working diameter are required.

It may be configured around single- or dual-rotor architecture depending on the required load capacity.

Selecting the Brake

The correct 11-inch configuration should be selected according to:

Maximum torque

Maximum horsepower

Maximum RPM

Test duration

Water-system capability

A water brake should never be selected solely according to peak horsepower.

Low-RPM torque can impose extremely high hydraulic and mechanical loads even when calculated horsepower remains moderate.

Pump Sizing

For larger NSW brakes, use the conservative design guideline:

Available pump capacity up to approximately 15 GPM per 100 HP at approximately 60 PSI.

Examples:

500 HP → approximately 75 GPM

750 HP → approximately 112.5 GPM

1,000 HP → approximately 150 GPM

These figures are intended for pump-system sizing and available capacity.

Actual flow through the absorber is controlled according to operating conditions.

Recommended Installation

NSW recommends:

dedicated water reservoir
high-capacity pump
pressure regulator
inlet pressure gauge
flow meter
appropriately sized load-control valve
unrestricted outlet plumbing
inlet and outlet temperature measurement

For repeated high-power testing, the recirculating system should include adequate cooling capacity.