When troubleshooting drawworks, you can check the water supply, the brakes, the oil, and other components for signs of wear or damage.
Water supply:
- Ensure that the auxiliary brake has enough water to cool it and work properly.
- Check for deposits or restrictions in the water flow.
- Pull the inlet water line to the main brakes and turn on the brake water pump.
- Check for pressure drop between the inlet and outlet.
Brakes:
- Check that the brake blocks are dry.
- Check that the brake bands are adjusted and in good condition.
- Check that the equalizer switches the load to the other band if one brake band fails.
- Ensure that the auxiliary braking system is working properly.
Oil:
- Check the oil reservoir with the dipstick periodically
- Make sure the oil spray nozzles aren’t blocked
- Use the right grade of oil if it needs topping up
Other components:
- Check for corrosion, deformation, loose or missing components, deterioration, and improper lubrication
- Check for visible external cracks
- Check for inadequate performance during operation
Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent drawworks from breaking down.
