Flexible couplings – one size does not fit all

The primary purpose of any coupling is to join two shafts. Here we discuss linking a motor to a pump using a flexible coupling. Although rigid couplings could be used, flexible couplings both connect the two shafts and compensate for operating conditions like misalignment, vibration, load variations etc.

Flexible coupling types

Disc – Popular in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries. Often manufactured to API standards and available as standard, spark reduced or non-sparking. Long-lasting, all-metal construction with replaceable disc packs. High torques and good misalignment compensation. Maintenance-free.

Jaw – Cheap and simple, used in lower-cost, non-critical setups. Replaceable rubber elements and cast iron hubs. Non-lubricated and normally disposed of rather than maintained. Older technology.

Shear in place – Like Jaw but designed so the hubs are separated. In the event of an element failure, the driving hub disengages from the driven, spinning freely to avoid motor or pump damage. More expensive than Jaw initially but a better return in the long run with fast changeout of elements without the need to remove hubs.

Grid – Toothed hubs are joined by a hi-tensile metal grid element. Higher cost but excellent torque transmission in a compact unit. Grease-lubricated, so they require some ongoing checks. All metal construction. Grid elements can be changed without the need to remove hubs.

Gear – Gear teeth in the hubs engage with teeth in the housing/sleeve. Very high torque and excellent misalignment capability. All metal construction. Requires regular greasing and maintenance checks. Extremely high loads. Popular on larger, high torque drives.

Rubber in compression – Hard rubber elements are compressed into pockets of the flex half of the coupling. High load and excellent at absorbing vibration (eg. diesel motors). Intrinsically failsafe so also popular on fire pumps (if the elements fail, the coupling will still drive). Good choice for variable speed drives.

Tyre – Rubber tyre couplings are old technology, cumbersome and induce higher axial loads on bearings. However, the new technology using split urethane elements and variable spacer lengths, makes the “modern” tyre coupling one of the most versatile and economic of all of the above. Inert to water and resistant to many chemicals. Fast change out and excellent for non-standard DBSE length situations.

Choices, choices! So which coupling is “the right one”

The first step is understanding the parameters of your application. Speed, power, service factor, the distance between the shafts and any regulatory requirements (API, Atex, IECEx) must be clear before a selection can be made. Other factors like operating temperature, vibration and other maintenance requirements need also be considered. And of course, “overall” long-term cost. Be careful – price does not equal cost and with couplings, you get what you pay for. Deciding which of these factors is most important to you is key to making the right design selection. And that’s where Drive Systems can help.

Drive Systems is a specialty supplier of power transmission equipment with a particular interest in couplings for the pump industry. We keep good stocks of all the above types of couplings in industry-leading brands. You won’t have to “settle” for a particular type of coupling just because that’s the only one we have on the shelf.

Our experienced engineers will select the ideal coupling for your application based on what YOU need, not on what we’ve got. A proud member of the Pump Industry Association, Drive Systems is an Australian-owned and operated company that knows your industry.

This Sponsored Editorial is brought to you by Drive Systems. For more information, visit drivesystems.com.au.

Find Related Companies In The Pump Industry Capability Guide

WEG Australia Pty Ltd

United Pumps Australia

Welltech Total Water Management

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