FEATURE CLUTCHES, BRAKES & COUPLINGS
The benefits of correct coupling selection Time spent evaluating and selecting the correct drive coupling for a specific
application can be frustrating, however the resultant benefits greatly outweigh the initial effort. David Proud, general manager of Reich Drive Systems UK, highlights the positive aspects of correct drive coupling selection
D
rive couplings are an essential, if not the most important, part of many
drive trains. Generally going unnoticed during day-to-day operation, it is only when things go wrong that the inquest begins into the cause of the failure, resulting in a search for a remedy to ensure the failure is not repeated. With drive trains that continue to operate reliably over extended periods, little thought will be given to the resultant and ongoing benefits being realised from the initial time spent during the specification and selection process.
BENEFITS FROM THE START The many benefits of correct drive coupling selection start to be realised as early as the installation phase. The right coupling will install and integrate easily and quickly, accommodating any angular, radial or axial misalignment between the input and output sides of the drive train. This, in itself, can save hours or even days of unproductive time trying to install a compromised solution. Once in operation, a correctly specified
coupling will never transmit or induce stress or fatigue to other parts of the drive train, maintaining a reliable method of transferring torque, whilst acting as a protective device. This is the foundation for high uptime performance within any installation. Having spent the time at the design stage ensuring that the coupling to be used is able to meet or exceed all of the technical and application specific criteria, you can then be rest assured that the coupling will also have the capacity to accommodate a level of unexpected deflection or increase in torque or speed, without failing whilst in service, providing that it is still operating within its initial design parameters. This ‘factor of safety’ built in through correct selection at the design stage will not only guarantee uptime, but also save many hours of unplanned remedial maintenance, and the costs of replacing an incorrectly specified coupling. Although often a very small part within a large installation, a correctly specified drive coupling will
provide years of uninterrupted service.
MEETING CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS Reich Kupplungen has a history spanning over 70 years, with expertise in the design and manufacture of drive couplings for use across a wide range of industries and applications. It is therefore happy to assist customers with the coupling selection process. The company also embraces a D2C
(design to customer) principle, which allows the creation of customised high-quality and long-lasting power transmission products in response to specific customer requirements.
Reich Drive Systems UK
www.reich-uk.com
ALUMINIUM FLAT FACE COUPLINGS OFFER BENEFITS TO MANUFACTURERS THAT USE LIQUID COOLING
More and more manufacturers are utilising liquid cooling because it transfers heat far more efficiently than air, thus helping to ensure the safe and effective operation of system components. Plastic couplings are often used here, however there can be disadvantageswith regard to reliability and longevity, states Eaton. To help, the company has introduced quick-disconnect aluminium flat face couplings designed for any manufacturer utilising liquid cooling in the electrical systems of their vehicles, machinery or equipment. According to the company, markets that will benefit include machine tools, transportation, renewable energy, and electrical and electronic applications. The flat face couplings offer
improved flow characteristics and, on average, help offer 29 to 62% higher flow than the requirements in the ISO 16028 standard. For customers, this means there are fewer pressure drops, which means greater cooling effectiveness. Traditional couplings used in these applications
30 JULY/AUGUST 2018 | DESIGN SOLUTIONS
have a tendency to exhibit technical issues in environments that feature vibration and heat, the company explains. In essence, the connection may break within those operating conditions. Eaton’s aluminium flat face couplings have been engineered to mitigate those factors, help secure the connection, and offer a minimum safety factor of four for a working pressure of 25 bar in operating environments with vibration and heat. Not only are the couplings a lightweight and corrosion-resistant solution, but they offer good resistance to environmental exposure, pressure and mechanical stress, delivering reduced maintenance and safer operations. In addition, aluminium flat face couplings offer non-spill functionality (dry break with no liquid loss) for use in electrical
applications. Options are available for railway applications
with an enhanced version for vibration resistance tested according to the EN 61373 standard.
Eaton
www.eaton.com
The ‘factor of safety’ built in through correct selection at the design stage will not only guarantee uptime, but also save many hours of unplanned remedial maintenance, and the costs of replacing an incorrectly specified coupling
FLEX ELEMENTS ADD
INSULATION PROTECTION TO CONNECTED COMPONENTS
With Zero-Max’s CD couplings, non-conductive flex elements mean electrical current can’t pass through. In addition, the coupling’s composite discs withstand temperatures from -40 to +70˚C, as well as moisture and chemicals. They also offer zero backlash, smooth operation at high speeds, compact size with a clamping system that fits most applications, and are beneficial for reversing loads. The couplings are available in a
variety of models and sizes, including custom designs.
Zero-Max
www.zero-max.com
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