Drive couplings are precision components that come in many guises. David Proud, general manager of Reich Drive Systems UK, provides guidance on how to specify the correct unit for the application.
Although an essential and integral part of drive trains, couplings are sometimes mistaken for a commodity product, or just something to connect the prime mover to the driven unit. In reality, however, drive couplings are high specification components, designed and manufactured to give reliable and safe operation in even the most demanding applications and environments.
Drive couplings are a key component in many different industry segments including power generation, automotive, marine and a broad range of industrial applications. With such a diverse range of industries, it’s not surprising that there is an equally diverse number of different coupling types to choose from. These are generally categorised as highly flexible, torsionally flexible or torsionally rigid variants.
suited to power generation applications
These are generally categorised as highly flexible, torsionally flexible or torsionally rigid variants.
Different industry sectors may require couplings with particular characteristics. For example in power generation, and depending on the specific application, designers can select from a wide range of Reich coupling types including highly flexible rubber couplings, highly flexible and torsionally soft couplings, torsionally flexible flange couplings and torsionally elastic claw couplings.
backlash free characteristics
Other applications may require torsionally rigid coupling types, such as Reich Kupplungen’s FlexDur FD-C-coupling. These are fl exible compensating couplings of an all-metallic design and which transmit the torque in a torsionally rigid and backlash-free manner. The transmission elements are disc packs, manufactured from stainless spring steel plates that are attached to the coupling components by close tolerance bolts.
Making the right choice pays dividends
Drive couplings vary greatly in their design and capabilities, so for any given application engineers must specify the drive coupling correctly to be sure of reliable, efficient, and in the more challenging applications, safe operation. A detailed review of what the coupling will be subjected to in use is an essential starting point.
Factors such as torque transmission, speed ranges, running start/stops and potential shock loadings are just some of the key elements in the selection of the coupling. However, you must also consider alignment between the various components, the environmental operating conditions (which could include high temperatures or moisture) and any additional maintenance requirements or restrictions.
There may also be potential limitations on available space, size or weight which will have to be taken into account. The prime mover, electric or hydraulic motor or diesel or gas engine, will also be influential in the specification and selection of the drive coupling.
Keep maintenance simple
From a maintenance perspective, the time required to remove or replace a coupling or any change parts should be a major consideration when selecting a drive coupling. Choosing a coupling that not only meets all the technical and application requirements, but is either maintenance-free or has the ability to have parts replaced in situ will bring significant benefits to uptime and efficiency.
If there is any doubt on the part of the individual responsible for specifying and selecting the coupling, seeking expert advice from the manufacturer will eliminate risks and assure longevity and reliability in operation. Reich Kupplungen has expertise in the design and manufacture of drive couplings for use across a wide range of industries and applications. The company embraces a D2C (design to customer) principle, which allows the creation of customised high-quality and long-lasting power transmission products in collaboration with the customer and their specific requirements.
Take the time to get it right, and the coupling will provide years of uninterrupted service, requiring little or no maintenance in its own right, while ensuring that mating components are protected from undue stresses and keeping downtime to a minimum.
Further information: Contact David Proud: +44(0) 161 714 4191
www.reich-uk.com