Throughout a wastewater plant there are many applications that call for a coupling to be used between a pump and/or gearbox and a driven load. Before selecting a coupling there are some mechanical issues that need to be considered which include minimizing shock loading, dampening vibration, preventing torque overloads and correcting misalignment between shafts.
We will first look at elastomeric couplings and their inherent advantages. In addition to being lower cost than rigid metallic couplings, elastomeric couplings have the ability to handle high vibration applications such as pumps, compressors and agitators. The elastomeric insert allows for some degree of misalignment and the ability to lessen shock loading.
Some of the considerations when choosing an elastomeric type coupling include:
- Torque level being transmitted: Some very high torque applications are best handled by a metallic coupling.
- Distance between the shafts being coupled
- Shaft diameters
- Types of chemicals in the area – always check compatibility of coupling material with chemicals that are present.
- Ambient temperature
- Degree of misalignment
- Orientation of the shafts
It’s important to note that while this article is specific to Wastewater applications, these same parameters exist and are valid for all industrial applications.
The technical specialists at Flolo Corporation have an extensive knowledge of Mechanical Couplings and their application in the Wastewater industry as well as other industrial applications. Flolo personnel works extensively with both end users as well as equipment OEMs to provide a solid basis for selecting the right coupling for your application.
Next issue: Part 2 – Metallic – Couplings