Metallic Couplings – Part 2

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. Some of the mechanical considerations when choosing a coupling include:  

  • Taking up misalignment between the motor output shaft and driven shaft
  • Preventing Torque overloads
  • Dampening vibration
  • Minimizing shock loading

In addition to being able to transmit higher torque levels, than elastomeric couplings, they are also capable of handling high speed applications. A typical example is a High-Speed Turbo Blower used for Aeration. Metallic couplings are designed for aligned shafts only and are also far more compact than elastomeric couplings.

Some of the considerations when choosing a metallic type coupling include torque level being transmitted, distance between the shafts being coupled and the shaft diameters. It is also always important and necessary to be aware of the type of chemicals in the area and determine the compatibility of the selected coupling with those chemicals.   While metallic couplings do not offer the amount of misalignment of an elastomeric coupling, flexible metallic couplings can accommodate a greater degree of misalignment than a metallic rigid coupling. Rigid metallic couplings can also eliminate the need for lubrication.   Note that all couplings should be guarded with a coupling guard. This will protect personnel from injury caused by contacting the coupling during operation.  

It’s important to note that while this article is specific to Wastewater applications, that 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.