Selection of Coupling

Proper selection as to type of coupling is the first step of good maintenance. A well chosen coupling will operate with low cross loading of the connected shafts, have lower power absorption, induce no harmful vibrations or resonance into the system, and have negligible maintenance costs. The primary consideration in selecting the correct type of coupling, as well as its size and style are

1. Type of driving and driven equipment 2. Torsion characteristics 3. Minimum and maximum torque 4. Normal and maximum rotating speeds 5. Shaft sizes 6. Span or distance between shaft ends 7. Changes in span due to thermal growth, racking of the bases, or axial movements of the connected shafts during operation. 8. Equipment position (horizontal, inclined or vertical) 9. Ambient conditions (dry, wet, corrosive, dust, or grit) 10. Bearing locations 11. Cost (initial coupling price, installation, maintenance, and replacement)

The coupling should be conservatively selected for torque involved. Consideration must be given to all peak loads and shock loads encountered in normal service. If the coupling is to operate at high speeds, it should be dynamically balanced. Special coupling modifications dictated by the connected equipment should be made. If any doubt exists as to proper type or size of coupling to use, it is recommended that the manufacturer be consulted. Most manufacturers are usually qualified to make recommendations and assist in the coupling procurement.

GENERAL SELECTION CRITERIA:

TORQUE

The vendor shall furnish couplings with the maximum practical service factor, considering torque transmitted by the coupling, overhung movement, speed, and lubrication. Unless otherwise specified, the coupling, coupling-to-shaft junctures, and machinery shafting shall be capable of continuos operation at a torque determined by following equation (I) or (II), using an experience factor of 1.75. The purchaser will specify the expected magnitude, nature, and number of occurrences of transients to which the coupling will be subjected in service. The coupling, coupling-to-shaft juncture and shafting shall be capable of transmitting 115 percent of the purchaser-specified maximum transient torque without damage. The vendor shall state the coupling design rating (in horsepower per 100 revolutions per minute). The coupling size selection shall be submitted to the purchaser of approval.

Ts= 63,025 X Pnormal X SF -------------------------- - Eq. (I) Nnormal

In SI Units, Ts= 9549 X Pnormal X SF ------------------------- - Eq. (II) Nnormal Where: Ts = torque used to make the coupling selection, in inch-pounds (joules) Pnormal = input power required by the driven machine at the specified normal operating point, in horsepower (kilowatts) Nnormal = speed corresponding to the normal power, in revolution per minute

SF = experience factor derived from various modes of off-design operation that may result from such factors as a change in the density of the pumped fluid (molecular weight, temperature or pressure variation), unequal load sharing, fouling, and driver output at maximum conditions.

Note: Should reasonable attempts to achieve the specified experience factor fail to result in a coupling weight and subsequent overhung moment commensurate with the requirement for rotor dynamics of the connected machines, a lower factor may be selected by mutual agreement of the purchaser and the vendor. The selected value shall not be less than 1.25.