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 The
S-Flex power transmission coupling goes beyond just being the
standard in typical pump applications and in the past 25 years
since the S-Flex was added to the coupling line up - it has served
well in many places.
Much like a jaw coupling, the S-Flex power transmission
coupling is simple in design. A standard coupling is comprised
of three components, two flanges and one sleeve. The sleeve is
in-shear between the two flanges, with teeth around its perimeter
which mate to corresponding teeth in the flanges similar to a
gear
coupling.
Torque is transmitted through the twisting of the elastomeric
sleeve. Here are several key features to this coupling which
translate into tangible benefits:
1) As with other elastomeric couplings,
it is maintenance-free and non-lubricated since the design is
double-engagement, it is very soft radially. It provides very
low reactionary loads when misaligned which protects bearings/shafts.
2) The torsionally soft design of an in-shear
elastomer helps to damp out most peak overloads and prevent vibratory
torque from going back to the driver.
3) The EPDM and Neoprene sleeves will twist
as much as 15° at full torque, Hytrel up to 7°.
4) The sleeve has a large open centre which
allows close positioning of the shafts.
5) The in-shear design allows the coupling
to act as a "fuse" to protect the driver and driven
from torque spikes or system overloads which might cause more
expensive damage than just a replacement sleeve. The torque overload
capacity of this coupling is only 3 or 4 times the rated torque
(the point at which the sleeve will tear, round-off the teeth,
or "pop out"), versus the 6 or 7 times seen in a jaw
coupling.
Where are typical
S-Flex applications?
» Where coupling alignment may be hard
to maintain over a period of time.
» The S-Flex is a somewhat forgiving coupling
and will not load the bearings due to misalignment. The sleeves
won't
last as long but the coupling doesn't
harm the equipment.
» Non-piloted pump applications, where
the motor and pump are on a base plate but there is no pump mounting
bracket involved.
» Closely coupled shafts.
» For shafts that are relatively small
for the torque loads, or the bearings are light duty.
In general, the S-Flex coupling will work well on electric motor
driven applications with uniform loads such as; centrifugal pumps,
blowers and fans, screw compressors, some conveyors, line shafts,
and vacuum pumps.
» More on S-Flex couplings...
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