PRODUCT NEWS
DRIVE COUPLINGS
REICH DRIVE SYSTEMS UK LIMITED
STAY ALIGNED TO AVOID PROBLEMS
IN THE DRIVE TRAIN
For drive couplings to be fully effective, it is
essential that not only is the correct type of
coupling specified for the application, but
that the coupling is also correctly installed
and aligned.
Although certain coupling types are designed
to accommodate some shaft misalignment
or displacement in service, like any other
piece of equipment, they do have limitations.
Failing to ensure that a coupling is properly
aligned, or has levels of misalignment outside
of the manufacturers specifications, will result
in premature failure of the coupling and
potentially other drive train components.
With a widely accepted figure of 50% of
rotating equipment failures attributed to
misalignment, David Proud of Reich Drive
Systems UK discusses the importance of
selecting the right coupling and also adhering
to manufacturers specifications.
The term coupling alignment is best
described as ensuring as far as possible, a
finely toleranced and common rotational
centreline between the shafts that are to
be coupled together. Achieving this will
allow them to transmit power efficiently and
operate reliably over extended periods.
There are a number of different types of
misalignment that can contribute to problems
within a drive train. These may include
angular, axial, radial or in extreme cases,
a combination of one or more alignment
issues. The reasons for misalignment can be
varied, ranging from gradual movement of
machinery over time or even just the fact that
the drive train was not properly aligned at the
time of installation.
As for any other piece of engineering
machinery, drive couplings should be
installed and maintained in line with the
original manufacturers recommendations.
Spending time ensuring that a drive
coupling has been correctly fitted and
aligned will pay dividends in the form of
long and reliable service. There are of course
a number of different methods of aligning
a drive coupling, ranging from using basic
tools such as straight edges and feeler
gauges, right through to sophisticated laser
alignment systems. The benefits of using
laser technology include the fact that many
laser shaft alignment systems utilise software
that can calculate accurate values for any
adjustments that need to be carried out to
achieve perfect alignment. At the end of
the day, the important factor is making sure
alignment is within specification, regardless
of the method used.
Misalignment outside of the coupling’s
specification will cause it to wear at an
accelerated rate. In addition there is the
potential for negative impact on other
components, for example bearings, causing
them to fail prematurely.
There may be instances however where
it is not possible to achieve perfect shaft
alignment and in cases such as this, the
choice may be to select a flexible coupling
such as Reich’s MULTI MONT SELLA. These
pluggable claw couplings have a long history,
having been field proven over a number of
decades. With the capability to compensate
for axial, radial and angular misalignments,
as well as absorb shocks and vibrations these
couplings can help to mitigate the effects of
alignment errors and vibration.
(Reich’s Multi Mont Sella is one of a range
of flexible caw couplings, which can help
mitigate the effects of shaft misalignment)
Additional benefits of this type of coupling
are the ease of assembly and alignment, their
maintenance free design and the capability
to change the flexible elements radially,
without the need to de-couple the drive train
elements.
With a history spanning over 70 years,
REICH-KUPPLUNGEN has built up unrivalled
expertise in the design and manufacture of
drive couplings for use across a wide range of
industries and applications. The company has
earned an enviable reputation not only for
the quality and performance of their product
range, but also for their ability to provide
application and customer specific solutions
through the company’s D2C (Design to
Customer) philosophy. Reich are also always
happy to provide advice on all aspects of
coupling selection and integration, including
recommendations on how best to avoid
issues from misalignment.
For more information please
contact:
Mr David Proud
General Manager
Reich Drive Systems UK Limited
Unit 4, Bankside Business Park
Coronation Street
Stockport
Cheshire
SK5 7PG
Telephone +44(0) 161 714 4191
Website - www.reich-uk.com
Issue 41 PECM
129