Shaft power components


Quick-Flex drive couplings

4th Quarter 2017 Shaft power components

BMG’s Timken Quick-Flex couplings are designed to transmit torque from a driving shaft to a driven shaft and to accommodate shaft misalignment within the drive. These maintenance-free couplings also dampen vibration and torque fluctuations and smooth torsional shock loads.

“An advantage over conventional units is direct replacement with virtually all comparable sized couplings. Quick-Flex couplings require no lubrication and are also easy to install and maintain,” says Carlo Beukes, general manager, power transmission. “Due to the high torque capacity of this range, the selected QF solution is often smaller than the replaced coupling. This leads to a major weight saving on the drive and also reduces stress on other components. These couplings are ideal for heavy startups of shock loads because they have an impact load capacity in excess of 200% of the maximum torque rating.”

Timken Quick-Flex couplings consist of two steel coupling hubs which are attached to the drive and driven shaft. A urethane element wraps around the two hubs and provides an effective drive mechanism. The only spare part required is a standby element that can be quickly changed when necessary. The cover, which secures the insert in place, can be installed on either side of a standard coupling hub and will not move under misalignment.

Once the two coupling hubs, insert and cover have been installed and aligned for the first time, the coupling hubs do not need to be moved again for the life of the equipment. Unlike a standard jaw-type or gear coupling, there is no metal to metal contact between the hubs. This prevents any possible damage to the ironware during an element failure. The urethane insert can be easily changed without moving the hubs or shafts and no re-alignment of components is necessary.

Inserts, which are resistant to chemicals, are manufactured from different grades of urethane to suit various industries. The red insert is made from relatively soft urethane and is suitable for most high speed applications with high levels of vibration. This insert is also designed for quick starting and stopping of high inertial loads and for reversing applications.

Quick-Flex couplings, with the stiffer blue insert for higher torque applications, can withstand operation in temperatures between -50 and 100°C and are an efficient replacement for gear, disk or grid style couplings. White inserts are manufactured from a heat resistant urethane compound for high torque, high temperature applications up to 177°C. Couplings with the black insert can withstand extremely high torque requirements, replacing gear style couplings.

Quick-Flex couplings are compatible with shaft sizes from 10 to 286 mm and can accommodate a wide speed range – from below 100 rpm, to 12 000 rpm. Torque ratings range from 43 Nm to 188 795 Nm, depending on the selected element and cover design.

The flexibility of this design makes these couplings suitable for many applications, from high speed/low torque/excessive vibration drives to a low speed/high torque application. These couplings accept angular misalignment up to 2° and parallel shaft displacement up to 1 mm. Timken Quick-Flex couplings are used in diverse applications, including hydraulics, pumps, gearboxes, compressors, vibrator screens and fans. Through BMG’s assistance with careful and accurate product selection, correct installation and appropriate care of couplings, substantial savings can be made in reduced maintenance costs and minimal downtime.

For more information contact Carlo Beukes, BMG, +27 (0)11 620 1500 [email protected], www.bmgworld.net



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