Shaft Couplings are high-maintenance and downtime causing elements. New high-performance and 'no-lube' couplings offer a way out. This article deals with the benefits of the new high performance and no-lube couplings.UPGRADATION OF HIGH-SPEED MACHINE train to increase production, equipment reliability and mean time between failures is getting more common, due to severe global competition. Retrofitting no-lube disc or diaphragm couplings in place of lubricated couplings e.g., gear couplings is a step in this direction. The other advantages are absence of complex oil pumping systems, freedom from coupling guard oil leaks and the consequent wasted oil, housekeeping costs and most importantly freedom from fire hazards. Their inherent axial float (Box 1 describes axial floats of machine rotors) limiting capability is a bonus benefit. The power transmission element offers exponentially increasing flex spring opposing force with increasing axial displacement and thus limits it. Hence, separate float limiting components commonly necessary in other types of couplings is not necessary with most disc or diaphragm couplings.
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