Introduction to Couplings

The Basics.

© John Crane

(2012)
Basic Function Of A Coupling?

▪ Connect two machine shafts

▪ Transmit torque

A coupling is a device used to

connect two shafts together at
their ends for the purpose of
transmitting power

© John Crane

(2012)
Why Flexible Couplings?

Misalignment & Vibratory loads exist

So our Coupling needs too:

▪ Connect two machine shafts
▪ Transmit torque
▪ Accommodate misalignment
▪ Absorb shock loads

© John Crane

(2012)
Axial Misalignment.

Axial Misalignment

Driver Driven

© John Crane

(2012)
Angular Misalignment.

Angular Misalignment

Driver Driven
© John Crane

(2012)
Lateral Misalignment.

Lateral Offset Misalignment

Driver Driven

© John Crane

(2012)
Misalignment.

Can occur Individually or as a combination

End float
Axial

Angular

Lateral

© John Crane

(2012)
Misalignment Is Always There !

▪ Initial residual alignment

▪ Thermal expansions
• Axial
• Vertical
• Horizontal
▪ Pipe strain
▪ Clearance or float in bearings
• Axial end float
• radial
▪ Foundation movements
• Earthquakes

© John Crane

(2012)
That’s Why We Need A Flexible Coupling.

Driven Coupling Driver

Flexible Coupling
© John Crane

(2012)
John Crane Portfolio

© John Crane

(2012)
 = Safety & Reliability

▪ Fit and Forget

▪ Overload Protection
▪ Anti-Fly Retention
▪ Low Imposed Loads
▪ Zero Maintenance
▪ Standards Features
▪ No Backlash
▪ Spark resistant
▪ Shrouded Design
▪ Electrical Insulation

© John Crane

(2012)
 Applications Overview

Coupling Market

General Industrial Critical Industrial API Pumps Turbo Machinery

A C & L Series L & T Series T & M Series H Series

Boiler feed pumps Process Pumps

Large offsite pumps Low speed
Small offsite pumps compressors Compressors
Industrial Compressors
Chemical pumps Industrial Gas
▪ Screw/ Lobe Turbines
Low duty mechanical ▪ Vacuum
drives High speed
Any mechanical drive steam turbines

© John Crane

(2012)
General Industrial applications.

© John Crane

(2012)
Industrial Applications - Vertical

C Series

Specification. Metric Imperial

12 sizes from: 1125 to 10500
Torques to: 12.7 KN-m 113 lbf-in x 10³
Speeds to: 3,600 rpm
Shaft Ø to: 265 mm 10.5 in
Standards: John Crane Std
API 610

© John Crane

(2012)
Insert & Membrane
Membrane Shapes

A Series L Series
[Inserts] [disc]

© John Crane

(2012)
General Industrial Applications

L Series
A Series

Specification. Metric Imperial Specification. Metric Imperial

9 sizes from: 00 to 08 19 sizes from: 0007 to 9025
Torques to: 17.2 KN-m 152 lbf-in x 10³ Torques to: 238 KN-m 2106 lbf-in x 10³
Speeds to: 16,000 rpm Speeds to: 7,000 rpm
Shaft Ø to: 155 mm Shaft Ø to: 350 mm 13.62 in
Standards: John Crane Std Standards: DIN /ISO ATEX 95

© John Crane

(2012)
A Series Close Coupled

Insert Retaining Ring

Close Close
Coupled Coupled
Hub Hub

© John Crane

(2012)
Hub

© John Crane

(2012)
Retaining Ring

Retaining Ring

Retaining Ring
Screws
Centrifugal
Force

Axial Forces

Alignment Heat = Energy

Slots

© John Crane

(2012)
Critical Industrial Applications

© John Crane

(2012)
Membrane
Membrane Shapes
Shapes

L Series T Series M Series

[disc] [disc] [diaphragm style]

© John Crane

(2012)
Critical Industrial Applications

L Series TSR/ TLR Series

Specification. Metric Imperial Specification. Metric Imperial

19 sizes from: 0007 to 9025 25 sizes from: 0033 to 9033
Torques to: 238 KN-m 2106 lbf-in x 10³ Torques to: 315 KN-m 2787 lbf-in x 10³
Speeds to: 7,000 rpm Speeds to: 6,400 rpm
Shaft Ø to: 350 mm 13.62 in Shaft Ø to: 340 mm 13.38 in
Standards: DIN /ISO ATEX 95 Standards: John Crane Std

© John Crane

(2012)
L Series Coupling

Membrane Packs

Drive
Standard Bolts
Hub

Spacer

Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability

1 2 membrane banks Lateral, angular & axial misalignment P
2 Alternating fastening at each end Drive through membranes for flexibility P
3 Black Finish ! Corrosion protection P
© John Crane

(2012)
L Series Anti Fly

▪ Fitted to all Metastream couplings, which provides the first level protection
against torque overload, and in the unlikely event of membrane failure, due to
higher than recommended misalignments, will ensure the spacer is centered on
it's rotational centre.

Overload
Collar

Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability

6 Overload collar Anti fly Safety & overload protection P
15 Silver looking overload collars Monel material for spark resistance P
© John Crane

(2012)
L Series Membrane Unit Construction

Membranes

Sleeve

Spacer
Washer

Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability

5 Membrane pack Simpler assembly & better reliability P
© John Crane

(2012)
L Series Profiled Washer

Profiled

Sleeve

Spacer
Washer
Membranes

Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability

7 Profiled washers Low stress and longer life P
© John Crane

(2012)
L Series Inherent Balance

▪ All parts are fully machined to high tolerances to

ensure the coupling has a high level of integral
balance.
▪ The coupling meets AGMA 9000 class 8

Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability

13 Symmetrical construction Balance integrity to meet AGMA class 8 P
© John Crane

(2012)
TSR Coupling Construction

Split
Spacer

Standard
Hub
Stripper
Bolts
Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability
16 Reverse hubs Short DBSE, with options on hub fitting configurations Standard
17 Split spacer Assembly, fitting and insitu replacement of membranes Standard

© John Crane

(2012)
Options –To accommodate DBSE Variation

TSRC

TSRH

TSRS

© John Crane

(2012)
API Applications

© John Crane

(2012)
API Applications

TSK Series TLK Series M Series

Specification. Metric Imperial Specification. Metric Imperial

20 sizes from: 0013 to 9049 17 sizes from: 0003 to 9010
Torques to: 470 KN-m 4142 lbf-in x 10³
Torques to: 96 KN-m 849 lbf-in x 10³
Speeds to: 25,000 rpm
Speeds to: 24,000 rpm
Shaft Ø to: 580 mm 22.83 in
Shaft Ø to: 300 mm 11.81 in
Standards: ISO 13709 (API610)
Standards: ISO 13709 (API 610)
ISO 10441 (API 671)

© John Crane

(2012)
API Applications – Imperial

TSC Series TLC Series

Specification. Metric Imperial

26 sizes from: 0013 to 9049
Torques to: 470 KN-m 4141 lbf-in x 10³
Speeds to: 25,500 rpm
Shaft Ø to: 580 mm 22.83 in
Standards: ISO 13709 (API610)
ISO 10441 (API 671)

© John Crane

(2012)
T Series Coupling

Large
Standard
Hub
Hub

Stripper
Bolts
Transmission Unit

Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability

1 2 membrane banks Lateral, angular & axial misalignment P
2 Alternating fastening at each end Drive through membranes for flexibility P
3 Black Finish ! Corrosion protection P
14 Large & standard hub Maximise hub boss diameter to max bore Standard
18 Screw driver slots Release the spigot fit, and aid assembly Standard

© John Crane

(2012)
T Series Membrane Material

▪ John Crane use a special grade of AISI 301 half hard, which has been tested
thoroughly and proved to be the best material to resist fatigue and fretting, which
ultimately gives the long life.
▪ Other manufacturers use alternative lower cost stainless steels, which is not as
good at resisting fatigue.

Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability

9 Silver looking membranes Stainless steel for corrosion resistance P

© John Crane

(2012)
T Series Membrane

▪ Invented by Metastream in the 1970s, to give the optimum shape, for low stress, and
minimum reaction forces due to misalignment.
▪ This ensures the bearings are no overloaded and vibrations are kept to a minimum:
▪ Life of the coupling enhanced
▪ Life of the bearings
▪ Reliable rotating assembly.

Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability

7 Scolloped membranes Low stiffness and optimised stresses P
© John Crane

(2012)
T Series Pre-stretch

▪ A very important feature to improve life.

▪ This ensures the leading links do not bow when subjected to torque:
▪ Preventing high bending loads around the edge of the washers
▪ Critical to ensuring minimum stress at this point.

Tension²
Tension

© John Crane

(2012)
T Series Pre-stretch

Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability

17 Prestretch Reliability and bow free compression link P
© John Crane

(2012)
Membrane Fatigue Failure Mode

Failure Occurs
at Edge of
Washer

© John Crane

(2012)
T Series Profiled Washer

▪ A critical area of the design, where we have optimized the profile to give minimum
stress.
Life

Maximum Life

Washer Radius

Optimum Radius

Washer Radius

Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability

6 Profiled washers Low stress and longer life P
© John Crane

(2012)
T Series Anti-Fly

▪ Fitted to all Metastream couplings, which provides the first level protection
against torque overload, and in the unlikely event of membrane failure, due to
higher than recommended misalignments, will ensure the spacer is centered on
it's rotational centre.
▪ This is backed up by an anti-fly spigot on the guard ring of course, as specified by
API 610, and ISO 13709.

Overload
Collar

Anti fly
Spigot
Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability
5 Overload collar Anti fly Safety & overload protection P
11 Anti fly spigot Safety to meet API 610 P
19 Silver looking overload collars Monel material for spark resistance P P
© John Crane

(2012)
T Series Inherent Balance

▪ All parts are fully machined to high tolerances to

ensure the coupling has a high level of integral
balance.
▪ The coupling meets AGMA 9000 class 9, which is
a prerequisite of API 610

Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability

10 Symmetrical construction Balance integrity to meet AGMA class 8 P
20 Spigot and recess fit Balance integrity to meet AGMA class 9 P

© John Crane

(2012)
M Series Coupling Construction
Stripper
Bolts
Large
Hub

Transmission Unit

Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability

1 2 membrane banks Lateral, angular & axial misalignment P
2 Black Finish ! Corrosion protection P
11 Large & standard hub Maximise hub boss diameter to max bore Standard
12 Lock washers Prevents Vibration loosening P P
13 Screw driver slots Release the spigot fit, and aid assembly Standard

© John Crane

(2012)
M Series Membrane Material

▪ John Crane use a special grade of AISI 301 half hard, which has been tested
thoroughly and proved to be the best material to resist fatigue and fretting, which
ultimately gives the long life.
▪ The couplings have proven MTBF in excess of 50 years.
▪ Other manufacturers use alternative lower cost stainless steels, which is not as
good at resisting fatigue.

Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability

4 Silver looking membranes Stainless steel for corrosion resistance P
© John Crane

(2012)
M Series Membrane Unit

Bearing

Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability

3 Membrane Units Simpler assembly & better reliability P
6 Anti fly bearing Safety and spin free operation P
10 Anti fly spigot Safety to meet API 610 P

© John Crane

(2012)
M Series Membrane

▪ Diaphragm style unique to John Crane

▪ Torque transmitted in shear across each spoke
▪ Disconnects drive
Torque applied

Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability

9 Spoke form membrane Drive through membranes for flexibility P P
© John Crane

(2012)
M Series Disconnect

Membrane Failure Disconnects drive

Driven Shaft Drive Shaft

Safety Bush
Retains Spacer.
© John Crane

(2012)
M Series Anti-Fly

▪ As the M Series Coupling disconnects the drive, there is:

• No risk on the coupling trying to continue the torque transmission after
membrane failure.
• Protection of the associated machines preventing shaft failure.
• Protection of the bearings.
• Easy method of detecting a problem. - no drive no flow.
• Low risk of a coupling flying out - Bearing built in.

© John Crane

(2012)
Inherent Balance - Reliability

▪ All parts are fully machined to high tolerances to

ensure the coupling has a high level of integral
balance.
▪ The coupling meets AGMA 9000 class 9, which is
a prerequisite of API 610

Ref Feature Benefit Safety Reliability

5 Symmetrical construction Balance integrity to meet AGMA class 8 P P
14 Spigot and recess fit Balance integrity to meet AGMA class 9 P

© John Crane

(2012)
Turbo Machinery

© John Crane

(2012)
Turbo Machinery

H*FE Series H*RE Series H*CE Series

Specification. Metric Imperial

102 sizes from: 0074 to 0485
Torques to: 579 KN-m 4639 lbf-in x 10³
Speeds to: 39,000 rpm
Shaft Ø to: 430 mm 17.92 in
Standards: ISO 10441 (API 671)

© John Crane

(2012)
 Turbo Machinery

Specification. Metric Imperial H*FE Series

41 sizes from: 0074 to 0485
Torques to: 579 KN-m 4639 lbf-in x 10³
Speeds to: 28,300 rpm
Shaft Ø to: 430 mm 17.92 in
Standards: ISO 10441 (API 671)

Specification. Metric Imperial

41 sizes from: 0074 to 0485
Torques to: 579 KN-m 4639 lbf-in x 10³
Speeds to: 37,700 rpm
H*RE Series Shaft Ø to: 430 mm 17.92 in
Standards: ISO 10441 (API 671)

Specification. Metric Imperial

20 sizes from: 0240 to 9017
Torques to: 216 KN-m 1911 lbf-in x 10³
Speeds to: 39,000 rpm
Shaft Ø to: 205 mm 8.00 in
H*CE Series
Standards: ISO 10441 (API 671)
© John Crane

(2012)
H Series - overview

▪ Extensive High Performance Coupling experience

• Over 30,000 HP operating couplings
▪ Fully complies to ISO10441 / API 671 for critical coupling applications.
▪ Standard axial shim design
▪ Standard spark resistant design - future
▪ The standard materials of construction make it suitable to operate down to -55º C
▪ Options for large shafts, spark resistant, torque limiting, electrical insulation, torque
or alignment monitoring, very high torques, axial limitation.

© John Crane

(2012)
Typical Applications

42 MW at 1500 rpm
31 MW at 3600 rpm

8.3 MW at 750 rpm

36 MW at 1500 rpm
5 MW at 10500 rpm

© John Crane

(2012)