EQUIPMENT

COUPLINGS

TRAINING MANUAL
Course EXP-PR-EQ185
Revision 0.1
 Exploration & Production
Equipment
Couplings

EQUIPMENT
COUPLINGS

CONTENTS

1. OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................................3
2. WHAT ARE COUPLINGS USED FOR? ..........................................................................4
3. THE DIFFERENT TYPE OF COUPLINGS ......................................................................5
3.1. RIGID COUPLINGS ..................................................................................................5
3.1.1. Sleeved rigid couplings......................................................................................5
3.1.2. Split rigid couplings ...........................................................................................6
3.1.3. Flanged rigid couplings......................................................................................6
3.2. FLEXIBLE COUPLINGS ...........................................................................................7
3.2.1. Internal teeth flexible couplings .........................................................................7
3.2.2. Diaphragm flexible couplings.............................................................................7
3.2.3. Chain flexible couplings.....................................................................................8
3.3. ELASTIC COUPLINGS .............................................................................................9
3.3.1. Elastic coupling with pressure elements............................................................9
3.3.2. PAULSTRA elastic coupling ............................................................................10
3.3.3. Elastic couplings with shear elements .............................................................11
3.4. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES ................12
3.4.1. Rigid couplings ................................................................................................12
3.4.1.1. Sleeved couplings ......................................................................................12
3.4.1.2. Split couplings ............................................................................................12
3.4.1.3. Flange couplings ........................................................................................13
3.4.2. Flexible couplings ............................................................................................13
3.4.2.1. Internal tooth couplings ..............................................................................13
3.4.2.2. Diaphragm couplings .................................................................................13
3.4.2.3. Chain couplings..........................................................................................14
3.4.3. Elastic couplings..............................................................................................14
4. MAINTENANCE.............................................................................................................15
5. GLOSSARY ...................................................................................................................16
6. LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................17

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1. OBJECTIVES
Aim of the present course is to allow the future operator to understand the basic
mechanical principles of couplings,

At the end of this course, the attendee would be able to:

Explain functions of couplings

Enumerate the different types of couplings encountered on site

List the different applications

Expose the working principles of couplings

Enumerate the materials and systems used with couplings

List advantages and disadvantages of each different type of coupling

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Couplings

2. WHAT ARE COUPLINGS USED FOR?

Figure 1: Coupling between an engine and a machine

A coupling is a mechanical component which

connects a drive motor (electric motor, diesel
engine, turbine) to a driven machine (pump,
compressor, alternator, generator).

Figure 2: Disk coupling

They are designed to transmit rotational

mechanical power between aligned shafts.

Figure 3: Flexible coupling

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3. THE DIFFERENT TYPE OF COUPLINGS

3.1. RIGID COUPLINGS

They provide continuous power transmission. The two shafts must be perfectly aligned
during machine operation.

There are several types of rigid couplings:

sleeved rigid couplings

split rigid couplings

flanged rigid couplings

3.1.1. Sleeved rigid couplings

The ends of the shafts are adjusted

in a sleeve then pinned.

Figure 4: Sleeved rigid coupling

This type of coupling is used when

the torque is low, otherwise the pins
are supplemented by keying.

Figure 5: Sleeved rigid

coupling (2)

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3.1.2. Split rigid couplings

It consists of two shells pressed onto the two shaft ends by bolts.

The drive is generated by adhesion.

Figure 6: Split rigid coupling

3.1.3. Flanged rigid couplings

The flanges are embedded into the ends of the

shafts.

by the use of keying is mandatory on each of

the two flanges .

The two flanges are positioned opposite each

other and fit into each other. The assembly is
maintained in place by bolts.

Figure 7: Flanged rigid coupling

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3.2. FLEXIBLE COUPLINGS

They are used to continuously transmit rotational power between two ALIGNED shafts and
by retaining the torsional rigidity.

There are several types of flexible couplings:

internal teeth flexible couplings

diaphragm flexible couplings

chain flexible couplings

3.2.1. Internal teeth flexible couplings

The flanges are gears which are integral with the shafts to be coupled.

Figure 8: "NTS" internal tooth flexible coupling

3.2.2. Diaphragm flexible couplings

The flexible element is a deformable diaphragm but which has a torsional rigidity. This
diaphragm is made of sheet metal or plastic.

The coupling consists of two flanges and of one or more diaphragms positioned as
required and linked to the two flanges by a screw.

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Figure 9: Example of a diaphragm flexible coupling

3.2.3. Chain flexible couplings

Each of the flanges forms a gear. The

connection between the two flanges is by a
double chain.

Figure 10: Chain flexible coupling

Figure 11: Example of a chain flexible coupling

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3.3. ELASTIC COUPLINGS

They are used to continuously transmit rotational power between two ALIGNED shafts by
taking up the torque variations.

The elastic element is placed between two flanges respectively connected to the two
shafts to be coupled. The deformation of the elastic element compensates for the
misalignments due to assembly defects. It regulates the torque by absorbing the
overloads, damping the vibrations and providing smooth starting.

The elastic element is made of materials such as rubber, elastomer, or a metal spring.

There are several types of elastic couplings:

elastic couplings with pressure elements

PAULSTRA elastic couplings

elastic couplings with shear elements

3.3.1. Elastic coupling with pressure elements

This type of coupling is designed to compensate the

axial displacements and to damp the shocks in the
transmission.

Figure 12: Elastic coupling with pressure elements

If the shafts are misaligned, the elastic parts will

quickly wear.

Figure 13: Example of an elastic coupling with

pressure elements

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3.3.2. PAULSTRA elastic coupling

Figure 14: PAULSTRA elastic coupling

It consists of two hubs, each with three radial arms. The elastic connection is provided by
a hexagonal-shaped rubber ring.

This ring is pre-stressed in compression during assembly to prevent tensile stress during
operation.

This type of coupling has a very high axial and conical torsional elasticity.

Figure 15: Example of a PAULSTRA elastic coupling

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3.3.3. Elastic couplings with shear elements

Figure 16: Elastic coupling with shear elements

They continuously transmit power between two ALIGNED shafts and regulate the machine
pulses.

Figure 17: Example of an elastic coupling with shear elements

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3.4. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES

3.4.1. Rigid couplings

3.4.1.1. Sleeved couplings

Disadvantages Advantages

The two shafts are only centred relative to Simplicity and low cost
each other if they have strictly the same
diameters Highly resistant

Imbalance due to the heel Very tolerant of the relative axial positioning
of the two shafts and the sleeved coupling
One of the shafts can only be uncoupled
and moved radially if the other can receive
the complete coupling

Assembly and disassembly is made difficult

due to the presence of gib-head keys

3.4.1.2. Split couplings

Disadvantages Advantages

Imbalance if the coupling shells are castings Shaft assembly, disassembly and radial
displacement very easy
The coupling is only correct if the shafts
have strictly the same diameters Very tolerant concerning the relative axial
positioning of the two shafts

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3.4.1.3. Flange couplings

Disadvantages Advantages

Disassembly is very difficult Low axial dimensions

Uncoupling or disassembly of one of the Very robust

shafts requires an axial displacement

3.4.2. Flexible couplings

3.4.2.1. Internal tooth couplings

Disadvantages Advantages

High cost price Compensates for misalignment

Assembly operation demands great care Maintenance-free once installed

Sealing

3.4.2.2. Diaphragm couplings

Disadvantages Advantages

High resistance to torsion

Very reliable

Maintenance-free

Easy to install

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3.4.2.3. Chain couplings

Disadvantages Advantages

High maintenance when steel chains are

used

3.4.3. Elastic couplings

Disadvantages Advantages

Rapid wear if misaligned Wide range of types of element

Damping of shocks and vibrations

Easy maintenance

Generally cost-effective

Compact

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4. MAINTENANCE
The maintenance for this type of equipment is generally low and is carried out when the
machine is shut down.

However, it must be noted that if the two shafts (pump and motor) are misaligned, the
coupling or these components may be irremediably damaged.

This is why great care is taken with alignment. As we saw previously, some couplings
(particularly elastic couplings) permit a slight misalignment but this is not without risk for
the machines.

The manufacturers specify tolerances with their equipment. These tolerances must be
respected.

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5. GLOSSARY

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6. LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Coupling between an engine and a machine........................................................4
Figure 2: Disk coupling ........................................................................................................4
Figure 3: Flexible coupling ...................................................................................................4
Figure 4: Sleeved rigid coupling...........................................................................................5
Figure 5: Sleeved rigid coupling (2) .....................................................................................5
Figure 6: Split rigid coupling.................................................................................................6
Figure 7: Flanged rigid coupling...........................................................................................6
Figure 8: "NTS" internal tooth flexible coupling....................................................................7
Figure 9: Example of a diaphragm flexible coupling ............................................................8
Figure 10: Chain flexible coupling........................................................................................8
Figure 11: Example of a chain flexible coupling...................................................................8
Figure 12: Elastic coupling with pressure elements .............................................................9
Figure 13: Example of an elastic coupling with pressure elements......................................9
Figure 14: PAULSTRA elastic coupling .............................................................................10
Figure 15: Example of a PAULSTRA elastic coupling .......................................................10
Figure 16: Elastic coupling with shear elements ................................................................11
Figure 17: Example of an elastic coupling with shear elements.........................................11

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