Coupling - Grid

CMS103R
Condition Monitoring Standard

Basic Principle
The function of the steel flex coupling is the same as for other couplings: to connect two shafts. A coupling must
also be able to handle shock loads due to changing operating conditions. The coupling should function as a peak
load protection for the driven and driving equipment of each end of the shafts. The grid coupling can damp
vibration and reduce peak or shock loads up to 30%. Many coupling vendors claim that their couplings can
handle misalignment well. Often this is true, but remember that the driving and driven equipment is usually the
expensive items, and the driving and driven equipment usually have bearings that are very sensitive to
misalignment. The grid coupling is often used when large torsion forces needs to be transferred between shafts.

The grid coupling has a grid that is connected to each coupling half. The coupling grid flexes and provides the
shock protection. The coupling must be lubricated at all times.

Lubrication fitting

Gasket
Seal

Grid

Hub

Cover

Picture Courtesy: Falk

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Listen for abnormal noise. If a coupling is about to break, a metallic The coupling can be
rattling sound can be heard. An even squeaking or grinding sound may misaligned and the
also indicate that corrective maintenance is necessary. movement may create a lot
of vibration and noise.
Lack of, or dirty lubricant,
will cause noise if the
condition is really bad. A
rattling sound is due to that
Noise

the grid often breaks at the

“end turns” (see picture).

Grid usually breaks

at the “end turns”
creating a rattling
sound
Picture Courtesy: Falk
Check coupling temperature with IR temperature meter through a safe Any substantial change in
opening in the guard. The ambient temperature should be the same temperature usually
Temperature

whenever it is checked. The temperature of the coupling should not indicates some fault, for
exceed 40ºF over surrounding temperature or 150 ºF to 170ºF example:
(depending on lubricant used in coupling). - Excessive lubrication
- Lack of lubrication
High temperatures will cause the gaskets to deteriorate causing the - Dirty lubricant
lubricant to escape. - Coupling damage
- Overload
- Excessive vibration
- Shaft misalignment

Check hub and cover for corrosion and cracks. Look for excessive A visual inspection usually
grease outside coupling. If grease is present, the seals may be blown. provides a chance to find
Visual

Seals must not be dried out. Look for loose cover attachment bolts. failures very early. Lack of
lubrication is a very
Strobe light causes rotating objects to appear stopped. Do not touch common failure cause for
coupling or shaft. this type of coupling.

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The grid coupling should be taken apart, cleaned, and regreased. Grease has fairly
Change seals and gaskets. It may be a good idea to check alignment, predictable life in these
depending on how well your plant does alignment during installations, applications. However, the
and how good your vibration analysis crew is to pick up misalignment. life will vary with type of
grease, contamination level,
Shutdown

Usually, regreasing should be done at least every 2 to 3 years. The speed, load and
frequency will vary with the application. Speed, load, temperature, and temperature. After a while,
type of grease used in coupling are all factors influencing maintenance the grease pumped into the
interval. coupling with a grease gun
will not spread evenly
Check appropriate shutdown CMS for procedure. across the coupling due to
old crusted grease.
Therefore, the coupling has
to be taken apart and
regreased on a set interval.

The guard has to have an inspection opening to enable an on-the-run Guard modification is a
inspection of the coupling. Some guards must be modified. Inspection prerequisite for performing
ports with wire mesh metal or inspection lids with a hinge are examples safe and effective condition
of guard modifications that will enable coupling inspection. Paint mesh monitoring on-the-run.
matte black to increase visibility.
Guards

When modifying guards, refer to OSHA standard 1910.212 (for USA).

The allowed size of the wire mesh depends on the distance from the
coupling to the mesh. For example, a 1-inch (25.4 mm) wire mesh
must be at least 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) away from the coupling. If your
plant applies higher standards than OSHA, make a wire mesh according
to OSHA standard, then apply a hinged lid over the wire mesh.

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 KEY WHAT WHY
Use a stroboscope and make sure the coupling appears to be The radius of keyways could be
stopped. Inspect shaft key for damage, cracks, corrosion and sharp. Sharp edges create stress
looseness concentration; therefore,
Inspect key and keyway for carefully check around keys
damage, cracks, corrosion, and and keyways when inspecting
looseness. shaft keyways.
Keyway

Stress
concentration

The reliability of the grid

Look for leaking grease from flanges. There is a seal on each coupling is highly dependent on
end of the coupling. The seal may deteriorate due to heat, or the quality of grease inside the
mechanical movement from imbalance or misalignment. Look coupling.
inside the coupling guard for grease (that leaked from
coupling).

The manufacturer recommends changing grease in the grid

Leaking grease

couplings every 6 months. Most process plant will change

grease on an annual or bi-annual frequency.

Look for signs of

leaking grease

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