Coupling Thomas

CMS104R
Condition Monitoring Standards

Basic Principle
The function of the Thomas® coupling, or any coupling, is to connect two shafts. A coupling must also be able
to handle shock loads due to changing operating conditions. 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.

Thomas® couplings are non-lubricated, metal flexing couplings, utilizing non-wearing parts for the transmission
of torque and the accommodation of unavoidable shaft misalignment. The flex element is a series of precision
stamped discs with uniquely designed cross sections that flex without causing the metal-to-metal wear problems
associated with lubricated couplings. The flexible disc packs are engineered for very long life when applied
within the published ratings and environmental guidelines.

KEY WHAT WHY

Check for abnormal noise. Noise could be due to

loose bolts, a loose shaft
Noise

key or broken flex

elements.

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 KEY WHAT WHY

Use stroboscope to check disc pack for broken flex-elements. Broken elements could
be caused by:
Overload
Excessive vibration
Shaft misalignment
Strobe Light

Check flex elements

Strobe light causes rotating objects to appear stopped. Do not

touch coupling or shaft.

Use strobe to check coupling bolts for looseness or corrosion.

Bolts

Use strobe to check bolts.

Strobe light causes rotating objects to appear stopped. Do not

touch coupling or shaft.

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 KEY WHAT WHY

Check coupling temperature with Infrared temperature meter through safe Any substantial change in
opening in guard. The temperature of the coupling should not exceed 10°C temperature usually
(50°F) ambient temperature. indicates some fault:
Coupling damage
Overload
Excessive vibration
Temperature

Shaft misalignment

Scan flex-elements
for temperature.

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

keyways.

Stress
concentration

Inspect key and keyway for

damage, cracks, corrosion
and looseness.

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 KEY WHAT WHY
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 ports prerequisite for
with wire mesh metal or inspection lids with a hinge are examples of guard performing safe and
modifications that will enable coupling inspection. Paint mesh matte black effective condition
to increase visibility. monitoring on-the-run.
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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