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Torsiflex Couplings with Torsi-Lock for Screw Compressor
A series of special couplings were required by a major reciprocating and screw compressor OEM
that designs packages for natural gas downstream, midstream and upstream processing. The
couplings were needed for large, motor-driven screw compressors (2,675 kW @ 1,493 RPM)
being built for use in a gas field in Australia.
The compressor project’s 3rd party torsional analyst contacted Altra Couplings to inquire about
the potential development of a modified Torsiflex disc coupling with reduced stiffness. The
compressors also utilized a keyless shaft and the customer did not want to heat shrink a hub
onto the shaft that could not be removed.
To meet the application duty requirements, Altra Couplings engineers reconfigured the
Torsiflex coupling spacers (utilizing heat treated alloy steel) to reduce stiffness so the system
would not operate at or near torsional resonance. Altra also incorporated a Torsi-Lock hub on
the compressor side of the couplings, which can be easily installed and removed for routine
compressor seal maintenance. Torsi-Lock hubs eliminate fretting of hub to shaft while combining
the ease of a slip fit with the power of a shrink fit. The coupling’s drop out center section also
aids in fast disassembly.
Based on Altra Couplings willingness and ability to provide an customized coupling solution,
the modified Torsiflex couplings were specified and ultimately ordered by the customer.
The Model TFI2500 couplings supplied had a torque rating of 221,275 in.lb. All Torsiflex
couplings feature a robust disc pack design which allows for greater torque load in a smaller
coupling, resulting in lower weight. Large bolts are utilized for high clamp load, increased
frictional torque load and reduced bolt bending stress.
Highlights
- Robust disc pack design for
greater torque load in a
smaller coupling, resulting
in lower weight
- 221,275 in.lb. torque rating
- Custom-configured spacers
(utilizing heat treated alloy
steel) to reduce stiffness
- Torsi-Lock shaft locking
hubs incorporated on the
compressor side of couplings
provide easy installation
and removal for compressor
seal maintenance