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Ameridrives Custom Ameriflex Coupling for Gas Turbine
A major global oil and gas turbomachinery OEM required a coupling solution for a
replacement gas turbine being built for a natural gas company in the Middle East. The
coupling connects a gas turbine to a series of three inline compressors within the drivetrain.
Ameridrives provided custom designed Ameriflex diaphragm couplings that met the
challenging application requirements, including the ability to transmit 20,000 HP @
4,600 RPM. The large units also needed to have a 111" BSE (between shaft ends) while
maintaining a low weight. The high-speed operating conditions, along with the extended
length and weight requirements caused LCS (lateral critical speed) concerns.
The Ameriflex RR (reduced ratio) coupling supplied featured a 20" OD spacer that was
almost 100" long. The large diameter was required due to the extreme length. The unit was
one of the longest single spacer couplings designed by Ameridrives. The custom coupling
design was validated using FEA (finite element analysis) to ensure it would meet the long life
performance requirements.
Using state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, Ameridrives has developed a unique
integral filler diaphragm pack that allows for greater design flexibility. Ameriflex couplings
enable users to reliably compensate for the increased demands of high-performance
turbomachinery. The inherent low axial and bending stiffness of the multiple convoluted
diaphragm reduces bearing loads, which can increase equipment life.
Ameridrives was selected to provide the coupling over other manufacturers because they
had proven history on similar designed couplings, were able to produce an approved
technical design, and had a lead time that fit within the tight delivery schedule.
Highlights
- High-speed diaphragm
couplings
- 1,310,000 in.lbs.
(148,011 Nm)
peak torque rating
- 6,000 RPM maximum
speed rating
- Diaphragms designed for
infinite life using Finite
Element Analysis verified
by strain gage and dynamic
testing
- Low bending moment and
axial force
- Maintenance-free
- Meets API 671
requirements