In a recent training class, a mechanic asked, “Why should I worry about aligning a flexible coupling? I thought the reason we used flexible couplings is because they didn’t have to be aligned.” That’s a great question, and one that deserves an honest answer.
Let’s pick a commonly used coupling, and look at its alignment specifications: T.B. Woods Sureflex Coupling (with an 8JE insert).
- Cost – about $40.00 for the sleeve, or insert.
- Maximum RPM – 4500
- Parallel misalignment – 0.020 in.
- Angular misalignment – 0.094in. (about 0.012”/inch)
Based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, this coupling can tolerate a fairly substantial amount of misalignment. And, since the insert is relatively inexpensive, why go to all the trouble of precision alignment?
Because we don’t align couplings – we align shafts! The coupling sleeve, or insert, can tolerate that amount of misalignment; but, the bearings, seals, shafts, gears, and so on, can not!
The coupling insert will bend or flex, but it also resists bending. It would prefer not to be flexed at all. And when it is flexed, it requires a good amount of energy to counteract that force. That energy manifests itself in:
- increased heat due to friction
- increased radial and axial loading on the bearings, seals, gears, and shafts.
- Premature wear, and eventual failure, of these components, including the insert.
Think of it this way. Take a wide rubber band, and place it across the ends of your index fingers. Stretch it until it just begins to straighten out. You could hold it there for a long time. Now, stretch the rubber band until just before it breaks. It won’t take long until your knuckles start hurting. It’s still the same rubber band, but it requires much more effort to keep it stretched.
So to answer the question, “Why should I worry about aligning a flexible coupling?” – you shouldn’t worry about it at all. But aligning the shafts to a precision alignment value is extremely important. And it you align the shafts, the coupling will “go along for the ride”.
You’ll increase the life of your machines, and your couplings!
Hi,
My understanding is vibration forces will first cause bearing damages .Afterwards, we see the machine vibrating. That is, the bearing has already gone when we find high vibration.
This means that we must not only rely on vibration to detect the misalignment. I strongly believe the ONLY way to detect misalignment at early stage is physically disassembling the coupling and check the alignment by hand. With this we can realize misalignment very soon and before bearing failures.
Br
Hamidreza
Hamid, I would say you are correct. Vibration, in this case a mechanical looseness, would probably go down, since the coupling clearances were reduced. However, in the long term, forces acting upon the mechanical system would go up, eventually causing bearing problems. Even though a flexible coupling is flexible, it does resist movement, and eventually these forces must be transferred to the bearings, and other machine components.
Concerning detection misalignment ,If you misalign a driver system the vibration may go up,go down or stay the same but in the majority of cases the vibration levels go down.This is because misalignment is considered as static force and these forces can actually reduce vibration levels by diminishing the capacity for the rotors to move as freely if the static forces were not present.
Br
Hamidreza
Back to your comment on 1/24, I think we’re getting into some theoretical areas now. All these systems are very complex. To try to pin down a system and say vibration will only occur after so much misalignment, and have it do so repeatedly, would be difficult.
If that is the case, I would love to see some manufacturers present some data.
Thank you for your kind words.
Honestly I was novice in alignment and I have learned many valuable information from your friends. My friend Patrick have given me many helps.I know him for long time and I already have very many communication with him via email.
I am really interested in your excellent blog. I am of the opinion that this blog is very good for everyone working in industry and hope all people will be familiar with this great blog.
Sorry if my English is poor.
Br
Hamidreza
I really appreciate your participation….I hope more people will find our little blog and join in!
Hi,
In my last comment I was talking about misalignment and force. In this comment I am talking about misalignment and vibration.
As far as I am concerned flexible coupling absorb some misalignment without creating vibration. I am of the opinion that this coupling can absorb misalignment WITHOUT CREATING HIGHER VIBRATION up to parallel 0.02in and angular 0.094in.Once the misalignment increase more than these values(0.02,0.094in)we should face with increasing vibration. Please confirm if I am correct.
If you are with me ,I should say that taking vibration data while running is not going to detect misalignment.
Assuming we have misalignment by 0.015 and 0.08in,in this condition as these amounts are less than coupling makers maximum allowable misalignment ,we don’t see higher vibration but other parts like bearings and seals will fail as are under increased force brought by misalignment.
Br
Hamidreza
Hamidreza, you are correct! The radial forces can be tolerated by many couplings, but not by the bearings and seals! Thanks for your comment!
Hi,
Although the coupling can withstand the forces brought by misalignment,those forces are still transmitted to the equipment resulting in severely shortened life span,catastrophic failure.