In an industrial setting, space constraints and the resulting equipment configurations often require some creativity in order to get components working together effectively. For example, sometimes a machine may be located a large distance away from its motor, requiring a long connecting shaft. In such cases, floating shaft G couplings can provide an easy answer.
Floating shaft Falk coupling assemblies consist of two standard, single engagement couplings, two gap discs and a connecting shaft. These specialty G couplings eliminate the need for extra bearing supports for distance-spanning shafts by providing the necessary support via the couplings themselves.
Floating shaft G couplings have two hubs: one flexible and one rigid. These Falk couplings can be assembled with either the flex hubs or the rigid hubs connected to the floating shaft. Here’s a look at the difference:
Flex hubs to floating shaft. When the flex hubs are connected to the floating shaft on this Falk coupling assembly, they allow for easier replacement when wear occurs. This also means the rigid hubs, which have a higher bore capacity, will be connected to the equipment shafts, allowing the use of a smaller coupling size. This is the more common arrangement for floating assembly G couplings.
Rigid hubs to floating shaft. When the rigid hubs of the Falk coupling are connected to the floating shaft, no cover drawback is required, which means a shorter shaft span can be used. And because the flex hubs are farther apart, they are better able to offset misalignment.
Posted under Machinery Maintenance on Friday, March 9th, 2012