Coupling
A mechanical device that connects two rotating shafts end-to-end to transmit power/torque
while accommodating misalignment, vibration, and shock.
2. Primary Functions:
• Power Transmission: Transfers torque/rotation from one shaft to another (e.g., motor to
pump).
• Misalignment Compensation: Allows for:
o Angular (shafts at an angle)
o Parallel (shafts offset sideways)
o Axial (shafts move closer/farther).
3. Key Components:
Component Function
Hubs Attached to each shaft (via keys, splines, or clamps).
Flexible Absorbs misalignment/vibration (elastomer, springs,
Element discs, or grid).
Spacer/Sleeve Connects hubs (adjusts distance between shafts).
Fasteners Bolts, nuts, or pins securing the assembly.
4. Common Materials:
Material Use Case
Steel (Alloy/Carbon) Hubs, sleeves, discs (high strength, wear resistance).
Stainless Steel Corrosive environments (food, marine, chemicals).
Cast Iron Economical hubs for low/mid torque (pumps, conveyors).
Aluminum Lightweight hubs (robotics, aerospace).
Elastomers (Rubber) Flexible elements (damping vibration – e.g., tire couplings).
Polyurethane/Nylon Flexible spiders/spacers (jaw couplings, cost-effective damping).
Bronze/Brass Bushings/bearings (wear resistance, corrosion protection).
5. Examples by Material Choice:
• High Torque: Alloy steel (gear couplings in turbines).
• Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel (marine pumps).
• Vibration Damping: Rubber/polyurethane (compressors).
Types of couplings
I. Rigid Couplings
1. Sleeve Coupling:
o Simplest type: Hollow cylinder fits over both shaft ends.
o Use: Low-torque applications (e.g., small motors).
2. Flange Coupling:
o Two flanged hubs bolted face-to-face.
o Use: High-torque transmission (pumps, turbines).
3. Split Muff Coupling:
o Two semi-cylindrical halves clamped around shafts.
o Use: Easy installation without shaft displacement.
II. Flexible Couplings
(Absorb misalignment & damp vibration)
1. Gear Coupling:
o Meshing gear teeth (external + internal). Handles high torque/misalignment.
o Use: Heavy industry (steel mills, compressors).
2. Universal Coupling (U-Joint):
o Cross-shaped yoke for large angular misalignment.
o Use: Automotive driveshafts, rolling mills.
3. Oldham Coupling:
o 3-piece design: Two hubs + floating center disc. Compensates parallel
misalignment.
o Use: Robotics, encoders.
4. Jaw Coupling:
o Elastomeric "spider" between interlocking jaws. Damps vibration.
o Use: Pumps, conveyors.
5. Bellows Coupling:
o Thin-walled metallic bellows flex for precise motion.
o Use: Servo motors, aerospace (zero backlash).
6. Bushed Pin Type Coupling:
o Rubber-bushed pins absorb shock in bolted joints.
o Use: Crushers, heavy machinery.
7. Diaphragm Coupling:
o Flexes via thin metal diaphragms. Handles high speeds.
o Use: Gas turbines, turbo-machinery.
III. Special-Purpose Couplings
1. Fluid Coupling:
o Transmits torque via hydraulic fluid (e.g., oil). Allows slippage during startup.
o Use: Conveyors, crushers (soft-start protection).
2. Constant Speed Coupling:
o Maintains constant output speed despite input variation (e.g., CV joints in
vehicles).
3. Flexible Coupling (Generic):
o Broad category including jaw, disc, tire types.
Key Selection Criteria
Type Misalignment Handling Typical Use Case
Sleeve/Flange None (rigid) Precision-aligned shafts
Gear High angular/parallel Extreme torque (turbines)
Universal Joint Large angular (≤30°) Vehicle drivelines
Oldham Parallel only Motion control systems
Bellows/Diaphragm Angular/axial High-speed, precision (robotics)
Fluid Limited (allows slippage) Soft-start applications
ASME and API coupling standards
Standard Scope Key Focus Applications
API 671 Critical Spacer couplings, fire safety, Refineries, compressors
machinery vibration analysis
API 610 Centrifugal Spacer couplings, alignment Oil/gas pumps,
pumps tolerance petrochemicals
ASME B73 Process pumps Dimensional compliance, basic Chemical plants, HVAC
spacer design
ASME Sec Nuclear Material quality, seismic testing Nuclear power systems
III components
