Torsional Coupling: The Best Solution to Shaft Vibrations

Vibration is one of the common challenges of machines and components in industrial equipment. While it is true that vibrations can be a normal thing in machines, they can also be a symptom of or cause of a serious problem with your machine. For example, machines such as oscillating sanders rely on vibrations to run while gear reducers also experience a specific level of unavoidable vibrations.  

One method of addressing vibrations in shafts is using torsional couplings. This post looks at the main causes of shaft vibrations and then demonstrates how torsional couplings help address them. 

Causes of Shaft Vibrations

Vibration in shafts can be caused by a number of things, especially imbalance, wear, misalignment, and looseness. 

• Imbalance: If your equipment has a heavy spot on the rotating component, it can easily result in unbalanced weight rotating on the machine axis. The effect is the creation of centrifugal forces, which are noted as vibrations. The imbalance and vibrations become more with speed increase. 
• Shaft misalignment: Also referred to as shaft runout, shaft misalignment is another common cause of vibrations in rotating machines. For example, if the shafts of a motor and pump are not aligned, they result in angular misalignment and vibrations. These misalignments can result from thermal expansion, improper assembly, and component shifting during operations. 
• Wear and Tear: When components of equipment, such as ball bearings, rollers, or drive belts become worn out, they can result in vibrations.  

To use torsional couplings to address the problem of vibrations on your machines, it will be a good idea to start with vibration analysis. This will help you to determine whether the vibrations are within the recommended range or excess. So, how can torsional couplings help with shaft vibrations? 

Using Torsional Coupling to Address Shaft Vibrations 

Torsional couplings fall in the family of flexible couplings, which are designed to help compensate for angular, angular, and radial misalignments. They are also very effective in dampening vibrations, helping to increase the efficiency of power transmission and increasing the life of the equipment. 

The basic component of torsional couplings is the highly versatile elastomeric element that helps to absorb vibrations. The element can be mounted in various ways depending on the application and without altering the design of the hardware. See the demonstration of a typical torsional coupling design below. Number 1 is the elastomeric element that helps to absorb vibrations. 

The elastomeric element is fitted to the cylinder hub, labeled number 2 on the diagram above, using radial screws. Then, it is flanged using screws to the flanged hub. Although this design of the torsional coupling is pretty simple, it is very effective, helping to optimize the performance of your equipment and also extend its lifespan. Other features of torsional coupling that makes it an excellent choice for most equipment, from motors to pumps and compressors, are: 

• Provides safe operations. 
• High speed capability. 
• Does not need lubrication. 
• Excellent airflow design that helps to keep the equipment cool. 
• Easy to install. 

If your industrial equipment generates a lot of vibrations, it is crucial to act fast because they might be an indication of trouble. Using torsional couplings can be an excellent method of dampening the vibrations to reduce the risk of machine failure and cut down maintenance costs.