Diaphragm Coupling
Structure and Characteristics of Diaphragm Coupling
A coupling is a mechanical component that functions to connect two shafts, namely the drive shaft and the driven shaft, in a system. This coupling allows both shafts to rotate together and transmit torque. In applications involving the transmission of heavy power at high speeds, the coupling also functions as a balancer, vibration damper, and improves the performance of the shaft system. This article will highlight diaphragm couplings, a type of flexible coupling that uses elastic elements.
Diaphragm couplings belong to the category of metal flexible couplings, where the elastic metal diaphragm acts as the main element that transmits torque. This coupling has several superior characteristics, such as a high torque transmission capacity, the ability to absorb misalignment through diaphragm deformation, and does not produce friction between parts, so it does not require lubrication. With torsional stiffness that can be adjusted through dimensional changes, this coupling is able to improve the torsional vibration characteristics of the unit.
Diaphragm Coupling Structure
Diaphragm couplings usually consist of one or more diaphragm layers connected to two hubs via pins. This design ensures the strength and durability of the coupling in handling torque without looseness or interference between the diaphragm and hub elements. Some diaphragm coupling variants use two or three diaphragm layers, which are accompanied by reinforcing elements to increase resistance to eccentricity. A coupling with two diaphragms is able to handle eccentricity better than a single diaphragm coupling.
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Advantages of Diaphragm Coupling
Misalignment Compensation: This coupling has superior ability to compensate for shaft misalignment, including twice the angular displacement compared to gear couplings, with high flexibility for certain axial, radial and angular displacements.
- Effective Damping : This coupling effectively dampens vibrations and noise, and is free from wear.
- Extreme Temperature Resistance : Can work safely at high temperatures (between -80 to +300 degrees Celsius) and in harsh environments, including conditions with vibration or impact.
- High Transmission Efficiency : With a transmission efficiency of up to 99.86%, this coupling is suitable for high power transmission applications at medium to high speeds.
- Compact Design : The simple, lightweight and compact structure of the coupling makes it easy to install and disassemble, even without moving the engine in some models.
- High Precision : This coupling is capable of transmitting speed very accurately without slipping, making it suitable for mechanical transmissions that require high precision.
The diaphragm coupling can be modified for a variety of applications with specifications for maximum transmission power of up to 50,000 kW, speed of up to 80,000 rpm and maximum length of 12 meters.
Diaphragm Coupling Applications
This coupling is widely used in various mechanical applications, such as shaft drives for pumps, fans, compressors, hydraulic machines, as well as chemical and metallurgical machines. In the aviation industry, these coupling are used in helicopters, while in the marine and power generation industries, they are used in high-speed and high-power transmission systems.
Causes of Noise in Diaphragm Coupling
- Excessive Gap : Too large a gap between coupling parts can cause the diaphragm to receive excessive axial force, ultimately causing wear on the drive hole or bolt and producing noise.
- Misalignment : Excessive axial or angular misalignment between clutch components may cause abnormal vibration during operation.
- Speed Difference : Speed mismatch between the driven and driven shafts can also cause abnormal vibration and noise.
- Encoder Malfunction : Problems with the motor speed encoder can cause speed fluctuations, resulting in increased noise during coupling operation.