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"Grid Couplings" consist of 2 radially slotted hubs that mesh with a serpentine strip of spring steel the grid provides torsional damping and flexibility of an elastomer but the strength of steel. "Grid Couplings" transmit torque and accommodate angular, parallel and axial misalignment from one hub to the other through the rocking and sliding of a tapered grid in the mating hub slots. The grid cross section is generally tapered for better hub contact and easier assembly. As there is movement between contacting hub and grid metal parts, lubrication is required. Portions of the following information on the "Grid Coupling" has been transcribed from Lovejoy's website, "Coupling Answers.com". Check it out when you get a chance.
"Grid Couplings" are a popular coupling option where both high torque levels and dampening requirements exist. Unlike gear and disc couplings (alternative metallic coupling types capable of transmitting a significant amount of torque), "Grid Couplings" have a unique ability to reduce vibration significantly, and cushion shock loads to safeguard driving and driven power transmission equipment.
A "Grid Coupling" is comprised of two hubs, a grid spring element, and split cover kit (which includes two cover halves, gaskets, seals, and hardware). Like gear couplings, "Grid Couplings" are a metal on metal flexing design, and it is critical that the coupling be packed properly with the manufacturer's recommended coupling grease. The grid spring element absorbs impact energy by spreading it out over time, and thus reduces the magnitude of the peak loads. This is possible because of the progressive contact that occurs between the curved profile of the hub teeth and the flexible grid. As the load increases, more of the tooth comes into contact with the flexible grid spring element.
"Grid Couplings" are available with either a horizontal or vertical split cover design. Horizontal covers are generally viewed as easier to install, while vertical covers enable a "Grid Coupling" to be run at a higher maximum speed. This type of coupling is a versatile, proven technology with interchangeable components readily available from numerous major coupling manufacturers. "Grid Couplings" have a high power density (transmit a high amount of torque relative to their size), and are relatively straightforward and simple to install. They also have good resistance to environmental conditions, and available in both inch and metric bores.
One of the biggest, if not THE biggest, limitation of "Grid Couplings" is their limited ability to accommodate misalignment. While great at dampening vibration, they are not designed to handle parallel shaft misalignment and only designed to handle about a half a degree of angular misalignment. So, again, A.R.&E.'s recommendation will be to have the equipment Laser Aligned during installation to minimized any misalignment and assure maximum coupling life. Additionally, "Grid Couplings" are NOT "maintenance-free" because they require lubrication (grease), which must be periodically checked and topped off if required. Care must also be taken to ensure that lubrication does not leak on to the ground and create an environmental concern.
So depending on your actual application, A.R.&E. can assist you in the proper selection of a "Grid Couplings", if that's best, and supply it for you when you're ready to purchase.
What is the difference between a grid coupling and a gear coupling?
Flexible couplings can be broken down into elastomeric and metallic types. Both grid and gear couplings fall into the lubricated category of metallic couplings as outlined in Image 1.
Image 1. Hierarchy of flexible couplings (Images courtesy of HI)Image 1. Hierarchy of flexible couplings (Images courtesy of HI)
Grid style couplings are often used in medium- to heavy-duty applications and use a spring style metallic element with looping segments that interlock with the hub teeth. An example of a grid coupling is shown in Image 2.
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Image 2. Close-coupled grid coupling.Image 2. Close-coupled grid coupling.
The grid element or spring is made of high tensile alloy steel. The grid element transmits torque and accommodates some misalignment and shock loading in the system.
The metallic grid coupling design allows for a more power-dense coupling solution in comparison to elastomeric designs.
Because of the relative movement between mating metal surfaces, the grids and teeth must be lubricated as specified by the coupling manufacturer.
Image 3. Close-coupled, flex-rigid gear couplingImage 3. Close-coupled, flex-rigid gear coupling
A typical grid coupling consists of the following components:
Image 4. Spacer gear coupling
Gear couplings come in many different designs, but all transmit torque and accommodate some misalignment through gear teeth. A few examples of gear couplings are shown in Images 3 and 4. Each hub has gear teeth cut around the outside diameter, with the hub connecting to a sleeve with mating gear teeth cut into the inner diameter. These products also require lubrication due to the relative movement of mating metal surfaces and have seals between the sleeve and hubs.
Gear couplings are often used in applications where high torque and balance are required. In some cases, gear couplings are the only solution with enough torque capacity to accommodate demanding applications. There are many custom options available with gear couplings in addition to those described here.
This type of coupling can be configured as a flex-flex, flex-rigid or rigid-rigid gear coupling. A flex-flex configuration uses two flexible style halves, with one half consisting of a flexible hub and a matching flexible sleeve. A flex-rigid
style uses one flexible style half and one rigid half.
A rigid-rigid gear coupling uses two rigid style halves. Flexible style grid halves also have seals to retain lubrication, and both styles typically incorporate a gasket between the mating flange faces.
For more information on couplings used with pumps, refer to HI’s Flexible Coupling Basics Guidebook at www.pumps.org.
See other HI Pump FAQs articles here
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