The TRANSFLUID coupling (K series) is a constant filling type comprising of three main elements:

1. Driving impeller (pump) mounted on the input shaft.
2. Driven impeller (turbine) mounted on the output shaft.
3. Cover, flanged to the output impeller, with an oil-tight seal.

The first two elements can work both as a pump and/or turbine.

CONSTANT FILL FLUID COUPLINGS: OPERATING CONDITIONS

The TRANSFLUID constant fill fluid coupling is a hydrokinetic transmission.
The impellers perform like a centrifugal pump and a hydraulic turbine. An input drive to the pump (e.g. electric motor or Diesel engine) kinetic energy is delivered to the coupling oil. The oil moves by centrifugal force across the blades of the turbine towards the outside of the coupling.
This absorbs the kinetic energy and develops a torque which is always equal to input torque, thus causing rotation of the output shaft. The wear is practically zero since there are no mechanical connections. The efficiency is influenced only by the speed difference (slip) between pump and turbine.
The slip is essential to the functioning of the coupling: there could not be torque transmission without slip! The formula for slip, from which the power loss can be deduced is as follows:

slip %=((input speed – out speed) / input speed) x 100

In normal conditions (standard duty) the slip can vary from 1,5% (large power) to 6% (small power).

The TRANSFLUID constant fill fluid coupling follows the laws of all centrifugal machines:

1. Transmitted torque is proportional to the square of input speed;
2. Transmitted power is proportional to the cube of input speed;
3. Transmitted power is proportional to the fifth power of the circuit outside diameter.

The K Series couplings work using oil but they are also available for water operation upon request.

They are also available certified according to directive 94/9/EC (Atex) covering all categories.

L'articolo K Series: Constant Fill Fluid Couplings sembra essere il primo su Transfluid.

Transfluid has designed their KSL series variable fill fluid coupling to overcome problems experienced at “start-up” and “speed variation” operation for medium and high power machines driven by electric motors and internal combustion engines.

HYDRAULIC COUPLING: WORKING OPERATION

Extremely efficient performance is achieved operating the fluid coupling KSL’s very simple and effective principle. Oil, which is the power medium, is pumped from a sump to the hydrodynamic coupling circuit, where it is finally “drained off” through a series of orifice plugs, back into the sump.

The “START-UP” principle:
By controlling the coupling’s feed pump oil flow to the working circuit by a small A.C. frequency converter, fill variation in the couplings interior working circuit alter the coupling slip characteristics, which softens the “start-up” dramatically.

The “VARIABLE SPEED” principle:
The same principle used to control the start-up permits the KSL to operate as a variable speed drive, varying the speed between input and output.

Its “TORQUE LIMITING” function:
Another KSL feature is its ability to limit the torque transmitted, slipping for a time and then dumping its circuit oil, disconnecting the driven machinery. The quick disconnection is possible by the installation of a quick release valve.

The key “KSL” features are:

• soft start
• variable speed
• torque limiting

HYDRAULIC COUPLING: FEATURES

Soft starter 
The KSL’s fluid coupling working circuit is gradually filled with oil from an empty condition to a filled state. Such behavior enhances an extremely soft controlled start-up, especially with high inertia machinery. The KSL’s variable oil feed system is controlled by a frequency converter during the ramp-up, producing the ideal soft starter.

Accurate speed variation
By operating either manually or by the frequency converter controller, the KSL always guarantees output speed accuracy, as required by the operator or control system.

Vibration Dampening
One of the most important characteristics of KSL fluid coupling is its torsional vibration dampening effect, protecting both the driven machine and the motor or engine.

Overload Protection
This is a fluid coupling peculiarity and a big benefit to users. Even more protection can be achieved by installing “quick release drainable valves” which discharge oil from the working circuit in a few seconds, limiting any prolonged overload period completely.

High Efficiency
The KSL is an extremely efficient device compared to the constant filled type fluid coupling, as its volume of working circuit is controlled at the fullest possible volume to maintain a minimal slip rate.

Shaft Labyrinth Sealing 
This makes the KSL variable fill fluid coupling series a low-maintenance piece of equipment.

Ease of Maintenance
Thanks to its split casing design, it’s possible to remove the complete fluid coupling impeller assembly without having to move either the motor/engine or driven machinery, saving the need for realignment and costly downtime. In addition all the accessories are externally mounted allowing an easy and fast replacement in case of need.

SELECTION OF THE RIGHT COUPLING

To correctly select the right variable fill fluid coupling, Transfluid needs to know the following:

• Motor/Engine type, power and speed
• Driven machinery type, power and speed
• Output speed range
• Environmental conditions
• Cooling water characteristics
• Assembly configuration
• Drive and driven shaft dimensions and tolerances.

HYDRAULIC COUPLING: ACCESSORIES

MPCB

The MPCB for KPTB and KSL, is an electronic device, designed and manufactured by Transfluid, with Transfluid’s proprietary software, capable of performing the following functions:

• Monitoring of input and output fluid coupling speed
• Monitoring of all fluid coupling parameters
• Sending fc status and alarm signals to the main control room
• Implementation of interlock logics
• Local or remote output speed control

L'articolo KSL: Variable Fill Fluid Couplings sembra essere il primo su Transfluid.

The KPTB is a variable fill fluid coupling designed to be a start-up drive or variable speed drive.
The KPTB hydraulic coupling has an externally driven oil feeding pump and a remote electrically operated ON-OFF valve. When the valve is turned ON the fluid coupling circuit is fed, when it is turned OFF rapid oil drain occurs through orifices located on the periphery of the coupling. The forced bearing lubrication is continuously assured.
The oil pump flow can be operated through an oil flow control valve or frequency converter (integrated into the oil feed pump motor), allowing KPTB to be a variable speed drive.
The KPTB range is suitable for power up to 1700 kW as start-up drive and 500 kW as variable speed drive.
The input and output straight shafts can be connected to an electric motor and driven machine by elastic and flexible couplings.
Standard accessories include: oil motor pump, oil filter with pressure and temperature gauges, ON-OFF electric valve, oil temperature switch, oil level indicators, connecting wiring box with plug.
Options include: water or air heat exchanger, quick release valves, output pulley, flexible and elastic couplings, cardan shafts and electric control board.

Special versions for low-temperature operation and Eex design are available.

HYDRAULIC COUPLING – FEATURES

The variable fill fluid coupling allows a disconnect of the motor from the load granting the following advantages:

• motor start-up at no load
• smooth start-up even possible under nominal motor current by full starting control
• shock and overload protection
• absorbtion of vibrations
• high radial load capacity (KPTE)
• no belt slip
• remote control by electric valve
• load positioning
• cheap and easy maintenance due to external mounting of main accessories like oil filter, feeding pump and control valve
• longer life thanks to no friction linings to wear out
• accurate variable speed performances

VARIABLE FILL FLUID COUPLINGS – APPLICATIONS

Start-up drive:
– mills, crushers, wood chippers, grinders, shredders
– belt conveyors
– reciprocating and centrifugal pumps, compressors
– marine propulsion
– generators
– centrifuges, fans and blowers
– mixers

Variable speed drive:
– centrifugal pumps and compressors
– fans and blowers
– belt conveyors

HYDRAULIC COUPLING: ACCESSORIES

MPCB MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The MPCB for KPTB and KSL, is an electronic device, designed and manufactured by Transfluid, with Transfluid’s proprietary software, capable of performing the following functions:

• Monitoring of input and output fluid coupling speed
• Monitoring of all fluid coupling parameters
• Sending fc status and alarm signals to the main control room
• Implementation of interlock logics
• Local or remote output speed control

L'articolo KPTB: Variable Fill Fluid Couplings sembra essere il primo su Transfluid.

The KPTO is a variable fill fluid coupling enclosed into a box connected to the Diesel engine by SAE housing. The KPTO is designed to meet the market requirements for a unit combining the technical features of a conventional Power Take Off with a fluid coupling’s performance. The KPTO variable fill fluid coupling has an integral feeding pump driven by the Diesel engine.
A remote electrically operated ON-OFF valve allows the fluid coupling circuit feed when turned ON and a rapid oil drain through orifices located on the periphery of the fluid coupling when turned OFF.
The forced bearing lubrication is continuously assured.
The the KPTO range is suitable for powers up to 1000 kW.
The engine flywheel is connected to the KPTO input by an elastic coupling. The output shaft can be connected to the driven machine by elastic coupling, cardan shaft or pulley.
Standard accessories include: oil feeding pump, oil filter with pressure and temperature gauges, ON-OFF electric valve, oil temperature switch and oil level indicators.
Optional accessories include: water or air heat exchanger, quick release valves, output pulleys, elastic couplings, output flange for cardan shafts and cardan shafts.

HYDRAULIC COUPLING – FEATURES

The KPTO drain type fluid coupling allows a disconnect of the engine from the load granting the following advantages:

• unloaded engine warm-up
• smooth start-up, no belt slip
• shock and overload protection
• absorbtion of vibration
• high radial load capacity
• remote control by electric valve
• load positioning
• cheap and easy maintenance due to external mounting of the main accessories like oil filter, feeding pump and control valve
• longer life thanks to no friction linings to wear out

VARIABLE FILL FLUID COUPLING: ACCESSORIES

MPCB MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The management system MPCB is a device developed by TRANSFLUID, both in the hardware and software, able to manage the different functionalities of KPTO fluid coupling; it allows the engagement or disengagement of the KPTO depending on the different operational profiles, measures the torque and the power transmitted from the coupling and performs the task of system diagnostics.

L'articolo KPTO: Variable Fill Fluid Couplings sembra essere il primo su Transfluid.

TPO air clutches are powerful and reliable components, the technical development of which has been achieved with years of experience in transmissions.
Their performance range can fulfill the most different applications, with transmittable torques up to 1170 daNm, remaining constant without requiring any further regulation.
While having the great advantage of being modulated with air pressure variation, their compressed air feeding system can be remote controlled and automatically self compensate for wear.
The main technical features of TPO air clutches are:

• All the operating discs are made of high-quality cast iron, with large surfaces from where heat generated with friction is easily dissipated without creating dangerous tensile stresses.
• The friction discs are made of a composite compound without asbestos and are provided with external gear teeth to engage into the driving ring’s internal gears.
• The external dimensions are very small and for this reason the assembly phase is facilitated.
• The wide dimensions of the bores allow shafts with large diameters to be mounted.

In normal and medium operating conditions, clutches with 2 or 3 discs can be used, transmitting a torque twice or three times more than the corresponding one with a single disc, and leaving external dimensions unchanged.

TPH AIR CLUTCHES

The TPH air clutches model is designed for in-line drives and is based on the standard TPO clutch pack with a self-contained stationary thruster operating with 9 bar (130 Psi) air pressure.

L'articolo TPO-TPH: Clutch & Power Take-Off sembra essere il primo su Transfluid.

TRANSFLUID has developed the HFO-HFR clutches to meet the growing market demand for power take-offs for high speed, high horsepower industrial engines, and remote-control operation.
HFO consists of an oil actuated clutch assembly (dry plates) with shaft and bearings suitable for high radial loads mounted in a cast iron housing that provides easy engine installation.

The connecting flange and housing to the engine are SAE standard. A rotating union provides the oil actuation mounted on the shaft end allowing the oil to engage and disengage the clutch.

This system allows the use of HFO clutches for belt-driven applications only. The oil actuation allows remote control as well as a larger transmittable torque compared to the traditional over-center PTOs. Due to the continuous pressure applied to the clutch plates, the HFO is a self-adjusting clutch that drastically reduces maintenance costs, especially on heavy-duty applications where plate wear is typical.
The HFR clutches have identical performances as HFO but it is designed for in-line applications. The oil actuation is provided by radial oil inlet in the bearing carrier allowing the same operation as HFO clutches.

CLUTCHES ACCESSORIES

MPCB

The MPCB controller is a dedicated printed circuit board entirely developed by TRANSFLUID, to monitor and control all functions of TRANSFLUID’s dry clutches, such as input and output speed, oil temperature and oil pressure. Our controller allows the soft engagement of the driven machine preventing nclutch overload and engine stalling;  therefore HF clutch and TowerClutch transmission are fully protected by unexpected failure due to misuse or abuse of the product.
The MPCB has been designed to continuously operate in heavy duty conditions; the most common applications are crushers, wood chippers, road milling machines, metal shredders, compressors and volumetric pumps.
The proprietary software is personalized according to the specific application and a separate Display can be integrated for a better view of all above mentioned parameters.
The MPCB  can be linked to the the engine control box via CAN BUS SAE J1939 protocol (or CAN BUS Open), consequently warning, alarm messages and any clutch status are transmitted via a single IP67 bus cable.
The MPCB enclosure is installed and wired on board the clutch through rubber mountings to dampen vibrations and shorten electric harnesses length.

L'articolo HFO-HFR: Clutch & Power Take-Off sembra essere il primo su Transfluid.

The SU unit is a self-standing power take-off featuring an input shaft with radial load capability and SAE4-10″, SAE3-11 1/2nd”, SAE1-14″ standard output. Its design allows the installation on output side of any kind of PTOs including Transfluid HFR/HFO oil actuated clutches, pumps and transmissions; the output design allows high radial load application.

SU clutch & power take-off finds applications on either electric motors or industrial and marine Diesel: typical installation is an engine front end leaving engine free from supporting weight and unwished vibrations.

L'articolo SU: Clutch & Power Take-Off sembra essere il primo su Transfluid.

The MFO mechanical power take-off consists of a lever-actuated clutch with a shaft and bearings mounted in a rigid cast housing.
It is designed for in-line and sideload applications for internal combustion engines with standard SAE industrial flywheel/flywheel housing dimensions.
With the exception of the MFO 110 power take-off, all remaining models are assembled with KEVLAR® DISCS for heavy-duty and torsionally active applications.
MFO mechanical power take-offs will allow:
– to simplify installation time (no pilot bearing alignment required)
– to increase uptime and engine life
– to reduce inventory

L'articolo MFO: Clutch & Power Take-Off sembra essere il primo su Transfluid.

The RBD drives are designed for industrial engines in stationary applications such as generators, pumps and compressor sets. Mobile applications include forklift trucks and earth-moving equipment.

RBD elastic couplings have many advantages:
ease of assembly, weight and size, small axial profile and competitive price. Drives are also supplied with standard SAE flanges for ease of installation.

These rubber couplings are also available in the SRBD version: the RBD complete with SAE or DIN 5480 finished hubs and selected SAE flanges to facilitate a complete solution at a competitive price.

Atex certification is available too.

CONFIGURATION OF RBD ELASTIC COUPLINGS

Couplings can be provided:

• with or without hub
• with spline or keyway
• with conical locking coupling
• with housing for hydrostatic drives

TECHNICAL CONSTRUCTION OF TRANSFLUID’S SHAFT COUPLINGS

The drive principle uses internal and external teeth; the only difference is that the external teeth are blocks of special rubber molded compounds.
The external ring, in aluminum, has a profile corresponding to the rubber molded compound and can be directly mounted on the output flange of the prime mover.
By this method it is also possible to absorb small angular and radial misalignments.

L'articolo RBD: Flexible and Elastic Coupling sembra essere il primo su Transfluid.

The BM flexible and elastic couplings are born from the historical BT couplings mounted for decades on Transfluid fluid couplings in thousands of applications. It is basically the same well-tested product but designed for shaft-to-shaft installation suitable for all engineering purposes, where a continuous transmission of power is requested, even in the presence of possible shaft misalignments.

Due to the flexible elements’ high quality and damping property, the BM elastic couplings offer reliable operation performances protecting the coupled machine parts.

They require no maintenance except for regular checking of the elements: the B3M design allows the replacement of flexible elements without moving the machines, and the BMS configuration with spacer design is suitable to match the widest DBSE (Distance Between Shaft Ends) requirements.

Several types and sizes of shaft couplings are available ex stock for torques from 20 up to 33.100 Nm.

Atex certification is available.

Benefits of BM-B3M elastic couplings

Advantages of BM-B3M elastic couplings include:

• Compensation of misalignments
• Shocks and vibrations damping
• Fail – safe and withstand high overloads
• Ensure easy assembly and alignment
• Prompt and easy change of flexible elements
• Maintenance free

L'articolo BM-B3M: Flexible and Elastic Coupling sembra essere il primo su Transfluid.