BMG’s heavy industrial Rexnord Falk Steelflex couplings are known globally for highly efficient and reliable performance, even in arduous applications.
“Falk Steelflex couplings have also been proven to minimise downtime – an important factor in determining the total cost of ownership,” says Carlo Beukes, general manager, power transmission, BMG. “Couplings are put under enormous pressure from high impact loads on conveyors, shredders and mixers in harsh operating environments and vibratory loads on high speed applications, like pumps or compressors, can also cause the break down of couplings.”
BMG’s Falk Steelflex grid couplings reduce the impact of high impact loads on equipment by up to 30%. These couplings have a unique “replace in place” design which eliminates the need to remove or reposition hubs, or re-align shafts, which is required with gear couplings and many elastomer designs. This feature significantly reduces element change out time.
These couplings also offer equipment protection against shaft misalignment. The grid, which is quench and tempered, is free to rock, pivot and float within the hub teeth. This means misalignment capacity is provided, without producing detrimental bearing side loads created by conventional couplings.
When subjected to normal shock or vibratory loads, the grid coupling torsionally deflects. These couplings offer enhanced vibration damping and reduce peak torque by about 30%, also reducing wear on connected equipment components. These couplings act as a shock absorber for rotary motion, relying on the predictable resilience of the steel grid for torsional flexibility.
The Falk grid range, which is available in 25 sizes with various bore, speed and torque capacities. There are 11 models available, including high speed, spacer, flywheel, brake and controlled torque.
These couplings have a maximum bore of 508 mm, a maximum torque capacity of 932 000Nm and speeds up to 10 000 r/min, depending on the coupling model and size.
This range has a modular design, which reduces the number of spare parts required in inventory. For example, it is possible to convert a close coupled design coupling to a full spacer by replacing the standard hubs with shaft and spacer hubs. A standard coupling can also be adapted for high speeds by simply changing the horizontal split cover to a vertical split cover. With a few additional components, it is possible to adapt the Falk Steelflex inventory to a variety of applications.
Features of Falk grid couplings include a tapered T-grid profile that fits smoothly into the hub to ensure easy installation and maintenance. High strength alloy steel grids are tempered to spring hardness and precision shot peened for increased fatigue strength to protect equipment against shock and vibratory conditions. Durable, nitrile seals prevent the loss of lubrication and the ingress of water, dust and other materials. Grade 5 cap screws ensure secure fastening of the cover which can be powder coated for resistance to chemicals.
This range offers high torque ratings, low operating costs and extended maintenance periods. The application of Falk Long Term Grease (LTG) means lubrication of couplings is not required again for a period of five years. This grease, which has been developed specifically for couplings, resists the separation of oil and thickening agent that occurs in ‘normal’ greases.
