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TB Wood's Sure-Flex Plus® Couplings for ANSI Centrifugal Pump Packages
Located in the greater Houston area, GPM Pump and Seal is a premier provider of high-quality
pumps, pump parts, mechanical seals and complete pump systems for various applications
including oil and gas, petrochemical, mining, water and wastewater treatment.
GPM has been specifying TB Wood’s Sure-Flex Plus® couplings for several years. Early on, the
company used competitor couplings, but eventually it switched to TB Wood’s because of the
quality and value of the Sure-Flex Plus® coupling along with the trustworthy reputation TB Wood’s
has in the market. GPM routinely replaces competitor couplings in the field. Their customers
often have issues with burs and shaft bores on some of the lower-quality competitor brands.
TB Wood’s recently met with the GPM team to discuss the real-world benefits of the new
EPDM and Neoprene sleeve materials used in Sure-Flex Plus® couplings. The improved rubber
compounds offer a 30% increase in torque ratings when compared to previous sleeves and
competitor offerings. GPM quickly standardized on the new TB Wood’s Sure-Flex Plus® coupling
line for use on many of its custom pump assembly packages, including all the nonclose-coupled
pump units it builds.
The most significant impact of the new Sure-Flex Plus® couplings is on GPM’s ANSI pump
packages. Due to increased torque capacity, the ability to drop down a coupling size often
gives GPM the edge it needs to compete on large projects. ANSI package configurations
typically have a short pump shaft along with clearance issues associated with some types
of labyrinth bearing seals. These conditions make it difficult to remove the coupling’s center
sleeve element while performing a motor bump test. This is especially challenging when a
larger horsepower motor is used that requires a larger coupling. Dropping down to a smaller
size coupling is a major benefit for GPM customers, especially maintenance technicians.
*Photos courtesy of GPM Pump and Seal, LLC.
Highlights
- New EPDM and Neoprene
sleeve materials
- Improved rubber
compounds offer a 30%
increase in torque
ratings
- Allows for one-size-
smaller coupling selection
- Easy to install
- Economical and reliable