Motor-driven pumps of various types are utilized in a wide range of key
markets including oil and gas, water and wastewater, construction, and
chemical processing.
Millions of centrifugal and positive displacement pumps move liquids,
slurries and gases throughout processing plants around the world. Reliable
elastomeric couplings are often needed to connect the pumps to their
respective electric drive motors. In large facilities, keeping scores of pump
drivetrains maintained and operational can be an expensive,
time-consuming challenge.
In an increasingly competitive business environment, pump OEMs and
plant managers are always looking for ways to reduce procurement and
maintenance costs.
INNOVATIVE SURE-FLEX PLUS® COUPLINGS
ARE THE KEY TO IMPROVED RELIABILITY AND SAVINGS
For over 50 years, TB Wood’s has led the coupling industry with the original
TB Wood’s Sure-Flex design. TB Wood’s engineers continue the legacy of
innovation with the introduction of the Sure-Flex Plus® coupling, making the
industry-favorite Sure-Flex couplings even better. New elastomeric sleeves
provide higher performance and enhanced durability due to significant
improvements in proprietary EPDM and Neoprene materials.
EXTENSIVE TESTING VALIDATES IMPROVED
PERFORMANCE AND LONG LIFE
Recently conducted low-cycle fatigue testing
demonstrated that proprietary Sure-Flex Plus® polymeric
sleeves outlast common competitors by more than three
times, while wear testing showed Sure-Flex Plus® sleeves
demonstrated significantly less wear on the rubber teeth
compared to common competitors during accelerated
high misalignment and low-load testing.
New Sure-Flex Plus® sleeves have a
30% higher torque
rating, allowing many
applications to use a
smaller size coupling at
an average 25% cost
savings.
Development testing also confirmed that the new
proprietary EPDM and Neoprene rubber sleeves enable
a 30% increase in the torque rating when compared to
the previous generation sleeves and similar offerings by
competitors.
Sure-Flex Plus couplings provide exceptional torsional
flexibility, while the 4-way flexing action absorbs virtually
all types of shock, vibration, misalignment and end
float. The couplings feature 7° to 21° torsional wind-up
(depending on sleeve material), torque ratings up to
8,20 kNm (72,480 in.lbs.), and fast and easy installation.
Units require no lubrication and no maintenance.
SURE-FLEX PLUS SLEEVES PROVIDE COST SAVING
ADVANTAGES IN EXISTING INSTALLATIONS
The significant cost saving benefits of a size-for-size
replacement using a new Sure-Flex Plus® sleeve in an
existing coupling installation include:
- No need to replace the full coupling, new sleeves
fit into existing flanges
- Less downtime, more uptime
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Less frequent sleeve replacement due to more
robust construction
THE UPSIDE TO DOWNSIZING
Over 50% of common applications can specify a
one-size-smaller coupling when using Sure-Flex Plus® sleeves, reducing initial purchase cost as well as sleeve
replacement cost. Additional savings are also realized
from reduced maintenance requirements.
SURE-FLEX PLUS COUPLINGS HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT
ON PUMP PACKAGER'S BUSINESS
A size 7 TB Woods Sure-Flex Plus coupling was able to be
installed instead of a larger size 8 coupling on this small ANSI
pump unit. By utilizing the smaller coupling, the overall package
length was reduced allowing for a smaller baseplate footprint.
After specifying TB Wood’s Sure-Flex couplings for
several years, GPM Pump and Seal, located in the
greater Houston area, quickly standardized on the new
TB Wood’s Sure-Flex Plus coupling line. GPM uses
the couplings 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 was 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. Dropping down to a smaller
size coupling is also a benefit for GPM customers,
especially maintenance technicians.