While there’s no set standard for how long any piece of equipment lasts, one of the best ways to ensure you get the most life out of anything is maintenance.
When you replace broken or worn components of your motor, like your motor coupling, you’ll find that your whole system lasts longer. If you’re willing to put in the work for replacing these components, your whole system will reward you with efficiency.
Here is what you need to know when you’re looking to buy a new coupling for your motor.
Figure Out The Size
When you’re looking to replace a motor coupling, especially one that worked well for some years, you need to make sure you order the right replacement. When looking to get the OEM part or the closest one to it, you need to figure out how to identify it to reorder it. This will help you maintain the life of your motor.
You’ll need to find out the horsepower of the motor and the RPM at the point of the coupling to identify the size. There is a specific shaft, and keyway size you need to make sure matches the old one.
Then check the shaft separation, also known as BSE, which is the distance between your two shaft ends. If you also know the type of driven equipment that you’re using it with, you’re all set.
How Are You Using It
Along with the size, you need to figure out the application factors which help you decide on a coupling. Not all couplings are created equally, even ones that are made to fit a specific type of motor.
You’ll need to know the operating temperature that you’re putting it under and any chemical exposure that you can expect. There are run cycle types, whether continuous or start-stop motors that make a difference. You’ll even need to account for space available for your couplings.
Figure out the misalignment handling requirements, and you’ll know which to get. There are angular, parallel, and axial misalignment possibilities and your coupling will be different depending on which one you have to account for.
Beware of Misalignment
When you’re looking at the rating for the coupling that you’re replacing, there is a number that relates to misalignment. Each coupling type will tell you how much is the maximum allowable misalignment you can have. If your coupling is set to be aligned at the maximum permissible misalignment, you need another coupling.
If you go beyond the allowance, then you’re going to see a severe drop in the life of your coupling. While you can’t precisely calculate the life of a coupling, the factor of misalignment is going to make a massive difference.
A New Motor Coupling Will Get You Back on Track
When your system has been giving you trouble, a motor coupling could be the only thing standing in the way of reaching peak efficiency. So long as you find the component that fits your system, you’ll be able to have a motor that works as if it were brand new.
If you need help in servicing and maintaining all of your equipment, check out our latest guide.