MechChem Africa May 2017

⎪ Products and industry news ⎪

Falk grid couplings for reliable performance

BMG’s heavy industrial Rexnord Falk Steelflex ® couplings are known globally for highly effi- cient and reliable performance, even in arduous applications. “FalkSteelflexcouplingshave also been proven to minimise downtime – an important factor in determining the total cost of ownership,” says Carlo Beukes, general manager, power trans-

BMG’s heavy industrial Rexnord Falk Steelflex couplings are known globally for highly efficient and reliable perfor- mance, even in arduous applications.

Optical encoder for speed regulation The newHengstler Acuro ® AX73 is a class-leading optical encoder that offers smooth speed regulationwith high levels of precision. Its compact dimensions make it suitable for installation in areas where there are space constraints. Available from the official Hengstler distributor for Southern Africa, CountapulseControls, this absolute rotaryencoder is ideal for ATEX-rated applications. The Acuro AX73 encoder carries ATEX and IEC Ex certification for gas and dust explosion proof requirements. This advanced optical encoder offers benefits for a myriad of applications including winches, cranes, drills and other oil and gas industry equipment, as well as in paint plants, petrochemical facilities, bottling plants and grain mills. www.countapulse.co.za The Falk grid range is available in 25 sizes with various bore, speed and torque capacities. There are 11 models available, including high speed, spacer, flywheel, brakeandcontrolled torque. Theyhaveamaxi- mumbore of 508mm, amaximumtorque capacity of 932 000Nmand speeds of up to10000 rpm, depending on the couplingmodel and size. www.bmgworld.net mission, BMG. “Couplings are put under enormous pressure fromhigh impact loads on conveyors, shredders and mixers in harsh operating environments. Also, vibratory loads on high speed applications, such as pumps or compressors can cause the breakdown 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 that eliminates the need to remove or reposition hubs or re-align shafts, which would be required with gear couplings andmany 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 andfloatwithin thehub teeth. Thismeansmisalignment capacity is provided, without producing detrimental bearing side loads created by conventional couplings. Whensubjectedtonormalshockorvibratoryloads,thegridcoupling torsionallydeflects. These couplings offer enhancedvibrationdamping andreducepeaktorquebyabout30%,alsoreducingwearonconnected equipment components. The couplings act as a shock absorber for rotarymotion, relying on the predictable resilience of the steel grid for torsional flexibility.

May 2017 • MechChem Africa ¦ 45