Durable 10-Year Rubber Compression Coupling
In steel mills, table rollers are essential heavy-duty conveyors that move steel from one process to the next. They are critical to production because any failure in the conveying system can significantly reduce the ability to transport products within the plant and potentially cause production stoppages.
Operational Conditions and Challenges
Table rollers face common operational challenges such as shock loads, vibrations, and torque magnification. The drive system must be designed to withstand these conditions. When shock loads occur, for example, when a steel billet impacts the rollers, the impact transmits torque through the drive system to the motor.
The key factors for peak torque and torque magnification are gaps. When the shock load’s torque accelerates in the gap, between gears and then suddenly decelerates. To the operational speed at which dynamic torque is transmitted through the drive system, the shock acts like a hammer strike on the system.
The Solution: Rubber Compression Coupling
The rubber compression coupling solves this problem because there is no metal-to-metal contact. The drive is dampened through pre-compressed rubber elements. Eliminating gaps and ensuring that the natural frequency of the drive system is not in sync with the operational speed.
The rubber compression elastic coupling consists of two circular metal parts, one inside the other, resembling blades that protrude both inward and outward. Rubber blocks are placed in the spaces between the blades. When the outer part is rotated by the motor, the rubber blocks drive the inner part. During this process, the rubber is compressed, hence the term “rubber compression.”
Advantages and Lifespan
The rubber compression coupling is maintenance-free, and the rubber blocks can provide a service life of at least 10 years before needing replacement. As an ideal solution for table roller drives, the rubber compression coupling is also used in other applications within steel mills. Including main rolling mill drives, ladle cranes, elevators, refineries, pickling lines, and edge grinding machines.
The rubber compression coupling provides a reliable and durable solution for the demanding conditions of steel mill operations. Its ability to dampen vibrations, absorb shock loads. And eliminate mechanical gaps ensures smooth and efficient operation. Making it a perfect choice for heavy-duty drive systems in various steel mill applications.