Rigid Coupling
Rigid couplings are designed to connect two shafts together so that no relative motion occurs between them (see Fig. 4.16). Rigid couplings are suitable when precise alignment of two shafts is required. If significant radial or axial misalignment occurs, high stresses may result, which can lead to early failure.
Rigid couplings, also known as rigid shaft couplings, are used to transmit power and rotation between the drive and driven equipment shafts. These couplings are not designed to accommodate misalignment. Instead, they can accommodate the load and upthrust from the driven equipment.
Rigid couplings are mainly used on vertical pumps, vertical turbines and vertical mixers where the coupling supports equipment weight due to a lack of thrust bearings in the pump.
Examples of rigid couplings include flange, sleeve or muff and clamp, and:
Unlike many rigid couplings on the market, John Crane’s Metastream® rigid shaft couplings have external adjustment holes to adjust the axial position of the pump shaft. This means that with our product, the setting of the pump impeller is easier.