Flex element insulates couplings and protects from reaction loads

Motion system designers have a new option to arrest electrical current. Zero-Max CD® couplings have composite flex elements that are non-conductive in addition to their primary function.

In addition to protecting from stray electrical current, CD couplings protect generators in a system from transferring lower reaction loads to the generator bearings. The coupling’s composite discs withstand all types of environmental elements, including temperature extremes from -40 to +70° C, and also moisture and chemicals.

Additional operating features include: zero backlash, excellent for reversing loads, smooth operation at high speeds, and compact size with a clamping system that fits most applications. CD couplings have long life cycles and require less replacement over time.

CD couplings are available in many models and sizes, including custom designs for unusually large and challenging applications such as wind turbines. Standard models and sizes include single and double flex models with clamp style hubs with or without keyways. The torque capacities range from 40 Nm to 1436 Nm and beyond with speed ratings from 4400 RPM to 17,000 RPM.

Zero-Max
www.zero-max.com

New Materials From Trelleborg for Hygienic-design Couplings

A newly developed FKM is well-suited for use as a Fluorocarbon sealing material. Volume swell in all CIP media was minimal and in some virtually zero. The materials engineered by Trelleborg Sealing Solutions for its new range of static seals for hygienic-design couplings have undergone testing in  Cleaning-In-Process (CIP) media.  Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) E7502, FKMs V8605 and Fluorocarbon (FKM) V8T41  tested well as  a fluorocarbon sealing material.

One test the EPDM E7502, FKMs V8605 and V8T41, underwent  was immersion in 21 commonly used CIP fluids. The sealing materials were measured for volume swell. In all cases but one the volume change of the materials was well below ten percent. In fact, in most CIP media the change was less than five percent.

In a combination of a two percent solution of acidic acid, citric acid and formic acid at +140°F/+60°C volume swell of V8T41 was well below five percent. In a one percent concentration of acidic CIP media with oxygen at +104°F /+40°C, almost no swell was recorded. The material is also suitable for  applications up to +338°F/+170°C.

Trelleborg

trelleborg.com/en/

Breakaway Connectors Allow A Quick Disconnect

ITT Interconnect Solutions offers a line of breakaway connectors. The Nemesis Series and MKJ Series breakaway connectors incorporate a simple push/pull mating mechanism to engage and disengage the connector systems. The coupling mechanism utilizes a canted spring design, which allows for a quick disconnect and ratings of more than 5000 cycles.

The breakaway connectors also feature ITT’s spring probe pin/pad contact system. The contact design utilizes an internal clip mechanism that stays in constant contact with the contact itself, helping to reduce electrical contact resistance. Additionally, the spring probe contact system accommodates misalignment issues, making the contact system much more forgiving.

The spring probe system allows the connector receptacle to house individual touch pad contact areas, providing a highly effective electrical engagement point of contact. Further, the spring probe contact system and touch pads allow for ease of cleanability in the field, where dirt, moisture, mud, sand, and other contaminants may be present. The individual touch pad contacts contain no crevices for contaminants to accumulate.

The Nemesis Series sealed, lightweight, miniature connectors are resistant to salt spray for more than 500 hours, measure less than 15mm in diameter, and have an anti-reflecting coat. Maximum current rating for the Nemesis WT connectors is 3A and voltage rating is 200VAC RMS at sea level. Minimum insulation resistance is 5000MΩ, and maximum contact resistance is 8mΩ. Operating temperature ranges from -40°C to +100°C.  Life span is to 2500 cycles.

The MKJ Series miniature, circular connectors are available with a variety of mounting options for both crimp and PC board contacts, including in-line, jam nut, front mount, square flange mount and flange mount. The connectors are up to 71% lighter and 52% smaller than comparable devices, and feature size 23 pin-and-socket contacts that have the equivalent electrical performance of size 22 contacts. Dielectric withstanding voltage at sea level is 500VAC RMS, 60Hz. Operating temperature ranges from -55°C to +150°C.

Typical pricing for the Nemesis breakaway connectors is approximately $90.00 per mated pair for 1,000 sets. The breakaway connectors will be available in Q2 2010.

www.ittcannon.com

Floating Shaft Couplings Span Long Distances

Floating Shaft CD® Couplings are a torsionally stiff, no backlash option for connecting long distances between shaft ends. They can often be a zero-backlash alternative to Cardan Shafts. The flex element made of composite material makes it possible to have zero-backlash, high torsional stiffness and low bearing loads simultaneously.

The composite material is flexible in one plane and stiff in another plane. It is not prone to fatigue and will perform longer than stainless steel. Custom designs are available with torque ranges from 270 in.-lbs (30 Nm) to 550,000 in.-lbs (63,000 Nm) and with speed ranges from 500 rpm to 15,000 rpm. They are available in custom lengths from 46 in. to 196 in. and with outside hub diameters of 2.25 to 12 in.

www.zero-max.com