CHE10209 Couplings Seals Bearings

Engineering Encyclopedia
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards
Miscellaneous Mechanical Components
Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional
Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services.
Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi
Aramco and is intended for the exclusive use of Saudi Aramcos
employees. Any material contained in this document which is not
already in the public domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given,
or disclosed to third parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part,
without the written permission of the Vice President, Engineering
Services, Saudi Aramco.
Chapter : Process
File Reference: CHE10209
For additional information on this subject, contact

R. A. Husseni on 874-2792
Process
CONTENTS
PAGES
INFORMATION
COUPLINGS
Flexible Disc Coupling
Flexible Diaphragm Coupling
Lubricated Gear Coupling
Coupling Life
GEARS
Speed Increasing Gears
Speed-Decreasing Gears
Gear Design
Lubrication of Gears
Power Consumption in Gears
VARIABLE SPEED COUPLINGS
10
BEARINGS
11
Journal Bearings
11
Thrust Bearings
13
Ball Bearings
14
BEARING LUBRICATION
15
Oil Ring Lubrication for Small Power Loads
15
Lubrication by Forced Circulation
16
PUMP SEALS
17
Packing
17
Mechanical Seals
19
Tandem Mechanical Seals
21
Double Mechanical Seals
22
Barrier Fluid System
23
COMPRESSOR SEALS
24
Labyrinth Seals
24
Oil Seals
25
VIBRATION MONITORING TECHNIQUES
26
VIBRATION PROBE TYPES
28
Non-Contacting Eddy Current Probe
28
Velocity or Seismic Sensors
29
Process
Thrust Bearing Monitoring

GLOSSARY
30
31
Process
COUPLINGS
The function of a coupling is to transmit power from one component of a machinery train to another and allow
a certain amount of lateral and axial misalignment between the connected equipment. Some examples are:
A motor to a pump.
A motor to a gear.
A gear to a compressor casing.
One compressor casing to another compressor casing.
Figure 1 shows some typical coupling locations.
Couplings must be designed to absorb movements due to slight misalignment between the shafts. Before
startup, mechanics align machinery components; however, some small misalignment always remains. The two
types of misalignment are parallel and angular. They are shown in Figure 2.
Coupling
Motor
Gear
Compressor
Casing 1
Compressor
Casing 2
FIGURE 1. LOCATIONS OF COUPLINGS
Process
COUPLINGS (CONTD)
Parallel Misalignment
Angular Misalignment
FIGURE 2. FUNCTIONS OF COUPLINGS -- (PARALLEL AND

ANGULAR MISALIGNMENT)
Couplings perform one other function that is shown in Figure 3. They permit axial movement of the two shafts
relative to each other, which is called free end float. The source of this movement is a change in shaft axial
position resulting from a change in temperature during operation.
FIGURE 3. FUNCTIONS OF COUPLINGS -- (FREE-END FLOAT)
Process
Flexible Disc Coupling

Figure 4 shows the most common type of coupling, the flexible disc. This type of coupling is used on most
centrifugal pumps and on some compressors. It transmits power from one shaft to the other through sets of
thin, flexible metallic discs. Flexing of the discs permits the movements necessary during each rotation. The
flexible discs also permit a limited amount of free end float, as shown in Figure 5.
An advantage of the flexible disc type coupling is that it does not require lubrication.
FIGURE 4. COUPLING TYPES - FLEXIBLE DISC, NONLUBRICATED
Process
Flexible Disc Coupling (Contd)
Free
End
Float
FIGURE 5. COUPLING TYPES - FREE END FLOAT
Process
Flexible Diaphragm Coupling

Another type of nonlubricated coupling is the flexible diaphragm. This coupling is commonly used on large
loads with high speeds such as centrifugal compressors. Power is transmitted from one shaft to the other
through relatively thin flexible diaphragms that permit movement. Figure 6 illustrates the flexible diaphragm
coupling.
FIGURE 6. COUPLING TYPES - FLEXIBLE DIAPHRAGM - NONLUBRICATED
Process
Lubricated Gear Coupling

An older type of coupling is the gear coupling shown in Figure 7. In this coupling, power is transmitted
through gear teeth. All of the gears are concentric and they rotate at the same speed. However, the elements
are free to slide axially within each other, and this provides the required flexibility. A disadvantage of this gear
is that it must be lubricated. Because poor lubrication can result in frequent coupling failures, this type of
coupling is not commonly used today.
With Permission from Zurn Industries (Amerigear)
FIGURE 7. COUPLING TYPES - GEARS, LUBRICATED
Process
Coupling Life
A coupling that is properly designed and installed should not experience failures during normal operation of
machinery trains. Factors that can decrease coupling life are:
A high torque stress on the coupling, greater than the design value.
Large misalignments between the two shafts.
Operation at relatively high speeds.
Corrosion or mechanical scratches on thin discs and diaphragms.
Dirt or sludge in a lubricated coupling.
A coupling can often tolerate any one of these contributing factors, but two or more in combination increase
the chances for a coupling failure.
Process
GEARS
Gears are sometimes needed to change the speed of rotation from one component to the next. Some examples
are:
Speed Increasing Gears
Motors typically run at a maximum speed of 3600 rpm. Centrifugal compressors operate at 5000 to 13,000
rpm. A speed-increasing gear is used to run a compressor at the higher speed.
Speed-Decreasing Gears
Steam turbine drivers run at high speeds, 5000 to 10,000 rpm. If the driven equipment is a pump or an electric
generator, the speed required is typically 3600 rpm. A speed-decreasing gear is therefore required.
Gas turbines are also high speed machines running at 5000 to 10,000 rpm. Speed-decreasing gears are required
for pumps and electric generators driven by gas turbines.
The second stage of a centrifugal compressor may run at a higher speed than the first stage.
Reciprocating compressors are low speed machines, typically running at 500 to 1000 rpm. A speed-decreasing
gear is necessary with most drivers, including 2-pole and 4-pole electric motors.
Gears are usually not needed for the following applications because the driver and the driven equipment can
operate at the same speed.
An electric motor connected to a centrifugal pump.
A steam turbine connected to a centrifugal compressor.
A gas turbine connected to a centrifugal compressor.
A slow-speed synchronous electric motor connected to a reciprocating compressor.
Process
Gear Design
The three basic types of gears--spur, helical, and double helical--are shown in Figure 8.
Spur
Helical
Double Helical
FIGURE 8. TYPES OF GEARS
The spur gear is the simplest type of gear. The teeth are parallel to the axis of the shaft. This type of gear is
not used for large, high-speed loads.
In the helical gear, the teeth are not parallel to the shaft. Instead, they follow the shape of a helix, or spiral, on
the surface of the gear. This results in gradual loading of each tooth as the gear rotates. Vibration and noise
levels are much lower for helical gears than for spur gears.
A double helical gear has two sets of teeth included at opposite angles. This arrangement neutralizes the large
thrust, or axial load, on the shaft, which is a disadvantage of the single helical gear. Double helical gears are
common for large, high-speed loads.
Lubrication of Gears
Gears are lubricated by a spray of oil onto the teeth at the point of contact. The oil is circulated by a pump.
The circulation system may be for the gear alone, or it may be combined with a system that lubricates all the
major bearings in the train.
Power Consumption in Gears
Gears are not 100% efficient in transmitting power. A power loss of 2 to 3% is normal.
Process
VARIABLE SPEED COUPLINGS

Variable speed couplings permit the speed ratio to be changed during operation. The different types include
hydraulic couplings, magnetic eddy current couplings, and v-belt couplings. These couplings are not
commonly used in Aramco. In fact, their use is declining in industry in general. It is now more common to
use variable speed electric motors. Therefore, these couplings are not covered in detail in this course.
10
Process
BEARINGS
Two types of bearings are used in rotating equipment. The first is the journal bearing, which supports the
shaft and absorbs all radial forces. Radial forces are perpendicular to the shaft. The second type is the thrust
bearing, which absorbs axial forces on the shaft. Axial forces are parallel to the shaft.
Journal Bearings
Journal bearings are usually sleeve bearings or tilting pad bearings. Typical journal bearing types are shown
in Figure 9. The shaft rotates within a simple sleeve. A film of oil is maintained between the bearing and the
rotating shaft. The shaft does not touch the bearing but is supported by the dynamic forces of the oil. If
contact occurs, the sliding friction will damage the bearings in a short time.
FIGURE 9A. JOURNAL OR SLEEVE BEARINGS
FIGURE 9B. JOURNAL OR SLEEVE BEARINGS - TILT PAD
11
Process
The rotation of the shaft causes the oil in the annular space to rotate. Since the annular space is smaller at the
bottom of the shaft, the oil is forced into a narrow wedge at this point. This causes the oil pressure to be higher
at the bottom of the shaft. The higher pressure supports the weight of the shaft and prevents contact between
the shaft and the bearing.
This type of bearing is the one most commonly used on large machinery such as centrifugal compressors,
steam turbines, and gas turbines.
At high speeds, the simple sleeve bearing may cause unacceptable vibration, because the single oil wedge may
rotate, or orbit, around the shaft. Specially designed bearings with lobes or tilting pads (See Figure 9B)
produce multiple oil wedges and greater stability at high speeds.
12
Process
Thrust Bearings
Hydraulic, aerodynamic, and magnetic forces can cause axial forces on a shaft. These forces are absorbed by
bearings called thrust bearings. Each compressor casing, turbine, and electric motor has at least one thrust
bearing. A rotating collar on the shaft presses against stationary pads mounted to the casing. A rotating oil
film between the collar and the pads supports the load without metal-to-metal contact in the same manner as a
journal bearing. See Figure 10.
Soft Metal Surfaces

Shoe Pads
Mounted to
Casing
Pivots or
Levelling Plates
Thrust
Shaft
Oil In
Oil Out
Collar
FIGURE 10. THRUST BEARINGS
13
Process
Ball Bearings
Another type of bearing is the ball bearing or rolling contact bearing. Figure 11 is a diagram of a ball bearing.
Ball bearings are commonly used in pumps. They absorb both the radial and the axial thrust forces on the
shaft. Metal-to-metal contact does occur, but the contact is at small points that are constantly moving. Also,
rolling friction occurs, not sliding friction. Therefore, only small amounts of heat are generated by the friction.
Outer Sleeve
Balls
Inner Sleeve
Ball Guide or Cage
FIGURE 11. BALL BEARING OR ROLLING CONTACT BEARING
14
Process
BEARING LUBRICATION
Oil Ring Lubrication for Small Power Loads
Small pieces of rotating equipment such as pumps usually have oil-ring lubrication. See Figure 12. An oil
reservoir is located below the shaft. An eccentric ring suspended on the shaft dips into the oil level. As the
shaft rotates, this ring also rotates but at a slower speed. As the ring rotates through the oil, it picks up oil and
carries it up to the shaft. The oil then flows sideways into the bearing. A level indicator on the side of the
equipment shows the level of oil in the reservoir. Operators check the level periodically and refill with oil
when necessary.
Figure 12 also shows a constant level oiler, which keeps the level in the bearing housing constant until the
glass bottle is empty.
FIGURE 12. BEARING LUBRICATION

Note that the glass bottle is not vented and does not show the oil level in the bearing housing. Level is checked
in the sight glass.
15
Process
Lubrication by Forced Circulation

Large pieces of equipment such as compressors, turbines, and large electric motors have forced lubrication
systems. Oil is circulated through the bearings and through a cooler and filter to remove the heat generated
within the bearings and dirt. The major components are as follows:
A reservoir to hold a supply of oil.
Circulating pumps. Normally two pumps are provided, one driven by an electric motor, one
driven by a small steam turbine. Two pumps insure that circulation of the lubricating oil is never
lost, even during an electric power failure. Loss of circulation would cause significant damage to
the bearings.
Piping carries the lubricating oil to and from each bearing. Usually small indicator glasses are
located in these lines so that an operator can visually check that the oil is flowing.
A cooler to remove heat generated by friction. The oil cooler may be a water cooler or an air
cooler.
A dual filter to remove solid particles greater than 10 microns from the oil.
Control valves to control oil flow and pressure.
16
Process
PUMP SEALS
Seals are required between the rotating shaft and the stationary casing of a pump to prevent the leakage of
liquid. Seals are mounted in the section of the casing called the stuffing box.
Packing
The original type of seal on pumps was packing. Packing consists of rings of flexible material in the annular
space between the shaft and the casing. See Figure 13. The rings are compressed by a device called the gland
follower. Compression of the packing rings causes a tight fit between the packing and the shaft and between
the packing and the casing. Lubrication of the surface between the packing and the shaft may be required. If
so, a lubricant is injected into the space called the lantern ring. This fluid can also act as a barrier fluid if it is
maintained at a pressure higher than the pressure inside the pump.
17
Process
The disadvantage of packing as a seal is that tightening is required during operation. A small but finite amount
of leakage occurs with most packing services. Therefore, packing is not used very often today. The
mechanical seal has become the standard sealing device.
FIGURE 13. PACKING TYPE - PUMP SEAL
18
Process
Mechanical Seals
Most pumps today are equipped with mechanical seals rather than packing.
Mechanical seals do not require tightening during operation. Leakage rates are extremely small. Figure 14 is a
diagram of a mechanical seal. The principal parts of a mechanical seal are two seal rings. One ring is mounted
on the shaft and rotates with the shaft; the other ring is stationary and is attached to the casing. Where the two
rings touch each other, the surfaces are extremely flat and smooth. Therefore, contact between the two rings is
so perfect that liquid cannot pass between them. A spring pushes the one ring against the other to maintain
contact. O-ring seals prevent flow of liquid through any other path.
FIGURE 14. MECHANICAL SEAL
19
Process
If the pumping service is hot, or if the fluid viscosity is high, heat must be removed from the rotating seal. A
flushing liquid is circulated through the stuffing box to remove the heat. The flushing liquid also provides
lubrication between the two seal surfaces. The flushing liquid can be a liquid circulated from the discharge of
the pump if this liquid is clean. At other times, the flushing liquid may be a separate fluid. The flushing liquid
also prevents the accumulation of solids in the stuffing box.
Figure 15 shows several methods for providing flushing liquid to a pump seal.
FIGURE 15. SOME TYPICAL SEAL FLUSHING ARRANGEMENTS
20
Process
Tandem Mechanical Seals

For most pumping services, a single mechanical seal is adequate. However, if the pump fluid is hazardous or
toxic, more than one seal may be required to make sure leakage does not occur. Two seals may be arranged in
tandem or as double seals. If one seal fails and leaks, the other seal serves as a backup and prevents leakage to
atmosphere.
The tandem arrangement is shown on Figure 16. In this case, the inner seal contains the pressure. The pressure
in the buffer zone between the two seals will be near atmospheric pressure. If the inner seal fails and leakage
occurs, liquid will accumulate in the buffer zone but will be contained by the outer seal. A level instrument or
a pressure instrument in the buffer zone will sound an alarm to notify operators that leakage of the inner seal is
occurring.
If the outer seal fails first, only barrier fluid leaks to the atmosphere, not pumped fluid. Again an alarm
indicates the malfunction. The barrier fluid is nonhazardous.
FIGURE 16. TANDEM MECHANICAL SEALS
21
Process

Double mechanical sealing is an alternative arrangement for two seals on a single shaft. See Figure 17. In this
case, the pressure between the seals is higher than either the fluid pressure inside the pump or atmospheric
pressure. Thus, if any leakage occurs, it is barrier fluid which leaks. Barrier fluid can leak into the product or
out to the atmosphere. However, the product and the atmosphere are isolated from each other at all times. This
arrangement is used for materials which are very hazardous, toxic, or corrosive. With this arrangement, the
corrosive liquid does not contact the sealing surfaces.
FIGURE 17. DOUBLE MECHANICAL SEALS
22
Process
Barrier Fluid System

Figure 18 shows a typical barrier fluid system. A reservoir is provided at an elevation approximately 6 ft
above the pump seal. This reservoir is filled with a barrier fluid. The fluid circulates by thermal convection or
by a pumping ring located on the rotating seal component to the seal and back to the container. A nitrogen
connection maintains pressure on the container. If both seals are functioning normally, the level in the
reservoir and the pressure will remain constant and the respective instruments will function normally. If one of
the seals leaks, an instrument will sound an alarm, notifying the operator of leakage.
FIGURE 18. TYPICAL BARRIER FLUID SYSTEM
23
Process
COMPRESSOR SEALS
There are two major types of seals on compressor casings. Labyrinth seals minimize internal leakage, for
example, backflow from one impeller to the preceding impeller. Oil seals are located at the ends of the casing
to prevent leakage of gas to the atmosphere.
Labyrinth Seals
In a compressor, leakage between the rotating impeller and stationary casing must be minimized in order to
maintain efficiency. Backflow of gas is minimized by means of labyrinth seals. See Figure 19. A labyrinth
seal contains multiple teeth located very close to the rotating shaft. This results in a breakdown of pressure
across the seal with very little flow. Labyrinth seals are usually made of a soft metal so that they will not
damage the shaft, but as a result, they are very easily damaged by excessive vibration of the shaft.
FIGURE 19. LABYRINTH SEAL
Labyrinth seals can also be used as external seals on air compressors and gas turbines. Some leakage of the
internal gas to the atmosphere can be tolerated in these places.
24
Process
Oil Seals
Most centrifugal compressors have oil seals at each end of the casing. See Figure 20. A bushing type oil seal
shown has two rings mounted on the casing. These seal rings fit very closely to the shaft but with a finite
clearance. Seal oil is pumped into the space between the two seals and circulates through the annular spaces
between the shaft and the seal rings. The pressure of the seal oil is controlled to a level 5 to 10 psi higher than
the gas pressure on the other side of the ring. Seal oil pressure is also higher than atmospheric pressure. This
means that oil will flow outward through the seals, but gas and atmospheric air cannot flow through the seal.
Seal oil is circulated by a pump.
Seal oil from the outer seal ring can be returned directly to the reservoir and the pump.
Oil that passes through the inner seal contains dissolved gas and must be treated differently. If the gas is clean,
the oil passes through a low-pressure vessel to vent the gas. The oil is then returned to the system. If the gas is
dirty or corrosive, the oil from the inner seal is usually discarded. The small pressure difference between the
seal oil and the gas minimizes the leakage to the inner seal. Typical rates are 5 to 10 gallons of oil leakage per
day.
25
Process
VIBRATION MONITORING TECHNIQUES

Compressors, large turbines, and electric motors are expensive pieces of equipment. They are also usually
essential to the operation of a process. One way to prevent mechanical failures is to continuously monitor
equipment vibration levels. Very often, a gradual increase in vibration level precedes a significant failure. If
increased vibration can be detected, the machine can be shut down and repaired before the damage becomes
significant.
Hand-held devices are used for routine monitoring of vibration in pumps and small motors. Large equipment is
fitted with permanently mounted vibration probes. When the vibration reaches a specified level, these
monitors sound an alarm. They may also automatically shut down the machine.
26
Process
FIGURE 20. OIL SEALS - CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSORS
27
Process
VIBRATION PROBE TYPES

Non-Contacting Eddy Current Probe
This type of probe is usually used for compressors, motors, and turbines. See Figure 21. A probe is installed
in the bearing housing very near to the rotating shaft. A d.c. voltage signal is fed to the probe. Any metal
mass near the tip of the probe will cause a loss of signal strength as the signal produces eddy currents in the
metal. The losses are inversely proportional to the width of the gap between the probe and the shaft. An
electronic instrument connected to the probe translates the signals into amplitude of vibration and frequency of
vibration. These devices can measure up to 5000 Hz.
The eddy current probe measures the distance between the shaft and the probe. Therefore, it can be used to
detect radial vibrations and position of the shaft. Two radial probes are installed, at right angles, in each major
journal bearing.
FIGURE 21. VIBRATION PROBE TYPES - EDDY CURRENT
28
Process
Velocity or Seismic Sensors

The velocity sensor is usually used in equipment with ball bearings. A moving coil is attached to the bearing
housing. See Figure 22. A stationary magnet surrounds the coil. The movement of the coil generates a signal
that is monitored by an external electronics package. This type of monitor can measure much higher
frequencies than the eddy current monitor so it is used on gear housings. The vibration in gears can be much
higher in frequency than in other types of equipment, because vibrations are generated by the teeth.
FIGURE 22. VIBRATION DETECTOR - VELOCITY (SEISMIC) SENSOR
29
Process
Thrust Bearing Monitoring

Thrust bearing failure due to excessive wear is an important cause of machinery shutdowns. Monitors are
installed to give early warning of a problem.
Two variables are normally monitored on a thrust bearing, the temperature of the bearing and the position of
the shaft.
Temperature sensors are installed in the shoes of the thrust bearing. A high temperature at this position
indicates excessive load on the bearing,
insufficient lubrication, or both.
The shaft position indicator is an eddy current sensor similar to the axial vibration monitor. The instrument
measures the distance between the tip of the probe and the thrust collar. As the thrust pads gradually wear
down, the collar moves toward the probe.
A disadvantage of velocity sensors is large size. Recently, smaller sensors called accelerometers have been
applied to measure vibrations other than shaft vibration. They operate by the piezoelectric principle and can
measure high frequencies.
30
Process
GLOSSARY
Accelerometer
A device used to measure high frequency vibration of a gear housing or

bearing housing.
Alignment
The relative orientation of two shafts with respect to each other. For good
alignment, the shafts should be parallel and concentric.
Ball Bearing
A bearing that has rotating spheres between two sleeves.
Barrier Fluid
An intermediate fluid that prevents contact between a process fluid and the
atmosphere.
Buffer Zone
An area that contains a barrier fluid.
Coupling
A device that connects the shafts of two machines.
Double Helical Gear
A gear with two rows of teeth that are inclined to the shaft at opposite
angles.
Two seals installed back-to-back, with a high pressure barrier fluid

between them.
Eddy Current Probe
A type of vibration monitor that detects distance between the probe and a
shaft.
Flexible Diaphragm
A type of coupling that uses flexible diaphragms to transmit power, used

for large equipment such as gas compressors.
Flexible Disc
The most common type of coupling, usually used for pumps.
Flushing
A liquid injected into a stuffing box to cool, lubricate, and clean a seal.
Forced Lubrication
A system of bearing lubrication where oil is pumped into the space

between the bearings and the shafts.
Free-End Float
Axial movement of the shaft.
Gear
A device that transmits power and changes speed of rotation. Output speed
is in a fixed ratio to input speed.
31
Process
Gear Coupling
A coupling that transmits power by means of gear-type elements. All

elements are concentric and rotate at the same speed, but axial motion is
possible.
Helical Gear
A power transmission gear with teeth that are not parallel to the shaft.
Each tooth follows the path of a helix on the surface of the gear.
Journal Bearing
A bearing that absorbs the radial forces on a shaft.
Labyrinth Seal
A seal made of a series of sharp-edged rings. The rings are very close to a
shaft, without any sealing liquid.
Mechanical Seal
A seal that prevents leakage by means of two rings whose faces fit together
very closely. One ring is stationary, the other rotates.
Oil Ring
A device used to lubricate bearings without forced lubrication. As it

rotates, it dips into an oil reservoir and carries oil up to a shaft.
O-Ring
A ring of flexible material used to seal an annular space in mechanical

seals where there is no relative rotation between the two surfaces to be
sealed.
Packing
A method of sealing a rotating shaft, using rings of flexible material

around the shaft.
Piezoelectric
Producing an electric voltage by stressing a crystalline material, such as

quartz.
Seal
A device that prevents or minimizes leakage of fluid between a stationary

component such as a casing and a rotating component such as a shaft or
impeller.
Sleeve Bearing
A cylinder-shaped bearing that fits around a shaft like a sleeve.
Spur Gear
A gear with teeth that are parallel to the axis of the shaft.
Stuffing Box
The part of a pump body that contains the mechanical seal or the packing.
Tandem Mechanical Seal
Two mechanical seals, in series, on the same shaft.
32
Process
Train
A series of machinery components connected together; for example, driver,

gear, and compressor.
Thrust Bearing
A bearing that absorbs the axial force, or thrust, on a shaft.
Variable Speed Coupling
A coupling that can continuously change the ratio of output speed to input
speed.
Velocity Sensor
A vibration probe that has a moving coil attached to a machine part. The
coil moves inside a fixed magnet to generate a signal.
33

CHE10209 Couplings Seals Bearings

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CHE10209 Couplings Seals Bearings

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Engineering Encyclopedia

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Miscellaneous Mechanical Components

For additional information on this subject, contact

Flexible Disc Coupling

Flexible Diaphragm Coupling

Lubricated Gear Coupling

Speed Increasing Gears

Power Consumption in Gears

VARIABLE SPEED COUPLINGS

Oil Ring Lubrication for Small Power Loads

Lubrication by Forced Circulation

Tandem Mechanical Seals

Double Mechanical Seals

Barrier Fluid System

VIBRATION MONITORING TECHNIQUES

VIBRATION PROBE TYPES

Non-Contacting Eddy Current Probe

Velocity or Seismic Sensors

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Thrust Bearing Monitoring

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Figure 1 shows some typical coupling locations.

FIGURE 1. LOCATIONS OF COUPLINGS

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

FIGURE 2. FUNCTIONS OF COUPLINGS -- (PARALLEL AND

FIGURE 3. FUNCTIONS OF COUPLINGS -- (FREE-END FLOAT)

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Flexible Disc Coupling

FIGURE 4. COUPLING TYPES - FLEXIBLE DISC, NONLUBRICATED

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Flexible Disc Coupling (Contd)

FIGURE 5. COUPLING TYPES - FREE END FLOAT

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Flexible Diaphragm Coupling

FIGURE 6. COUPLING TYPES - FLEXIBLE DIAPHRAGM - NONLUBRICATED

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Lubricated Gear Coupling

With Permission from Zurn Industries (Amerigear)

FIGURE 7. COUPLING TYPES - GEARS, LUBRICATED

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

An electric motor connected to a centrifugal pump.

A steam turbine connected to a centrifugal compressor.

A gas turbine connected to a centrifugal compressor.

A slow-speed synchronous electric motor connected to a reciprocating compressor.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

FIGURE 8. TYPES OF GEARS

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

VARIABLE SPEED COUPLINGS

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

FIGURE 9A. JOURNAL OR SLEEVE BEARINGS

FIGURE 9B. JOURNAL OR SLEEVE BEARINGS - TILT PAD

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Soft Metal Surfaces

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Ball Guide or Cage

FIGURE 11. BALL BEARING OR ROLLING CONTACT BEARING

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

FIGURE 12. BEARING LUBRICATION

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Lubrication by Forced Circulation

A reservoir to hold a supply of oil.