ARPEX - High Performance Couplings

ARPEX high performance couplings have been specially designed for use in high-speed applications. Created by designers with decades of experience using state of the art development and manufacturing tools, ARPEX high performance couplings offer a dependable high-end solution for torsionally rigid torque transmission even with shaft misalignment. The couplings are suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in accordance with 94/9/EC and comply with the requirements of API 671/ISO 10441.

ARPEX high performance couplings can withstand temperatures between -40°C and +280°C in operation. On request they can also be specially equipped for use in other temperature ranges.

Application

ARPEX high performance couplings from the ART and ARE

series transmit torque by means of a patented conical screw connection and a hexagonal, octagonal or decagonal plate pack. They are suitable for torques ranging from 1000 Nm to 588500 Nm with a maximum permissible angular misalignment of between 0.16° and 0.35°. The high quality materials and compact design of the couplings make them light in weight, but capable of high peripheral speeds and torques.

Main areas of application, particularly in the oil and gas industries, the petrochemical industry and in the maritime field:

Generator drives
Gas and steam turbines
Turbo compressors
Boiler feed pumps
Marine drives
Test stands

Characteristics of the ARPEX ART and ARE high performance couplings:

No lubrication necessary
Backlash-free torque transmission thanks to plate packs with patented, positive-locking conical screw connection
Design in accordance with API 671/ISO 10441
Easy to install with factory-assembled half couplings
Compact, weight-optimized design
Low restoring forces
High balancing quality
Couplings can be designed for potentially explosive environments in accordance with 94/9/EC

Design

2 different series and 3 different types of the ARPEX high performance couplings are available. The series are differentiated according to the number of plate pack screw connections used, i.e. they feature either a hexagonal, an octagonal or a decagonal plate pack.

The version with six connecting elements allows the largest radial and axial shaft misalignment thanks to the high flexibility of the hexagonal plate pack design. This version is thus espe- cially suitable for applications involving a large degree of thermal expansion.

The version with octagonal plate pack combines high torque capacity with high flexibility and thus offers a perfect solution for most high-speed applications.

The version with decagonal plate pack provides the highest torque capacity with small shaft misalignment and is thus especially suitable for applications with high peak torques and low misalignment requirements.

The types are differentiated according to the following features:

The compact, "reduced moment" XVX type minimizes the bending moment stress on the connecting shafts.
Type BVB is a lower-cost version of type XVX and is suitable for applications with lower requirements of the moment stresses on the connecting shafts.

Type MHM is designed for use with larger shaft diameters. The ARE series couplings have been developed for use on medium-speed drives. They are a low cost, light-weight version with high torque capacity.

All versions can also be supplied with flange connections to meet the customer's specifications.