Altra Industrial Motion offers an extensive range of drivetrain products for pumps and compressors, enhancing performance and reliability while providing OEMs with single-source convenience. Innovative solutions such as TB Wood's Sure-Flex® Plus couplings and custom-designed options have shown significant improvements in torque ratings, cost savings, and durability across various applications including wastewater treatment, oil and gas, and petrochemical industries. The document highlights collaboration with customers to solve specific challenges and improve existing systems with reliable coupling and drive solutions.

1. Applications & Innovations
Pumps and Compressors
Market

2. We’re committed to the
Pumps and Compressors
Market
The companies of Altra Industrial Motion offer many critical
drivetrain products utilized in pump and compressor applications
including couplings, backstops, torque-limiting devices, gearing
and geared motors, clutches and belted drives.
Altra Brands Deliver Value Throughout the Drivetrain
Altra Industrial Motion is positioned to provide OEMs with
exceptional drivetrain value by ensuring component compatibility
and optimized performance combined with time-saving,
single-source convenience.
Extensive Technical Experience in Pump and
Compressor Applications
Major OEMs routinely rely on the vast pump & compressor
application knowledge of Altra’s engineering teams that collaborate
to thoroughly analyze specific customer applications and then
apply the latest technologies in design, materials and
manufacturing.

3. TB Wood’s Couplings Provide
Best-In-Class Performance in Pump Applications
Application ProfileApplication Profile

4. • TB Wood’s engineers continue the legacy of innovation with the
introduction of the Sure-Flex®
Plus coupling, making the industry-favorite
Sure-Flex couplings even better.
• New elastomeric sleeves provide higher performance and enhanced
durability due to significant improvements in proprietary EPDM and
Neoprene materials
• Development testing confirmed that the new proprietary EPDM and
Neoprene rubber sleeves enable a 30% increase in the torque rating
when compared to the previous generation sleeves and similar offerings
by competitors.
• Sure-Flex Plus couplings provide significant cost saving benefits in
a size-for-size replacement in an existing coupling installation
• Over 50% of common applications can specify a one-size-smaller
coupling when using Sure-Flex Plus sleeves, reducing initial purchase
cost as well as sleeve replacement cost.
TB Wood’s Sure-Flex®
Plus Couplings Provide
Best-In-Class Performance in Pump Applications
www.tbwoods.comP-8024-TBW.pdf *Source: tbwoods.com

5. ANSI Centrifugal
Pump Packages
Problem:
GPM Pump and Seal had been using competitor couplings,
which it routinely replaced in the field. Their customers often
had issues with burs and shaft bores on some of the lower-
quality competitor brands.
Solution:
GPM recently standardized on the new, economical and reliable
TB Wood’s Sure-Flex Plus coupling line for use on many of its
custom pump assemblies, including ANSI pump packages.
• New EPDM and Neoprene sleeve materials used in Sure-
Flex Plus couplings offer a 30% increase in torque ratings
when compared to previous sleeves and competitor offerings.
• The increased torque capacity often allows GPM to drop down
a coupling size giving it a competitive advantage on large
projects.
Application Profile
Sure-Flex®
Plus Couplings

6. Water/Wastewater

7. Wastewater Treatment Plant
Pump Systems
Problem:
A major metropolitan wastewater treatment plant that
processes 275 million gallons daily, had been experiencing
premature failure of its couplings due to their inability to
withstand UV exposure and seasonal temperature changes.
Solution:
TB Wood’s supplied DuraFlex couplings with elastomeric
material that is specially formulated to stand up to UV
radiation. The polyurethane material provides superior
chemical, dynamic, and weathering properties.
• Couplings controlled vibration, minimized misalignment,
and reduced maintenance costs
• No need for re-alignment or lubrication
• Accommodate high shock loads in 24/7/365 operation
Application Profile
DuraFlex®
Couplings

8. Application Profile
Water Treatment Plant
Problem:
A midwestern water treatment facility needed a reliable
replacement clutch solution for use on a series of electric motor
driven pumps connected to a common manifold. Backstopping
clutches are installed on each pump to prevent backflow when
one or more of the pumps is shut down. The problem was that
the existing competitor backstopping clutches were wearing out
too quickly, and the replacement lead time from the
manufacturer was too long.
Solution:
Formsprag supplied Model HSB-600 high-speed backstopping
clutches with a torque capacity of 2,250 lb.ft. (3060 Nm).
HSB models are comprised of standard FSO clutch with the
addition of an oil reservoir. Units features PCE®
sprags with
Formchrome®
and Formsprag “Free-action” retainers.
Optional torque arms were also included.
Model HSB Backstopping Clutches

9. Application Profile
Wastewater Plant
Problem:
A global pump OEM contacted various backstopping clutch
suppliers as they were experiencing problems with pumps at a
wastewater facility in Madagascar. The pumps, on a common
manifold, were rotating backward when their respective drive
motors were not powered up.
Solution:
Ultimately, HSB backstopping clutches from Formsprag were
selected over competitive models based on rapid responsiveness,
superior product quality and a long supply history. Formsprag
supplied Model HSB-900 clutches, with a torque capacity of
18,000 lb.ft. (24,480 Nm). HSB units are comprised of standard
FSO clutch with the addition of an aluminum cast oil reservoir
with cooling fins. HSB models have a spacer replacing the seal
at the reservoir end to permit free oil flow between the clutch
and reservoir.
Model HSB Backstopping Clutches

10. Water Pumping Station
Problem:
Engineers at a large raw water pumping station in Malaysia
asked TB Wood’s to help solve severe vibration problems
with the existing 4-section U-joint, vertical drivetrains on nine
pumps in their station.
Solution:
TB Wood’s provided a custom-designed 3-section, Form-Flex
composite driveshaft connected to form a 4-story drivetrain.
• Composite tubes weigh up to 80% less than steel
• 200HP pumps rated at 710 RPM
• Upper and lower shaft sections used 7" dia. tubing, the
center section used 14" tubing to span center-floor bearing
location where vibration had been most severe
• 4 of 9 vertical shaft systems replaced to date
Application Profile
Form-Flex®
Composite Floating Shafts
3-section Form-Flex vertical driveshaft
(gray, in center) replaced both the
4-section shafts (blue, in foreground,
on left) and 4-section U-joints (black,
in background, on right).

11. Water Pumping System
Problem:
A robust coupling solution was needed for a large diesel-
powered, artificial lift water pumping stations used to push water
4,000 vertical feet up and over the Andes mountain range in
South America. The pipeline operators had been using
manually engaged clutches that they would engage and
disengage at any speed, which was destroying the clutches on
a routine basis
causing the entire pipeline to be shut down.
Solution:
To solve the problem, the manually operated clutches were
replaced with large, direct-mounted Stromag Periflex®
VN (PVN)
disc couplings, which could handle the massive inertia of the
whole drivetrain generated from a remote-mounted 34-stage
centrifugal pump, thus eliminating the need for the clutch and its
potentially damaging engagements.
Application Profile
Periflex®
VN Couplings

12. Mining

13. Mine Slurry Pumps
Problem:
A large pump OEM required a rugged belted drive solution
for slurry pumps used by a copper mine customer. The pumps
are used to transport slurry, comprised of ore and water,
through a pipeline. After reaching its destination, the ore is
separated from the water and the remaining water is treated
prior to release or reuse.
Solution:
Reliable TB Wood’s V-belt 8-groove sheaves were an ideal
solution for this tough mining application. A 53" diameter
sheave was mounted to the pump shaft and a mated
18" diameter sheave was mounted to the drive motor shaft.
• Ductile iron construction
• Motor sheaves were dynamically balanced at the factory
Application Profile
V-Belt Drives

14. Application Profile
Mud Pump Agitators
Problem:
A mud pump agitator manufacturer was looking for an
alternative to their existing gearboxes. Mud serves as a
lubricant in drilling bore holes during oil and gas exploration.
The agitator impellers maintain uniform fluid/solid mud
consistency.
Solution:
Boston Gear supplied a Series 2000 right angle helical bevel
gear drive for customer testing. The customer was particularly
interested in the unit’s unique mounting registers and keyless
tapered bushings that allow for fast and easy installation.
• Torque range from 71 in.lbs. (8 Nm) to 46300 in.lbs. (5231
Nm)
• Unique rounded housing surfaces for easier cleaning
• Dimensional drop-in replacements for major competitive
products
• Premium acrylic paint pigmented with 316 stainless steel flake
for high corrosion and abrasion resistance
Series 2000 Helical Bevel Gear Drive

15. Application Profile
Mine Water Pumps
Problem:
A global manufacturer of pumping systems needed a reliable
clutch solution for use on mine water pumps. The packaged
system consisted of six electric motor driven pumps connected
to a manifold to transport water at a copper mine.
Backstopping
clutches were required to prevent backflow when one or more
of the pumps were shut down. If left unprotected, water
backflow would drive the impeller and motor in the wrong
direction, causing significant powertrain damage when the
pumps were re-started.
Solution:
Formsprag provided ball bearing supported Model SB-600
backstopping clutches, designed specifically for pump
applications.
• 1600 lb.ft. (2176 Nm) torque capacity
• Compact length requiring only an additional 3.2 in. between
the motor and pump shaft
Model SB Backstopping Clutches

16. Mine Refrigeration
Compressor
Problem:
A major refrigeration system manufacturer required a custom
sheave solution for a large belt-driven mine refrigeration
compressor. The belted drive transfers power from the electric
motor to the compressor. The reciprocating compressor raises
the temperature of the refrigerant gas before it is pumped into
a condenser.
Solution:
TB Wood’s engineers designed a Made-to-Order (MTO)
solution that was manufactured to meet the challenging
application requirements. A new 40" dia., non-standard
5-groove, ductile iron flywheel sheave was cast and mounted
on the compressor shaft to accommodate the high inertia load
generated. A mated 16" dia. sheave was cast and installed on
the drive motor shaft.
Application Profile
MTO Sheaves

17. Oil & Gas

18. Mobile Hydraulic Fracturing
Pump System
Problem:
A major manufacturer of truck-mounted hydraulic fracturing
pump units needed reliable couplings for use on the engine
cooling fan drives.
Solution:
TB Wood’s Dura-Flex WE50 couplings were selected over
competitive units due to their superior performance and
weatherability of their urethane elements in rugged oil field
operating environments.
• Couplings are mounted to a vertical motor shaft that drives
a cooling fan for the main engine
• High parallel and angular misalignment ratings
• Couplings feature torque rating of 7,650 in.lbs.
• Highest operating range of -40°F to 200°F
• High moisture and chemical resistance
Application Profile
Dura-Flex®
Couplings

19. Oil & Gas Truck-Mounted
Pumps
Problem:
A leading oil and gas OEM needed a torque-dense disconnect
coupling for pumps utilized at hydraulic fracturing sites. The
truck-mounted pumps are driven by energy efficient electric
motors instead of traditional diesel engines. The coupling
is installed between a 5,000 HP motor and the pump. The
coupling allows the pump to be disconnected from the drive
motor to prevent drivetrain damage during vehicle transport.
Solution:
Ameridrives was contacted by the OEM’s consulting engineer
to provide a coupling solution. After review of the application,
Ameridrives supplied Amerigear FDC flexible gear couplings
with a torque rating of 551,000 in.lbs.
• Flanged-sleeve, double engagement disconnect couplings
with shifting collars are designed to meet quick connection
or disconnection application requirements.
Application Profile
Modified Amerigear Couplings

20. Drilling Rig Mud Pump
Problem:
A drilling rig operator in Texas was experiencing issues on
their mud pump drives. The mud pump was driven by two
1000 horsepower motors, each configured with two 4-strand
8V-belts. After investigation, it was determined that the drive
was not sized properly using standard V-belts.
Solution:
The standard belts were replaced with TB Wood’s Premium
V-belts in the same sheaves. The drives did not have to be
redesigned and drilling promptly resumed without further
issue.
• Premium belts can handle 1.4 to 2.2 times more
horsepower than the equivalent size standard V-belt
• Unique curve design
• Aramid tensile cords utilized in TB Wood’s Premium belts
provide extraordinary strength, durability, and dramatically
less stretch than standard cross sections
Application Profile
Premium V-Belts

21. Oil Field Pump Jack
Problem:
An engine manufacturer requested a clutch for use on oil field
pump jacks. The clutch needed to serve two purposes. First, it
allows the engine to restart without the load after maintenance
is completed. Second, if the oil level of the well falls below the
suction tube, the engine is clutched to allow the oil level to
recover.
Solution:
Warner Electric developed a modified CMS (Commercial
Mag Stop) clutch to meet the OEMs function and performance
requirements.
• Bearing mounted with steel friction plates
• Includes a double groove pulley to accommodate twin V-belts
that drive the pump shaft
• Low cost solution
• Designed for easy install/replacement
• Instant on/off
Application Profile
Modified CMS Clutch

22. Refinery Vertical Turbine
Pumps
Problem:
Vertical turbine style pumps are widely used in refinery
applications to lift fluids from sumps, pits or tanks. These pumps
have a shaft that extends down inside a pipe and connects to a
series of stacked turbine impellers, each nested inside a bell
housing. During operation, fluid is drawn up the pipe from the
suction created by the rotating impellers. After extended use, the
impeller blades become worn which creates a gap between the
blade tips and the bell housings – reducing the pump’s
efficiency.
Solution:
TB Wood’s introduced the AVS Series coupling specifically to
improve vertical turbine pump efficiency. The AVS (Adjustable
Vertical Spacer) coupling connects the motor to the long impeller
shaft. A threaded adjustment nut allows operators to increase
suction by drawing the worn blades snuggly back into the
housings.
Application Profile
AVS Series Rigid Couplings

23. Gas Turbine
Problem:
A major global oil and gas turbomachinery OEM required a
coupling solution for a replacement gas turbine being built for
a natural gas company in the Middle East. The coupling
connects a gas turbine to a series of three inline
compressors within the drivetrain.
Solution:
Ameridrives provided a custom designed Ameriflex RR
(reduced ratio) high-speed diaphragm coupling that met the
challenging application requirements, including the ability to
transmit 20,000 HP @ 4,600 RPM.
• 20" OD spacer that was almost 100" long
• 1,310,000 in.lbs. (148,011 Nm) peak torque rating
• 6,000 RPM maximum speed rating
• Low bending moment and axial force
• Diaphragms designed for infinite life using Finite Element
Analysis
Application Profile
Custom Ameriflex Coupling

24. Natural Gas Fueling
Station Compressors
Problem:
A leading packager of reciprocating compressor equipment
required a reliable coupling solution for its line of compressor
packages used at natural gas vehicle (NGV) refueling
stations. The multi-stage, skid-mounted compressors feed the
gas to on-site storage vessels for distribution to individual
vehicle dispensers. The couplings are used to connect the
electric drive motor to the compressor.
Solution:
TB Wood’s worked closely with the customer to design a
custom Form-Flex GCH 240 disc coupling.
• Torque rating up to 4,000,000 in.lb.
• Keyless locking device incorporated on the compressor and
motor shafts for easy installation and removal
• Fully-machined carbon steel hubs
• High carbon steel unitized disc packs
Application Profile
Form-Flex®
GCH Couplings with Locking Hubs

25. PetroChemical

26. Ameriflex Couplings Provide Enhanced
Reliability in Demanding Polymer Resin
Manufacturing Applications
Application ProfileApplication Profile

27. • Large-capacity, motor-driven pumps are utilized at polymer processing
plants to move resin material throughout the facility. Durable couplings
are required to connect the pump rotors to gearboxes.
• A major global petrochemical company experienced a coupling failure
on a polymer pump in one of its larger resin processing facilities. The
coupling problem caused expensive, time-consuming shutdowns.
• Ameridrives engineers recommended replacing the gear couplings
with Ameriflex diaphragm couplings, which can run continuously and
require no lubrication or maintenance.
• Ameriflex couplings are typically used on high performance, high-speed
applications. However, Ameridrives collaborated with industry experts to
provide custom-designed diaphragm couplings for this application.
• Many custom Ameriflex couplings were designed and delivered in
a variety of sizes and configurations with torque ranges up to
1,100,000 Nm (10,000,000 in.lbs.).
Ameriflex Couplings Provide Enhanced
Reliability in Demanding Polymer Resin
Manufacturing Applications
www.ameridrives.comP-7900-AC.pdf
*Source: American Chemistry Council;
www.americanchemistry.com

28. Polymer Resin Pumps
Problem:
A major global petrochemical company experienced a gear
coupling failure on a high-torque, low-speed polymer pump
application in one of its larger resin processing facilities. The
coupling problem caused expensive, time-consuming production
line shutdowns. Maintenance crews did their best, keeping all
Unfortunately, keeping the gear couplings properly lubricated
proved to be a tough challenge for maintenance crews.
Solution:
After careful review of the situation, Ameridrives engineers
recommended replacing the gear couplings with Ameriflex
diaphragm couplings, which can run continuously and require
no lubrication or maintenance (unlike gear couplings which
require maintenance at six-month intervals).
• Many custom designed Ameriflex couplings were delivered in
a variety of sizes, torque ranges and configurations
Application Profile
Custom Ameriflex®
Couplings

29. Petrochemical Plant
Compressors
Problem:
The largest turbomachinery OEM in China, Shenyang Blower
Works (SBW), needed an economical, high performance coupling
solution for compressor applications used at an anhydrous
ammonia (NH3) fertilizer processing facility.
Solution:
Altra Couplings engineers, together with a local distributor,
collaborated with SBW to develop custom versions of the new
Turboflex Plus high performance disc coupling for each of the
specific compressor train applications within the plant.
• Models were designed with lengths up to 60.3 in., max. speeds
up to 11,000 RPM, and max. torques up to 70,000 Nm.
• Creative engineering, state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities,
plus higher volumes achieved by combining various product
technologies yielded a cost-reduced coupling that meets market
demands for high performance at an economical price.
Application Profile
Turboflex Plus Disc Couplings

30. Natural Gas Compressors
Problem:
Empty subterranean salt domes were being used as a
storage space for natural gas. Unique couplings were
required for the facility’s two 10,000 HP compressors used to
pump the gas into and out of the domes.
Solution:
TB Wood’s provided two custom-designed couplings which
featured a 10 million in.lb. rating, a 36 in.dia. bolt circle, and
weighed 10,000 lbs. each.
• Two of the largest TB Wood’s couplings ever built
• Motors rated at 7,500 HP at 180 RPM or 10,000 HP
at 360 RPM
• Superbolt®
Torquenuts®
bolts incorporated for use with
standard half-inch drive torque wrench
• TB Wood’s, Ameridrives, and Bibby all contributed in this
successful product design and development process
Application Profile
Custom-designed Disc Coupling

31. Screw Compressor
Problem:
A series of special couplings were required by a major
reciprocating and screw compressor OEM that designs
packages for natural gas downstream, midstream and
upstream processing. The couplings were needed for large,
motor-driven screw compressors (2,675 kW @ 1,493 RPM)
being built for use in a gas field in Australia.
Solution:
Altra Couplings engineers reconfigured the spacers on
Torsiflex couplings (utilizing heat treated alloy steel) to reduce
stiffness so the system would not operate at or near torsional
resonance. The coupling had a 221,275 in.lb. torque rating. A
Torsi-Lock hub was also incorporated on the compressor side
of the couplings, which can be easily installed and removed for
routine compressor seal maintenance.
Application Profile
Torsiflex Couplings with Torsi-Lock®
Hubs

32. Gas Recovery
Compressor Package
Problem:
A major global gas compressor OEM needed reliable couplings
for a new gas recovery reciprocating compressor package. The
multi-stage unit featured a preliminary motor-driven flash gas
compressor scrubber and two motor-driven flash gas
compressors. Three different couplings were required to connect
each electric motor and associated compressor.
Solution:
The OEM contacted Bibby Turboflex based on a long history of
successful collaborations. Bibby provided modified API 670 and
ATEX compliant Torsiflex disc couplings to meet the application
specifications.
• Bibby worked directly with the Ship & Offshore Classification
Society and its inspectors to reduce lead times while ensuring
that the couplings met the DNV compliance requirement.
• Special-machined hubs meet customer shaft end requirements
Application Profile
Torsiflex Disc Couplings

33. Vessels

34. LNG Ship Compressor
Problem:
A leading global designer and builder of marine and offshore
liquid gas plants needed a new cost-effective coupling solution
for use on a reciprocating compressor onboard an LNG ship.
Two couplings are used on the compressor drivetrain to connect
the electric motor to the gearbox and the gearbox to the
compressor. The previous couplings, which were costly and very
heavy, had a spacer machined from solid steel.
Solution:
Bibby Turboflex provided custom Torsiflex disc couplings with
fabricated plug-in spacers and taper lock bushings to meet the
challenging customer specifications and tight delivery timeline.
Torsiflex couplings are specifically designed for compressor,
pump, fan and blower applications.
• Fabricated welded steel spacers with a butt welded joint
significantly reduces overall coupling weight and mass, which,
in turn, increase bearing life.
Application Profile
Torsiflex Couplings

35. FPSO Vessel Pump
Problem:
A leading industrial pump manufacturer needed high-performance
couplings for a topside sea water injection pump package used
on-board a floating production, storage and off-loading (FPSO)
ship. The massive oil and gas refining vessel, with a 2M barrel
capacity, is positioned over the Egina deepwater oilfield, 150 Km
off the shore of Nigeria. The couplings connect the electric drive
motor to the gearbox and gearbox to a 7-stage centrifugal pump.
Solution:
The pump OEM contacted Bibby Turboflex for its extensive
coupling engineering expertise, quality manufacturing and
reasonable lead times. Bibby supplied modified standard
Turboflex HF Series disc couplings with tapered bores to meet
the challenging application requirements.
• Torsionally-tuned spacers for reduced stiffness
• Machined hubs to suit customer shaft end details.
• API 671 & ATEX compliant
Application Profile
Turboflex HF Series Disc Coupling

36. Dredging Vessel
Centrifugal Pump Drive
Problem:
A leading dredging owner/operator needed to replace a
competitor-supplied clutch/coupling combination on one of its
fleet of “Trailing Suction Hopper Dredgers”. The clutch is
positioned between the forward end of the main propulsion
diesel engine and input shaft to the dredge pump gearbox.
Solution:
Wichita supplied its new sinter metallic friction variant of its
pneumatically actuated MSV (Marine Standard Ventilated)
clutch/coupling that was designed to “drop-in” to the existing
space to avoid expensive re-engineering costs.
• Designed for high-energy start applications
• Sinter metallic friction linings
• Unique pin drive arrangement provides ease of maintenance
• Radially removed friction segments reduce downtime
Application Profile
MSV Sinter Metallic Friction, Pin Drive Clutch

37. Seabed Dredging Vessels
Problem:
Original conical clutches needed to be replaced on the main
dredge pumps on two dredging vessels. The vessels use
huge, toothed dragheads to channel sand from the seabed
into an intake where powerful suction pumps pull sand into
the ship’s hopper.
Solution:
Wichita Clutch Marine Standard Ventilated multi-plate
clutches were installed on each vessel.
• Pneumatically-actuated clutch/coupling allows rapid pump
connection/disconnection during dredging
• Larger friction area
• Significantly reduced load inertia
• Lower surface temperatures
• Reduced friction wear
Application Profile
Marine Standard Ventilated
Multi-plate Clutch

38. Energy

39. Power Plant
Problem:
A new engineered coupling solution was needed at the first
coal-fired power plant in the U.S. that utilizes ultrasupercritical
boiler technology, where water moves directly from a liquid to
superheated steam. The coupling is located between the
boiler’s water feed pump and the steam turbine. At certain
times, such as during scheduled maintenance, the coupling
needs to allow plant operators the ability to disengage the feed
pump from the turbine in order to stop the water flow, which
allows the turbine to continue to rotate on the turning gear.
Solution:
Ameridrives provided a custom-engineered Ameriflex RMD
(Reduced Moment Disconnect) diaphragm coupling, the most
technically advanced disconnect coupling.
• Unique separated multi-convoluted diaphragm configuration
• No wearing parts, no lubrication and no required maintenance
• Diaphragms designed for infinite life
Application Profile
Ameriflex®
Disconnect Couplings

40. Nuclear Plant Charging
Pump Drive
Problem:
A nuclear power plant in Spain suffered a catastrophic failure
of its charging pump speed increaser. The cause of the
failure was a loss of lubrication due to a rupture in one of the
lubrication lines which had been modified by the utility
without regard to theOEM design.
Solution:
Nuttall Gear was the original supplier of the speed increaser and
maintained all of the drawings and specifications for the unit,
which was manufactured in 1978. This allowed Nuttall Gear to
supply a newly manufactured drop-in replacement unit without
the need for costly and time-consuming reverse engineering.
• The speed increaser contained over 220 individual parts, with
each part verified to meet or exceed the original specification.
• The unit was assembled at Nuttall Gear and tested in-house
• 10CFR50 Appendix B Quality Program with NQA-1 compliance
Drop-In Replacement Speed Increaser
Application Profile

41. Application Profile
Nuclear Power Plant
Pump Drive
Problem:
A nuclear power plant located in New York needed replacement
gearing for the main feedwater pump speed increaser. The
plant houses a single Westinghouse 2-loop pressurized water
reactor. The original gearing, supplied by Nuttall in 1967, had
become obsolete and was nearing the end of its service life.
Solution:
Nuttall was selected to provide the new gearing since they were
the original supplier of the speed increasers in Westinghouse
pressurized water reactors.
• Costly and time-consuming reverse engineering was not
necessary since Nuttall maintains all original design drawings
and specifications for their speed increaser units.
• Precision-ground, AGMA Q12 gear set
• 10CFR50 Appendix B Quality Program with NQA-1
compliance
• Reduced vibration and stress on other pump components
Custom Heavy-Duty Gearing

42. Application Profile
Dual Drive Steam Turbine
Generator Set
Problem:
A manufacturer of turbine generator sets required
overrunning clutch couplings for use on in-line mounting of
dual drive fan systems to provide a smooth transfer of power
from one drive/power system to another (electric motor to
steam turbine and gear reducer).
Solution:
Formsprag Model FWW 640 clutch couplings were selected
with a torque capacity of 2,066 lb.ft. (2800 Nm). FWW clutch
couplings are comprised of an FSO clutch with a disc coupling.
• PCE® sprags are designed to overcome the effects of
severe torsional and linear vibrations as well as high transient
torque overloads
Model FWW Overrunning Clutch Coupling

43. Additional Applications

44. Application Profile
Auto Plant Water Pump
Problem:
A large auto manufacturer was experiencing problems with the
check valves on an electric motor driven packaged water pump
arrangement at one of its Midwestern assembly plants. When
the valves did not work properly, water backflow would drive
the pumps impeller and motor in the wrong direction, causing
powertrain damage when the pumps were re-started. The
facility manager wanted an alternative mechanical device that
would prevent the pump from running backwards.
Solution:
Formsprag Clutch engineered and manufactured a custom ball
bearing supported Model SB-600 backstopping clutch with a
1,600 lb.ft. (2176 Nm) torque capacity. The compact SB-600 is
designed specifically to prevent potentially damaging backflow
on pump applications when the pump is shut down. The custom
clutch supplied was retrofitted onto the existing motor shaft
without requiring any special/new drivetrain components.
Model SB Backstopping Clutch

45. Paper Mill Vacuum Pump
Problem:
A major paper mill in South America needed a belt drive
solution for a new large vacuum pump installed at their facility.
During the paper making process, vacuum systems are used
to remove water and moisture from pulp as it moves along
conveyors. The new pump operates 24/7/365 at 240 RPM and
is driven by a motor that generates 400 HP @ 1190 RPM.
Solution:
A TB Wood’s QT Power Chain®
II synchronous belt drive
system was installed on the pump and motor. The unique
drive consists of two 224 and 50 tooth made-to-order
sprockets and two 68 mm wide belts.
• The custom paired sprocket sets were designed with flanges
on both sides to ensure belt alignment.
• A riveted ring between the two large sprockets prevents
belt overlap
• Taper-Lock and QD bushings supplied
Application Profile
Custom QT Power Chain®
II Synchronous Drive

46. Press Pump
Problem:
The grid coupling on a large water pump at Sheffield
Forgemasters Engineering Ltd. (S.F.E.L.) was coming to the end
of its operational life and needed to be replaced to prevent a
breakdown. To avoid costly and time-consuming re-engineering
of the pump, S.F.E.L. wanted to commission a custom coupling
to match the original’s footprint and performance envelope.
Solution:
Unlike other coupling suppliers, Altra Couplings had the facilities
to manufacture a coupling that matched the design of the original
and work in partnership with S.F.E.L. to produce it. Altra
engineers employed modern materials and the latest grid profile
to provide the flexibility and longevity required by the application,
all on a very short lead time.
• Original coupling manufactured by Bibby Turboflex in the 1970s
• Unusually large grid coupling: 1620mm (63.7 in.) outside dia.;
650mm (13.7 in.) width.
Application Profile
Grid Coupling

47. Mobile Aircraft Air
Conditioning Unit
Problem:
A major manufacturer of ground support equipment used at
airports around the world needed an electric clutch for their
mobile air conditioning units (ACUs) which provide heating and
cooling in parked aircraft cabins. A field-retrofit clutch solution
was required so that users could easily disengage the ACUs
compressor from the diesel engine when cooling wasn’t needed.
Solution:
Warner Electric engineers worked closely with the customer to
review the retrofit performance requirements. The new clutch
had to fit in an existing 4.6" space between two axially-aligned
2 in. diameter shafts.
• A modified SF-1250 clutch was supplied that provided
2,000 ft.lbs. of static torque (4x safety factor) and fit within the
tight space limitation.
Application Profile
Modified SF-1250 Clutch

48. Airport Truck-Mounted
Baggage Conveyors
Problem:
A leading manufacturer of airport ground support equipment
needed a unique coupling solution for its line of mobile
baggage and cargo conveyors. The diesel- or electric powered
belt loaders support a wide range of commercial aircraft. The
coupling is positioned between the drive engine/motor and a
hydraulic pump that raises and lowers the conveyor belt ramp.
Solution:
The OEM determined that unique Gear Grip couplings
available only from Guardian Couplings, with a large 7.5
degrees of
angular misalignment, met its application requirements.
• Lightweight and compact
• In-shear rubber sleeve design acts as a fail-safe in the event
of an overload condition preventing damage to the expensive
drive system components.
Application Profile
Gear Grip™
Couplings
Application Profile

49. Application Profile
Tempura Batter Mixers
Problem:
A leading global food processing OEM needed a robust geared
motor solution for a line of tempura batter mixers. The machines
gently mix a precise ratio of water and bagged ingredients to
ensure that the batter achieves the ideal consistency. After the
tempura is mixed, it is transferred, via an onboard pump, to an
adjacent batter applicator. Geared motors are used to drive the
rotating mixing cage as well as the positive displacement pump.
Solution:
The OEM contacted Bauer for a reliable solution. After review of
the application requirements, Bauer supplied modified Model
BK17 and BK08 geared motors to drive the machine’s mixer and
pump. The BK models feature PMSM (permanent magnet
synchronous motor) that reduce heat losses from the rotor by
100% and total losses by approximately 25%, while increasing
total efficiency by 10% or more.
Modified BK Series Geared Motors

50. Hydro-Mulchers
Problem:
Bowie Industries, a major hydro-seeder manufacturer, was
looking for an electric clutch solution that could better
accommodate the higher torque requirements on their larger
models. The new electric clutches would replace existing
inconvenient, manually-operated clutches.
Solution:
Warner Electric engineers developed a modified SF-825 clutch
which allowed the equipment operators to remotely
engage/disengage either of two clutches (for the mixer and the
ejection pump) as needed. Unique input and output hubs were
developed to accommodate the two slightly different clutch
applications
• The clutch’s dynamic torque required 127 ft. lbs. at 1680 RPM,
and needed to be able to dynamically cycle the ejection pump.
• The mixer clutch had to handle breaking up mulch bales and
mixing the material with seed, fertilizer and water.
Application Profile
Modified SF-825 Clutch

51. Fire Protection
Pumping Systems
Problem:
A leading global manufacturer of integrated pump solutions
needed a reliable coupling for use on its fire protection
packaged pumping systems installed in large commercial
buildings. The couplings connect large capacity pumps to
diesel drive engines. The challenges associated with this
application were that the space envelope between the pump
and engine was very small and the pump and engine were
positioned at different elevations creating misalignment
issues.
Solution:
After a detailed review of the specifications with the customer,
Ameridrives engineers recommended SC (short coupled)
universal joint driveshafts designed specifically for short
distance applications with significant misalignment.
• Available in lengths ranging from 9.5 in. to 22.25 in.
Application Profile
SC Universal Joint Driveshafts

52. Underwater Mining Dredge
Problem:
A sand mining dredge required a 120 ft. long coupling drive
(longest ever built) to connect a 600HP motor to a suction
pump operating at the bottom of an underwater sand mine.
Solution:
TB Wood’s engineers designed a custom hub with unique
flange disc pack and tapered bushing mounting
• Six modified Form-Flex couplings were connected to form
the 120 ft. drive train
• Design allows for easy field service and axial adjustment of
the pump impeller
• Couplings were selected due to superior capacity to handle
parallel offset and angular misalignment
• Units designed to operate in a harsh environment with low
maintenance for 40 years
Application Profile
Form-Flex®
Disc Couplings