pump flange loads victaulic coupling
pump flange loads victaulic coupling
(OP)
I have a piping contractor that is placing a pair of victaulic couplings between the anchor for the piping system and the main pump. I have concerns that large pipe loads will be transfered to the pump flange leading to a collection of problems such as early bearing failure due to shaft couplings forced out of alignment to possible pump flange failure due to fatigue. This is a 3500hp slurry pump operating in series to produce a gage pressure of 350PSI in the 30 inch pipe that is in question. If the victaulic couplings are not at their limit in linear movement, can someone give me a simple calculation to determine the loads transferred to the pump discharge flange?





RE: pump flange loads victaulic coupling
RE: pump flange loads victaulic coupling
If you are supplying or specifying pumps to be used in systems with Vitaulic couplings,I recommned going to Victaulic's website and reviewing their literature regarding design/installation requirements for their flexible couplings.
RE: pump flange loads victaulic coupling
RE: pump flange loads victaulic coupling
RE: pump flange loads victaulic coupling
Also, it worth pointing out that the coupling will allow fluid and pressure into a slightly larger area than just the pipe ID. The ID of this larger area will be the basis used to calculate the thrust against your anchor. The difference between this larger area and the area of the pipe (or pump nozzle) ID times pressure, will result in a force that will be on your pump flange that you didn't previously have.
Question: Why has the piping contractor been allowed to deviate from the installation drawings?
NozzleTwister
Houston, Texas
RE: pump flange loads victaulic coupling
The victaulic couplings introduce a second force or load that acts only on the pump flange. We have experienced pump failures ( broken discharge nozzle, bearing issues,etc.) when inadequately restrined flexible couplings have been used on the discharge side of the pump. The style Victaulic coupling in this application has .38 inch movement or .75 inch potential movement for the pair. This movement is restrained by the anchor and the pump, which brings up the concern over the magnitude of this force.
The Victaulics are being used at the request of the end user who cites maintenance issues as why they want the lateral flexibility the victaulics provide.
RE: pump flange loads victaulic coupling