S-Flex (Sleeve) Couplings: How To Select a Coupling

While the Lovejoy S-Flex PDF catalog provides the necessary information and data to properly size an S-Flex sleeve coupling, a few things to keep in mind that you will need to know are: 

• Horsepower (HP or KW) and speed (RPM) of the driver and/or torque
• Shaft and keyway sizes of driver and driven equipment
• Application description
• Environmental conditions (such as temperature, corrosive chemicals, space limitations) as well as misalignment expected

Lovejoy's published torque ratings are maximum nominal values, and care must be taken to insure that proper service factors are applied for the application to come up with a design torque. 

This calculated design torque must still be less than the published nominal torque rating. Service factors allow for adequate coupling life given that different types of equipment, even if the torque requirements are the same, will put different stresses and wear on a coupling.

Other critical characteristics to be sure to check before making a final coupling selection include:

• Maximum bore capacity of the flanges (as well as minimum bore in some cases)
• Maximum speed capability of the coupling size
• Resistance of the sleeve to the environmental conditions expected
• Size of the coupling (O.D. and OAL) fits into the "envelope" available

Lovejoy's catalogs also give charts with the specific UPC # (Universal Product Code) for each component of a complete coupling. For help with quickly determining design torque and selecting the proper S-Flex coupling size, consider downloading the Lovejoy iPhone & Android selection app or use a similar tool on your desktop. 

To keep learning about S-Flex couplings on this blog, go to:

S-Flex (Sleeve) Couplings: Product Overview

S-Flex (Sleeve) Couplings: Flange Types

S-Flex (Sleeve) Couplings: Elastomer (Sleeve) Types

S-Flex (Sleeve) Couplings: Failure Analysis