Couplings connect gas turbine for power generation
Bibby Turboflex HS disc couplings have been chosen for operation on the largest aero derivative gas turbine engine ever packaged, with outputs up to 64MW.
The gas turbine units are essentially modified aircraft engines used to drive generators for power generation and to drive centrifugal compressors for LPG gas compression.
The HS series is Bibby's newest range of disc couplings and is designed to handle challenging applications in oil and gas, water treatment, power generation, marine and pumping applications. The HS couplings are manufactured to comply with API671 standards, and are produced from fully traceable alloy steel.
The design effectively drives in friction, rather than shear, to the disc assembly joint and, according to Bibby, this eliminates the potential for fretting during normal operation and prolongs the life of the coupling.
The HS series is rated for maximum continuous torques from 0.62kNm to 446kNm, and speeds from 50,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm (fastest to slowest) in standard configurations. However, Bibby's Parametric Design Philosophy means that if a standard design does not exactly fit an application, then it can be optimised to suit.
The couplings have no moving parts, so require no maintenance - and neither do they need lubrication; however Bibby says that the presence of oil in the environment will have no effect the operation of the couplings.
