F01 - Coupling
F01 - Coupling
Highly-flexible
Comm.-No.: 310505631
Series: 2200
Partslist 1A3415A026
Rubber qual. 5
T KN kNm 50
T K max.1 kNm 55,5
T K max.2 kNm 225
∆ T max kNm 66,5
T KW kNm 15
P KV50 - total kW 0,62
n K max min -1 1250
∆Ka mm 10,3
∆Kr mm 2
F ax1,0 kN 1,3
C rdyn kN/mm 5,25
nominal 262,50
C T dyn-total kNm/rad
warm 183,75
nominal 1,13
rel . Damping Ψ
warm 0,79
VULKAN-RATO-DS Couplings
2 Generalities....................................................................................................................................... 3
3.2 Procedure before the installation of the highly-flexible RATO-DS coupling .............................. 4
5 Commissioning ................................................................................................................................. 5
6 Maintenance ..................................................................................................................................... 6
6.1 Operating performance considering the mechanical properties of the Elastomer material ...... 6
6.2 Operating performace considering the chemical properties of the Elastomer material ............ 6
This symbol is added to all passages in this documentation concerning industrial safety and including
a risk to people's life and limb. Please follow these instructions and handle with the utmost caution in
these situations. Hand over all industrial safety instructions to other users as well.
Attention!
This "Attention!" remark is added to passages in this documentation which should be specially noted
in order to stick to the guidelines, regulations, instructions and correct flow of work and to prevent any
damages or destruction of the coupling.
2 Generalities
The highly-flexible VULKAN-RATO-DS coupling is a rubber coupling, flexible in all directions. Its es-
sential parts are the flexible part and the connecting parts.
All connecting elements of the coupling are arranged without clearance.
The coupling must be protected against permanent influence of oil and against the radiation of heat.
Oil mist and oil splashes are not detrimental. The flexible part is fit for use at ambient temperatures
comprised between -50° (C) to +80° (C). The ventilation holes guarantee good heat dissipation
properties of the RATO-DS coupling. The free-of-play torque transmission in the coupling and the
large sectional rubber area of the flexible element provide good noise attenuation.
Basically, the connection surfaces and the fitted bores as well as the finish bores of the RATO-DS
coupling are protected by Tectyl. Before installation of the highly-flexible RATO-DS coupling, these
surfaces have to be cleaned with conventional solvents.
When the cleaned surfaces are completely dry, they must be greased slightly.
On behalf of the classification societies we herewith give the following instruction:
The torsional vibration behaviour of the driving system has to be checked and approved by the clas-
sification society. The expected and satisfactory behaviour is guaranteed only, provided that all com-
ponents comply to the values, the torsional vibration calculation is based upon. With respect to the
coupling, this means to exactly keep to the dynamic stiffness and damping according to the nominal
values including tolerances.
In case of a replacement of the elements, only original VULKAN elements with coordinated technical
data approved by the classification societies must be used!
To guarantee faultless function and optimum usage of the highly-flexible RATO-DS coupling, certain
installation instructions have to be observed.
During transportation, please pay attention to a sufficient carrying force of the lifting
devices. Only use approved transportation elements.
Thoroughly fix the transportation elements to the attaching devices.
Attention! While lifting the flexible elements, take care not to damage the flexible ele-
ments and the add-on pieces.
• Install the hub (item 3) onto the shaft of the unit to be driven.
• Erect and align the machines according to the installation dimension of the highly-flexible
RATO-DS coupling (please refer to paragraph 4).
• Arrange the element (item 1) and angle ring (item 4) in the system.
• Attach the element (item 1) with fastening elements (items 6, 12) to the engine flywheel.
• Pull the angle ring (item 4) in direction of the hub (item 3) with the hexagon bolts (item 8).
• Tighten the hexagon bolts (items 6, 7, 8, 10) with a torque spanner. The corresponding
tightening torques are given on drawing No. 1A...
5 Commissioning
Attention! Make sure that the coupling is protected against contact with oil, solvents and
other chemicals.
After completion of the assembly, the drive system is ready for operation as far as the coupling is
concerned. We would like to point out that before commissioning you have to make sure that all
assembling auxiliaries have been removed from the coupling.
A coupling shield has to be provided, according to the accident prevention regulations. If there are no
other objections having priority, these shields have to be made of perforated plates or expanded metal
to ensure a good ventilation of the coupling as well. Please refer to safety regulation paragraph 1.3.
Function and service life of highly-flexible couplings are decisively determined by construction and
design, but also by the elastomer material selected and its resistance against environmental influ-
ences.
Basically, the highly-flexible RATO-DS coupling does not require maintenance. In many cases, however,
the highly-flexible RATO-DS coupling is an indicator for malfunctions in the system.
We recommend a check of the highly-flexible part in case of exceptional incidents, e. g. propeller
ground contact, short circuit, disturbance of synchronization, governor hunting or emergency cut-off.
Criteria for this purpose are given in document S/R-CRIT-1/1a up to 9/1a:
• Specification of limit values for the permissible permanent set depending on the size.
• Evaluation of surface cracks caused by ageing and their treatment including additional measures
according to document S/R-COAT-1/2 – 7/2.
In addition to a check of the flexible part it is recommended to carry out an alignment control within the
scope of the engine inspection intervals.
Standard values are given in document S/R-A-1/2 up to 5/2.
Caoutchouc (NR) is mainly used as elastic material in highly-flexible Elastomer couplings. Because of
its excellent dynamic properties (stablility / elasticity), actually there is no equivalent alternative material
available. Caoutchouc (NR) belongs to the DIEN caoutchoucs, however, it is subject to various
environmental influences, known under the collective noun „ageing“.
The immediate surrounding of the highly-flexible coupling in the system should be ventilated well in
order to prevent high ambient temperatures. To prevent early ageing, however, it should be ensured
that no „airflow“ will occur directly onto the rubber surface (especially waste air from generators).
An air swirl occurs closely above the coupling’s rubber surface which is desired because of its cooling
effect on the one hand, and on the other hand, however, continuously providing fresh air (O2). To pro-
tect the Elastomer material of the VULKAN couplings against these environmental influences, they are
equipped with the most progressive ageing protecting agents available for the rubber industry. Ageing
protecting agents which are chemically dispersed in the material’s matrix, however, use up when ful-
filling their purpose.
The elements of VULKAN RATO-DS couplings can be removed and installed without the driving or
driven machine having to be displaced.
We would like to explain the replacement of the RATO-DS element in detail as follows:
Attention! Make sure not to damage any other machine parts during the
disassembly of the flexible element.
Please note: When ordering spares for the RATO-DS element, please give us the following
information with respect to the highly-flexible RATO-DS coupling:
• order no.
• drawing no.
• partslist no.
Before starting the assembly, a new alignment control should be carried out at the driving system.
The assembly of the RATO-DS element (item 1) has to be carried out as described in paragraph 7.1,
however, in the reversed order.
After completion of the assembly, the drive system is ready for operation, as far as the coupling is con-
cerned.
The outer surface of a rotating coupling is continuously in contact with the surrounding air. This
ensures a good ventilation of the coupling but also gives rise to permanent contact with oxygen,
ozone and especially aggressive exhaust gases. This, in combination with the temperature, humidity
and UV-radiation, causes irreversible changes in the material structure at the rubber surface. This
unavoidable process is generally known as AGEING.
Due to the fact that AGEING is a combination of various influences it is impossible to simulate under
laboratory conditions. VULKAN has therefore examined RATO elements, with a long operational
life, to investigate the influence of AGEING on the operational-safety of the coupling.
The results of these investigations can be summarised as follows.
Due to the constructional design of the elements, and the different types and values of stresses, the
elements will, after a certain period of service, show indications of having undergone operational
service. The most frequent symptoms are:
1. permanent set
RATO-DS RATO-DG
Figur 1 Figur 2
The control of the permanent set of a RATO DS/DG element is made by the measurement of "s" at
the rubber outer diameter of the element (picture 1).
If the permanent set „s“ exceeds the criteria in the following table, the flexible parts must be
replaced; otherwise the flexible parts are suitable for further service provided there are not other
indications of a damage.
RATO – DS - elements
Rubber quality
Baugröße X=Z X=1 X=5 X=6 X=7
Size S [mm] S [mm] S [mm] S [mm] S [mm]
211X 55 60 57 39 69
231X 58 65 62 41 74
251X 63 70 66 44 79
271X 67 75 72 47 85
291X 74 82 78 52 92
311X 79 88 83 55 100
331X 85 95 90 61 108
341X 91 102 97 65 115
RATO – DG - elements
Rubber quality
Baugröße X=1 X=8 X=6 X=9
Size S [mm] S [mm] S [mm] S [mm]
211X 25 23 16 11
231X 28 25 18 12
251X 29 27 19 13
271X 32 29 20 14
291X 35 31 22 15
311X 37 33 24 17
331X 40 36 25 18
341X 43 39 28 19
361X 47 42 30 20
391X 50 45 32 22
„AGEING“ gives rise to a hardening of the surface rubber. Due to the reduced elasticity at the outer
surface, cracks can be formed when the elements are deformed during service. Cracks with a depth
LESS than the permissible value are acceptable.
According to our experience, for a RATO-DS/DG flexible part cracks with a depth up to 5 % of the
axial rubber thickness are to be considered acceptable in case that they occur all-round on the
whole surface.
The cracks should be ground out as soon as possible. This procedure, usually used for steel cast
components, can also be used for rubber elements.
depth* DS – depth* DG –
coupling coupling
size [ mm ] [ mm ]
21 12 12
23 13,5 13,5
25 15,5 15,5
27 16 16
29 17 17
31 19 19
33 20,5 20,5
34 22 22
36 --- 23,5
39 --- 25,5
valid for cracks mainly in one surface; in case of cracks on both surfaces the values have to be halved.
211x 55 60 57 39 69
23 58 65 62 41 74
25 63 70 66 44 79
37 67 75 72 47 85
29 74 82 78 52 92
31 79 88 83 55 100
33 85 95 90 61 108
34 91 102 97 65 115
RATO-DG elements
211x 25 23 16 11
23 28 25 18 12
25 29 27 19 13
27 32 29 20 14
29 35 31 22 15
31 37 33 24 17
33 40 36 25 18
34 43 39 28 19
36 47 42 30 20
39 50 45 32 22
• Cracks should be ground out as soon as possible. This can be done by a VULKAN
service engineer, or the operator can, by using the instructions for „grinding“, do the
job.
• When a crack is noticed, the depth and length must be marked in order to monitor it.
• When the cracks formed are due to an overloading of the coupling and this is not
corrected, the crack will continue to grow.
• An „unique event“ can damage the coupling. This, however, does not infer, that when
the installation operates „normally“ that the damage situation will not get worse.
• If the crack depth exceeds the permissible, we recommend to replace the relevant
row as soon as possible.
• When, after checking a RATO coupling, surface cracks have been found which have
a depth LESS than the maximum value given in the table, a „2nd measurement“ of the
crack dimension should be made at an interval of about 3 months in order to check
crack growth.
• Assuming that the coupling itself is subjected to permissible load levels, the crack can
be defined as being the result of AGEING, when the crack dimensions do not
significantly change in the interval between the tests. Subsequent checks every 6
months can be made.
• If the crack depth exceeds the permissible, we recommend to replace the relevant
element as soon as possible.
The working instruction „grinding“ is one component of the criteria for the inspection of RATO-
DS/DG couplings. The rework of the cracks in the rubber of the elements can be done with a
suitable belt grinder.
These belt grinders are available in specialist shops as electric and pneumatic belt grinders.
The abrasive belts are available in three different coarseness (fine, medium, rough).
When grinding you should take care that the temperature is not too high at the final end of the
grinding procedure and the material rubber not hardened.
The moulding of the cracks should be, if possible, very accurately rounded and should not
show sharp corners.
During and after the grinding it is not allowed to use French chalk or similar substances
to smooth the surface. A subsequent treatment with the system COATING 113 requires
clean, fat-free and oil-free surfaces.
Subsequently the machined surface as well as the surface of the flexible elements has
to be treated with COATING 113.
Advice concerning this treatment is given in document 7/1.
The rework of the cracks can be done with a suitable belt grinder. The abrasive belts are
available in three different coarseness (fine, medium, rough).
In case of repair work, the machined surfaces as well as the surface of the flexible
element have to be provided with COATING 113, a protective coating consisting of a
liquid elastomer. This elastomer offers a high protection against environmental
influences, especially against the influence of atmospheric oxygen which causes an
“ageing” of the surface-near areas of the coupling elements
Basically, the system COATING 113 consists of two components:
PRECOATING 113-1
COATING 113-2
Both protective coatings consist of the same elastomer material. PRECOATING 113-1, which
is more liquid, is used for the priming coat of a pretreated surface according to regulation
S/R-CRIT-1/1-7/1,.
For both main coats COATING 113-2 is used.
RATO-S couplings are coated on the outer surface including the radius passings to the front
surfaces per segment. It is not required to disassemble the segments.
With RATO-R/DS couplings, the complete outer rubber surface is coated.
Surfaces of highly-flexible elements which have been ground crack-free within the scope of
inspections according to the „criteria for inspection“.
1.) The surfaces of highly-flexible elements should be ground with a belt grinder on the
complete surface in order to optimally prepare them for the priming coat with
PRECOATING 113-1.
This special surface treatment guarantees an optimum cleaning and removes possi-
ble existing microcracks at the same time.
If the surfaces are in good condition, sufficient cleaning can be reached by careful
brushing (brass brush).
2.) The surfaces are properly cleaned from grinding dust by blowing-off with
compressed air. In order to keep the surfaces dry and free from grease, the
compressed air must be almost free from oil and condensates.
4.) The first main coat is made with COATING 113-2. The drying time is approx. 30 mi-
nutes. The coat is dried if it is not tacky when touched by hand.
5.) The second main coat is made with COATING 113-2 as well. The procedure is the
same as described under 4.).
All coatings are to be applied thinly, but totally covering the segment.
The waiting time until recommissioning of the coupling should be at least one hour after
having applied the last coating.
COATING 113 can be used for approx. 8 weeks providing it has been stored in a sealed tin.
The safety regulations according to the following safety data sheet (93/112/EG) are to be
observed.
+49 / 40 / 76 67 22 33
3 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
Keep people away and stay on the upwind side. Do not discharge into the drains,
surface waters or groundwater.
Take up with absorbant material (e. g. sand, general-purpose binder). Do not use
sawdust or other combustible materials.
Do not eat, drink, smoke during work. Wash hands thoroughly with water and soap
before breaks and after work. Use barrier skin cream.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Unsufficient ventilation, short term mask with filter: solvents
HAND PROTECTION
Solvent-resistant gloves
EYE PROTECTION
Framed protective goggles
BODY PROTECTION
protective clothing
FORM
liquid
COLOUR
black
11 TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
12 ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Danger to drinking water is possible if large quantities penetrate into the subsoil and
natural waters.
14 TRANSPORT INFORMATION
15 REGULATORY INFORMATION
HAZARD
Toluene
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO EEC DIRECTIVES
F: highly inflammable
Xn: harmful
CONTAINS
R PHRASES
R11 : highly inflammable
R20 : harmful by inhalation
R36/37 : irritating to eyes and respiratory system
16 OTHER INFORMATION
The information given here does not represent any guarantee or properties. Please
refer to our technical leaflets.