Coupling -“Tire” (Dodge and Omega)

CMS101R
Condition Monitoring Standards

Basic Principle
The shaft is connected to one coupling half through a regular key in the shaft. The coupling half is connected to a
tire made of rubber or other elastic material. Bolts are holding a metal plate that keeps the rubber in place between
the coupling half and the plate (Dodge). The tire on the Omega coupling is permanently attached to metal flanges.
The metal flanges are attached to the shafts with bolts. The elastic provides the flexibility that is wanted between
the coupling halves.

The tire coupling is made for lower rpms (less than 1800 rpm). High rpm causes the tire to deform which pulls the
tire outward due to centrifugal force. When the tire pulls outward, the shafts are pulled in toward each other
causing the bearings connected to the coupling to fail prematurely. The tire coupling also deforms unevenly at
high speeds, which causes an imbalance problem. Imbalance wears on the coupling itself, and the bearings
connected to it.
Rubber tire

Coupling half

Key

Plate

Picture Courtesy: Omega Picture Courtesy: Dodge

KEY WHAT WHY

Listen for abnormal noise Noise can be due to
misalignment, ripped
Noise

tire that hits the guard,

loose bolts rattling or a
loose shaft key.

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 KEY WHAT WHY
Use a stroboscope and make sure the coupling appears to be stopped. Look A visual check usually
for loose rubber pieces on the tire. Cracks and revealed fabric should also gives the earliest
be noted. indication of a failure.
Small tears, or missing
Check for any loose and/or corroded bolts. Inspect shaft key for corrosion bolts are difficult to pick
and/or looseness. The Dodge is shown in the picture, but the same up any other way.
inspection is also true for the Omega coupling.
Visual

Bolts Key

SAFETY FIRST!
Strobe light causes Rotating objects to appear stopped. Do not
touch coupling or shaft.

The guard has to have an inspection opening to enable an on-the-run Guard modification is a
inspection of the coupling. Some guards must be modified. Inspection prerequisite for
ports with wire mesh metal or inspection lids with a hinge are examples of performing safe and
guard modifications that will enable coupling inspection. Paint mesh matte effective condition
black to increase visibility. monitoring on-the-run.
Guards

When modifying guards, refer to OSHA standard 1910.212 (for USA). The
allowed size of the wire mesh depends on the distance from the coupling to
the mesh. For example, a 1-inch (25.4 mm) wire mesh must be at least 1.5
inches (38.1 mm) away from the coupling. If your plant applies higher
standards than OSHA, make a wire mesh according to OSHA standard,
then apply a hinged lid over the wire mesh.

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 KEY WHAT WHY
Through the wire mesh or other safe inspection access, check temperature Take the temperature at
with an infrared temperature device where the forces are acting on the the coupling - shaft –
coupling (see figure). Misalignment, imbalance and other sources of key interface
damaging forces will increase the temperature. because forces are
transferred from the
shaft to the coupling half
Temperature at this point. High
temperature may be due
to misalignment or
operation at higher
Temperature

speed than
recommended.

High temperature
between rubber and
coupling half may be
due to misalignment,
imbalanced, high speed,
or higher torque than
allowed.

The “Omega” coupling is a perishable goods. The elastic element and glue Coupling rubber
deteriorates over a 5- to 6-year period. It is therefore very important NOT elements that tears, or
to store the couplings too long, or to have them in use much longer than 6 come loose in the joint
years. may be experiencing
aging rubber, or glue.
Installation

Date “Q199” indicates

manufacturing quarter

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