Cannon Way, Mill Street West, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire England, WF13 1EH.

Tel: +44 (0) 1924 460 801 Fax: +44 (0) 1924 457 668

INSTALLATION, OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BIBBY TRANSMISSIONS

TORSIFLEX COUPLINGS DESIGNED FOR GENERAL PURPOSE

APPLICATIONS

Author SRB; Issue A; February 12 2009

Bibby Transmissions Limited, Registered Office 317-319 Ampthill Road, Beford, MK42 9RD. Registered in England, Number 158829
Page 26

Contents

Section
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
8.0
9.0

Heading
Page
General Notes
1
Dos
2
Donts
2
Description of Coupling
3
Torsiflex Coupling Data
3
Operating Conditions
4
Product identification / marking for non-electrical equipment
5
Limitations of product use
5
Product servicing
6
Maintenance Instructions
6
Alignment Instructions
6
Alignment Method
6
Axial Alignment
7
Parallel / Radial / Angular Alignment
7
Installation and Operating Misalignment Limits
8
Limited End Float Coupling
9
Installation Instructions
9
Removal Instructions.
11

Bibby Transmissions Limited, Registered Office 317-319 Ampthill Road, Beford, MK42 9RD. Registered in England, Number 158829
Page 27

General Notes
It is essential that a competent person carry out all the instructions contained in the following
documents. Should any problems be anticipated or encountered then Bibby Transmissions
personnel are available for site visits or, alternatively, repairs and overhauls can be undertaken in our
works.
Prior to performing any maintenance works (including inspections) it is essential that the power
supply is isolated and that no accidental movement of rotating machinery is possible.
This product is designed for a specific purpose. It is vital that it is not used for any purpose other
than that for which it is designed and supplied, and that the limits of its capacities, as detailed here
or in any other document, are not exceeded.
No liability will be accepted and any warranty, either expressed or implied, will be null and void
should any component of whatever kind, including nuts, bolts and washers, be used in the
assembly, or modifications be made to all or part of the product which are not supplied, specified
or agreed by Bibby Transmissions.
1.1 Dos
The following instructions should be read and understood prior to starting any assembly or
maintenance work on the Torsiflex disc coupling.
Prior to fitting any component, care should be taken to ensure that it is clean and free from any dirt.
When tightening any bolts or screws, this should be done evenly, cylinder head fashion, to 50%
torque then to 100% torque in the same sequence. Where specified it is essential that torquetightening figures are not exceeded nor should it be allowed for them to be below specification.
Whilst installing and removing the transmission unit*, the unit should be supported to ensure
that the weight is not imposed on one side only.
Record the Bibby Transmissions order number, coupling type and size and any relevant
information for future use.
Contact Bibby Transmissions for refurbishment works and spare components.
1.2 Donts
Do not use any component that is not supplied or approved by Bibby Transmissions in the
assembly of this product.
Do not attempt, where the weight of the unit is excessive, to lift the coupling without the use of
lifting equipment.
The inherent balance of these couplings could be disturbed if they are allowed to be knocked
either by striking or rolling. Care should be taken when transporting and fitting to avoid such
knocks. This is particularly when a coupling is specifically balanced.
* refer to section 8, figure 3 for definition of Transmissions Unit
Bibby Transmissions Limited, Registered Office 317-319 Ampthill Road, Beford, MK42 9RD. Registered in England, Number 158829
Page 28

Description of Coupling
The Torsiflex coupling is of the dry disc type. Flexibility is obtained by the deformation of the
disc packs, within defined limits, which are separated by a tubular spacer.
Individual laminations are of regular polygonal profiles, which are assembled into a stack of
previously designated thickness, supported by washers on each side. Flexibility is accomplished
by connecting through the holes, on a common pitch circle diameter, by means of bolts,
alternately, to driving and driven components.
The bolts, washers and associated holes are machined to close limits associated with fitted
bolts. Due to the need for reasonable ease of assembly, interference fits are undesirable and,
consequently, tolerances are such as to allow for a close slide or slight transition fit. To
compensate for these clearances and to ensure the best possible concentricity between
components, the pitch circle diameter of the bolt holes in the flexible element is made smaller
than that of the mating holes in the adjacent components. On assembly, all inherent clearances are,
therefore, eliminated.
Coupling bolts are sized such that they are capable of inducing a load equivalent to 4 times the
tensile load in the flexible element laminations, between driving and driven bolt, when
transmitting the full rated continuous torque of the coupling. This assumes a coefficient of
friction between the various components of 0.25 but experience has shown that, due to the high
loads induced, minute compressive deformation is sufficient to raise this to about 0.3.
The reason for adopting this principle of using large, highly loaded, bolts is two-fold a) to prevent
interface slip, as already mentioned, and b) to eliminate any chance of bolt bending due to the
overhung radial loading imposed by the flexible element. Avoiding either slip or bending helps
to avoid fretting which occurs when bolts are designed only to drive in shear.
Pairs of coupling washers are used to sandwich the element packs, one thin, the element washer,
and one thick, the overload washer. The overload washers locate in close clearance holes in the
coupling adaptor plates. In the unlikely event of a severe overload the overload washers will
contact the side of the clearance hole, thus preventing rupture of the elements and ensuring drive is
maintained.
In general, the design is identical to a large number of units supplied and fitted for many years
by Bibby Transmissions Limited.
1.4 Torsiflex Coupling Data Figure 1.

Specifically designed for the process

pump and general industrial markets.
Plug-in design allows installation
and removal without disturbing the hubs
Standard couplings fully compliant
with the requirements of
API 610/ ISO
Incorporates anti-flail feature
API 610/ ISO 14691
Large hubs available on first two sizes

Bibby Transmissions Limited, Registered Office 317-319 Ampthill Road, Beford, MK42 9RD. Registered in England, Number 158829
Page 29

Table 1

COUPLING
SIZE TF

27
38
140
260
400
750
1310
1900
2500
3300
6000
8500
12000

kW RPM

0.028
0.040
0.147
0.272
0.419
0.785
1.37
1.99
2.62
3.46
6.28
8.90
12.57

*
**

Rating
kNm

0.27
0.38
1.4
2.6
4.0
7.5
13.1
19.0
25.0
33.0
60.0
85.0
120.0

MAX
SPEED
RPM

20,000
16,500
12,000
10,000
8,500
7,500
6,500
5,600
5,200
4,900
4,000
3,600
3,000

COUPLING DIMENSIONS

MAX BORE

Mass
Transmission
s Unit (Kg)

Mass
Unbored
(Solid) Hubs
(Kg)

A
mm

B
mm

C
mm

D
mm

Min
DBSE
mm **

Std
Hub
mm

Large
Hub
mm

At
min.
length

Extra
per 10
mm

Std.

Large

84
103
127
149
176
203
241
279
296
326
395
443
493

150
160
250
290
350
410
490
500
548
604
720
844
924

40
45
75
85
105
120
145
150
164
182
230
262
292

84 *
103 *
101
117
144
166
199
233
240
270
322
365
410

70
70
100
120
140
170
200
200
220
240
260
320
340

40
51
73
85
105
120
145
170
175
190
230
260
290

51
70
-

1.34
1.95
4.5
7.8
12.9
21
37
46
60
81
124
199
258

0.03
0.04
0.07
0.10
0.14
0.23
0.27
0.33
0.40
0.49
0.73
0.96
1.19

0.9
1.6
4.9
7.5
13.8
21
37
52
61
84
151
220
311

1.69
2.84
-

Large Hub Boss Diameter

The Inclusion of additional features such as packing rings, shims,
and/or electrical insulation etc, will increase the minimum dimensions by the appropriate
amount.

Operating Conditions
In operation the flexible elements are subjected to both tensile and bending stresses, each
having an influence on the allowable magnitude of the other. It is important, therefore, that the
operating limits of the various deflections for which the coupling is designed to accommodate, are
kept, as far as practicable, within those indicated on the Allowable Misalignment Curve
In practice, the initial alignment of the coupling should be as close as possible and within the
alignment limits given in the section 8.0 Installation Instructions. This will allow for changes
during operation to remain within allowable limits.
As the Bibby Transmissions units are designed to transmit the torque in friction between the
driving and driven bolts and the flexible elements, it is essential that, should the need arise,
these bolts should be correctly tightened to the torque indicated on the assembly drawing or in
the Installation and Maintenance Instructions.
Torque and speed should remain within the originally specified conditions.

Bibby Transmissions Limited, Registered Office 317-319 Ampthill Road, Beford, MK42 9RD. Registered in England, Number 158829
Page 30

3 Product identification/marking for non-electrical equipment.

Scope: Torsiflex Disc Coupling Assemblies, excluding component spares.
Equipment manufactured or supplied by Bibby Transmissions is marked legibly and indelibly, in a
variety of ways, with the following (subject to contractual obligations permitting):

Name and telephone number of manufacturer

Designation of the series or type and size (Part Number)
Contract/Order Number and if applicable the unique serial number

If applicable, for equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, the following will
be marked on the equipment in accordance with the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC and EN 13463-1

Name and address of manufacturer

Designation of the series or type and size (Part Number)

Contract/Order Number and if applicable the unique serial number

CE Mark.

Year of construction

Document of Conformity identification to ATEX Directive

The specific marking of explosion protection

group and category

followed by the symbol of the equipment

The letter G (concerning explosive atmospheres caused by gases, vapours or mists);

and/or the letter D (concerning explosive atmospheres caused by dust)

The letter c for constructional safety

The ambient temperature range when different to 200 C to 400 C

4 Limitations of product use

Unless otherwise agreed with Bibby Transmissions, these products must selected in accordance with
the recommended selection procedure and must only be used within the performance criteria set out
below: - The rated torque capacities, which are stated in the product catalogue and/or product
arrangement drawing. A continuous temperature range of -20 C to 280 C Within the permissible
operating limits for angular, radial and axial misalignment, section 7.5, table 4

Bibby Transmissions Limited, Registered Office 317-319 Ampthill Road, Beford, MK42 9RD. Registered in England, Number 158829
Page 31

5 Product servicing
Although with proper selection and careful installation a long working life and very high degree of
operational safety can be expected we would recommend that for ATEX certified couplings the
element assembly, coupling bolts and attachment screws are replaced at 50000 operational hour
intervals.
The operation of a damaged coupling in a hazardous area is contrary to ATEX and in doing so
becomes an explosive hazard and is wholly the end users responsibility.
6 Maintenance Instructions
General maintenance of the coupling consists of a check of the following during normal
machinery maintenance schedules. API617 references this time period as 3 years for compressor
applications.
Axial, Angular & Parallel misalignment to ensure that these are still within the acceptable limits and
that no major movements have occurred.
All bolts to ensure that they are correctly tightened.
Inspect the flexible elements visually for signs of fatigue cracking local to the washer anchoring
points or general signs of fretting corrosion. Slight bowing or S like distortion is not detrimental
to the operation of the unit. Note that any cracking will begin at the outermost edge of the outside
blade. This means that this inspection is still possible without disturbing the element bolting. The
element packs should be replaced at the earliest opportunity should cracking / damage be detected.
Bibby Transmissions use self locking nuts. This gives a high level of performance over many
reinstallations.
Note: Any requirement for spare parts should be made quoting the original purchasers original
purchase order number and the coupling serial number. (This will be etched on the major coupling
flanges) and will appear on all documentation.
7 Alignment Instructions
Torsiflex will accept substantial amounts of misalignment, the configuration of each individual
unit defining the actual acceptable level. The allowable misalignment is shown graphically on a
curve section
7.4. This curve shows the maximum permitted level of misalignment for operation and is NOT
intended to define set up limits.
7.1 Alignment Method:
Each company has its own method for aligning machinery all of which are well documented in
both internal and freely available documents and books. Hence it is not our intention to describe
methods for setting machines. Instead, the following gives guidelines for quick checks for
alignment suitable after initial installation and for general maintenance checks.

Bibby Transmissions Limited, Registered Office 317-319 Ampthill Road, Beford, MK42 9RD. Registered in England, Number 158829
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7.2 Axial Alignment

The suggested limits for axial set up distance between the machinery shafts are as shown in table 2.
Table 2

7.3 Parallel / Radial / Angular Alignment;

Having basically aligned the machinery shafts using one of the established techniques, the coupling
may be installed as per the instructions. It is then worth performing a check to establish that
the overall alignment is correct for the particular coupling. This may be simply performed by one
of the following two methods:
Attach a dial indicator securely to the back of one of the coupling flanges, with the needle in contact
with the flange face the other side of the flexible element as near the outside periphery as possible.
Rotate the machinery & coupling and locate the minimum reading position. At this position, set the
dial reading to zero. Rotate the machinery again and record the maximum reading over 360 degrees.
Divide this maximum value by the coupling flange diameter to gain a value in mm/mm, which
should be no greater than that shown in the following list. (This should be repeated at both
flexible elements in a spacer coupling).
An alternative method is, where possible, to accurately measure the distance across the flanges
that sandwich the flexible element (element gap) to obtain a maximum and minimum value. The
difference between these two values should be divided by the flange outside diameter to obtain a
value in mm/mm, which should be no greater than that shown in the following list. (This should be
repeated at both flexible elements in a spacer coupling).
Table 3

NOTE: These values are intended as guides only and, in certain cases, may be exceeded. IF IN
DOUBT, CONTACT BIBBY TRANSMISSIONS LTD.
Bibby Transmissions Limited, Registered Office 317-319 Ampthill Road, Beford, MK42 9RD. Registered in England, Number 158829
Page 33

7.4 Installation and Operating Misalignment Limits

The following curve shows the general allowable running misalignment limits
Figure 2

1. Combined angular/radial misalignment

2. 1 degree angle is equivalent to 0.17
mm/mm
3. At zero speed (Static)
4. At maximum speed and continuous
rated torque

The coupling shall operate within this envelope (below the allowable misalignment curve) and
providing these limits are not exceeded at any time, the coupling should enjoy a trouble free life.
Table 4 - TF Misalignment Data

Definitions of
Misalignment

Angular & Radial Misalignments

in "Combination"

Bibby Transmissions Limited, Registered Office 317-319 Ampthill Road, Beford, MK42 9RD. Registered in England, Number 158829
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7.5 Limited End Float Couplings

N.B. In the case of special limited end float (LEF) versions the amount of axial movement is
physically restricted and therefore the values shown in the above table do not apply. In these cases
please refer to the coupling drawing for reference to the amount of axial movement the coupling is
capable of.
8.0 Installation Instructions
No liability will be accepted, and any warranty, either expressed or implied, will be null and void
should any components of whatsoever kind, including nuts, bolts and washers, be used in the
assembly or any modifications be made to all or part of the unit which are not supplied, specified
or agreed by Bibby Transmissions.
For general Safety, Alignment and Maintenance Instructions see other sections of this manual.
IMPORTANT: The main Coupling Bolts/Nuts at both ends are tightened by Bibby Transmissions,
and should, under normal circumstances, NOT BE TOUCHED unless specified in the installation
instructions.
When tightening any other bolt or screw, this should be done evenly, i.e. cylinder head fashion, to
50% torque then to 100% torque in the same sequence. Threads should be lubricated with
Molybdenum Disulphide grease or equivalent. Reference table 6 for tightening torques.
Check that the parallel & and axial misalignments of the shafts are within the limits defined in
the alignment curves, section 7.4, figure 2. Bibby Transmissions do not recommend any specific
alignment method as this varies due to personnel preference; however the alignment should be
within the operational envelope shown on the misalignment curve.
8.1 Reference any applicable drawings for sizes and dimensions. Ensure that all required tools
and equipment are available.
8.2 The coupling is supplied in an assembled state with its misalignment capabilities locked by
installation screws near the element packs. The coupling is packed appropriately for transportation
and storage. Inspect the coupling for:

Indication of deviation from specification to ensure that it conforms to requirements.

Potential damage due to transportation.
Bibby Transmissions Limited, Registered Office 317-319 Ampthill Road, Beford, MK42 9RD. Registered in England, Number 158829
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8.3 For balanced couplings, note any match markings, which must be aligned when the coupling is
installed.
8.4 The Torsiflex coupling hubs must be removed from the transmissions unit see figure 1. to
allow installation. Remove the connecting nuts and bolts from the hub/adaptor flanges and
using jacking screws force the flanges apart. Store the nuts and bolts along with the packing
ring and shims (if supplied) for future stages of installation.
Figure 3: Coupling Construction
Component Parts
1. Hubs
2. Spacer
3. Adaptor
4. Element Washer
5. Element Washers
6. Element Blades
7. Coupling Bolt
8. Coupling Nuts
9. Attachment Screws
10. Installation Screws
11. Shims
12. Packing Plate
8.5 The hubs may now be fitted to the driver and driven shafts. The method of fitting will be
dependant on the type of fit specified for the particular installation. In all cases the hub face
should be in line with the shaft end.
Where hub/shaft connections require a standard interference fit the hubs may be heated in an oil
bath or oven at 200-250 Celsius and rapidly positioned on the shaft. It is essential that this heat is
evenly applied over the whole hub and that spot heating is avoided. Ensure that one shaft
rotates so that the coupling match marks can be aligned.
8.6 Check the shafts misalignments and DBSE (distance between shaft ends) are within
allowable limits. (Reference Section 7.4).
8.7 The main bolts in the transmission unit are factory assembled and must not be disturbed. Undo
the installation screws; the coupling should now be in a relaxed state.
If no packing ring or shims are supplied, go to step 8.12.
8.8 Measure the free length of the transmission unit. Add to this the thickness of the packing
plate. Record this value as X.
8.9 Now measure the distance between the shaft ends (DBSE) of the machinery. Adjust this length
by either subtracting pre-stretch or adding pre-compression. Record this value as Y
Bibby Transmissions Limited, Registered Office 317-319 Ampthill Road, Beford, MK42 9RD. Registered in England, Number 158829
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8.10 Calculate the required number of shims from the following equation
Number of shims = (Y-X) shim thickness
Round this value to a whole number of shims. Shim thickness is 0.381mm
8.11 Fit shims between packing ring and the transmission unit. Ensure match marks are aligned.
8.12 Install the attachment screws Ref 9, and tighten in cylinder head fashion, maintaining
parallelism between the flange faces of the adaptor and spacer, until both elements packs are
compressed by a minimum required amount to allow the transmission unit to be put into position.
Do not compress the elements beyond the value stated in "Maximum Element Compression" Values.
Table 5 These values express the maximum amount of compression allowed per element pack.
However, it is recommended to use the minimum amount of compression required when
installing couplings

8.13 Position the transmission unit between the shaft ends (hub faces), ensuring match marks are
aligned.
8.14 Fit and tighten in cylinder head fashion the connecting bolts that pass through the packing ring
and shims. Reference table 6 for tightening torques.
8.15 Release and remove the compression screws.
8.16 Fit and tighten in cylinder head fashion the connecting bolts that pass through the
remaining flange. If a pre-stretch is present, it may be necessary to pull the flanges together using
the connecting bolts. Reference table 6 for tightening torques.
Bibby Transmissions Limited, Registered Office 317-319 Ampthill Road, Beford, MK42 9RD. Registered in England, Number 158829
Page 37

8.17 Ensure all match marks are aligned, all tooling is removed and inspect the coupling before
operation.
9.0 Removal Instructions.
Coupling removal is a reverse of the above installation process ensuring that, upon reinstallation, the above process is again followed in careful sequence.
Table 6 : When tightening any other bolt or screw, this should be done evenly, i.e. cylinder
head fashion, to 50% torque then to 100% torque in the same sequence. Threads should be
lubricated with Molybdenum Disulphide grease or equivalent
IMPORTANT: The main Coupling Bolts/Nuts at both ends are tightened by Bibby
Transmissions, and should, under normal circumstances, NOT BE TOUCHED unless specified
in the installation instructions
Coupling Size
TF

Coupling Bolt Nm

Attachment Screw Nm

27

12

38

30

140

45

12

260

75

30

400

113

30

750

225

55

1310

370

64

1900

370

64

2500

480

152

3300

750

152

6000

1100

287

8500

1900

380

12000

2500

481

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Page 38