Jaw Couplings for Compressor

Compressor connecting jaw coupling with an elastic element provides direct drive installation with compensation for misalignment between the motor shaft and screw pair, partly protecting against vibrations and overload. Original parts from Specialist are made of two steel half-couplings and a PU elastic star with 8 petals ("spider").

In our company, you can purchase a drive coupling for the compressor to switch from a belt drive to a direct drive to increase efficiency and easier servicing. You can also buy a toothed rubber insert separately for self-repair of the couplings in case of deformation or damage due to overload of this element.

Operating Principle of Jaw Couplings

Elastic jaw couplings are used for transferring high torque from the electric motor shaft to screw blocks of compressors, pumps, or other mechanisms. The coupling connection with a star allows ignoring minor angular and parallel misalignments during installation, which in case of rigid attachment could lead to incorrect load distribution, bearing damage, and more serious breakdowns.

The coupling engagement occurs through the claw teeth (half-couplings), between which the petals of the star are clamped. Due to its flexibility and elasticity, the polyurethane slightly deforms and forms a tighter contact between the teeth. As a result, the force is transferred more evenly between the claws. The rubber insert also provides a damping function in case of impact and reduces the wear of metal parts, but it itself gets destroyed and requires replacement.

One of the advantages of connecting couplings with an elastic star is their operability in the event of rubber rupture, although it is not recommended to overuse this — the half-couplings themselves begin to wear out, and noise appears during operation. Nevertheless, for industrial screw compressors, it's often more important to continue uninterrupted operation while waiting for a replacement part.

Choosing a Jaw Coupling

The main parameters for selecting a coupling replacement are:

• Overall diameter
• Length;
• Shaft hole;
• Maximum torque and rotation speed.