A drive train coupling and clutch package of Rexnord Antriebstechnik BSD(R)  is specified for the Wärtsilä thruster FS 275 LCT applied for the Remora HiLoad DP terminal. The HiLoad unit will dock onto any tanker in way a forklift truck picks up a pellet. For  the loading time the tanker is kept in position by the HiLoad thrusters controlled by a Dynamic Positioning System.

For this application Rexnord directly linked a pneumatically-operated clutch with a Modulflex(R) torsionally stiff coupling. The compact clutch is one of  a family developed with double-bearing casings specially for applications where the driveshafts are located outside the drive. The clutches are available in both pneumatic and hydraulically-operated versions.A reportedly unique feature of this type of clutch is a PTO interface for providing power  to auxiliary devices via a belt drive. Power can thus be tapped for other purposes even when the thruster is disconnected from the engine.
The core of the Modulflex coupling is a flexible stainless steel disc pack, designed to compensate for the predicted angular and axial offsets in the drive train. Additional radial offset in the train is compensated by combining two flexible elements in the same coupling. Excellent trouble-free operation and a long service life are claimed by Rexnord for the couplings which, in contrast to cardan shaft connections, are said to require no maintenance or extra investment  in service.

The heart of the new  ?Z-tech? panama tug boats is the WÄRTSILÄ, Type 9L20, Diesel motor driving a WÄRTSILÄ Type LIPS FS250 Thruster. When WÄRTSILÄ needed a reliable and innovative supplier to design and build the drive train coupling and clutch package for their Diesel powered thruster units for the Panama Tugs project,  they chose the Dortmund based Rexnord Antriebstechnik.

For applications, such as the drive train developed for
WÄRTSILÄ  Z-tech?-Panama Tugs, where it is advantageous to lay  out  the Diesel motor and Thruster shaft  on the same axis,  the option is to combine a clutch directly with the  MODULFLEX®  torsionally stiff coupling. While the torsionally stiff coupling is used for the drive train connections to the motor and the clutch, REXNORD KONICLAMP® clamping hubs are used to maintain the position of the drive shaft relative to the bulkhead seals. The KONICLAMP® is a clamping hub system for flange/shaft connections which utilises an integrated clamping technology meeting the drive manufacturers need for slip free performance and a simple, reliable and assembly and disassembly of the drive train.

3. Modulflex Coupling for Hottinger Torque Meter

In a test stand, torsionally stiff couplings type Modulflex® connect torque flanges and  the flanges of HBM with the test item and the dynamometer or safety brake.

The Modulflex® coupling protects the torque flange and connected load against the effects of severe angular, radial and axial forces. The Modulflex® coupling in its compact version is directly connected to the HBM torque flange. Torque is transmitted with positive engagement and backlash-free  through the patented system of pressed bushings.

Two flexible elements compensate for all misalignments at low loads. The homokinetic design ensures smooth running during operation.

The modular coupling design means that the very specific customer requirements can always be realised at an economic price. Koniclamp® clamping hubs for backlash-free shaft-shaft or shaft-flange connections are an integral part of the drive concept.

4. Rexnord Coupling Technology Safeguards Transfer Press

The press driving system, bearings and gears of the press are subjected to shock forces during press operation. Wihout misalignment compensation measures in the drive system mentioned machine parts would be damaged or even destroyed. Torsionally stiff MODULFLEX^®- shaft couplings compensate the axial, angular and parallel misalignments during operation. They are built into the main drive strand, bridging the transfers between press stations. The modular design of the couplings allows for fast assemply or disassembly of the main strand, without moving any neighbouring parts. It has a favourable performance/ dimension ratio and is maintenance free.

KONICLAMP^®- Clamping Hubs replace conventional connections, such as keys or hydraulic fits of shaft and hub. They have economically revolutionised the shaft/bore connection.