A common issue with API 671 couplings is the potential
variation in length from the as installed (cold) to the steady state operating
condition (hot). This variation in
coupling length can be of sufficient deviation to require the coupling to
operate outside of the allowable axial displacement permitted.
In order to compensate for machinery movement
due to thermal and dynamic transformations, the coupling can be designed with
the intention to have shims inserted.
The shims are specifically designed to allow insertion at a bolted joint
within the coupling eliminating the need to remove the coupling hub(s) from the
equipment (as the hubs are installed with an interference fit). This allows tuning of the installed length in
small increments and gives a straightforward method of altering the installed
length as the equipment ages.
Note: If shimming the coupling causes the coupling to
operate outside of the manufactures recommended limits, it is advised that the
coupling manufacturer (which we certainly hope is Lovejoy) be contacted as an engineering analysis might be required
to ensure that the coupling will have no operational issues.
Guarding requirements for API 671 couplings are similar to
all coupling guards as they must meet all applicable codes and regulations
(such as OSHA 1910.219). However, additional
requirements are included in the API 671 Standard. A few key features are:
- The ability to inspect the coupling without
requiring any additional work beyond removing the guarding.
- Capability to withstand a 200 pound static load.
- A minimum of 1 inch radial clearance between the
guard inner wall and coupling maximum outer diameter.
- Anti-swirl baffles installed as required to diminish
the effects of windage.
- Guards that are directly installed on the
machine base or bed plate should be removable as a single piece.
- No guarding should be constructed of woven wire,
only expanded metal, perforated plate or plate is permitted.
Guest Post: Jim Jones, Lovejoy Canada
Utilizing the standards of several worldwide associations ensures that the manufactured & supplied equipment will be consistent in quality for the end user performance criteria, regardless of where the products are sourced.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) and International Standards Organization (ISO) are two of the most respected standard associations globally and are especially in force in the North American oil & gas industry.
Our flexible coupling customers rely on these API & ISO organizations technical committees to research and advise on conditions that may affect the high performance requirements of rotating equipment.
End users will either use these API / ISO standards for their equipment or enhance them to ensure they receive quality manufactured equipment that performs to the intended field conditions.
In the oil & gas industries and especially in the refining marketplace compliance to the API610, API671, API676 or ISO 10441 standards is required for a majority of flexible coupling applications. The AGMA 9000 Class 9 is also a base for coupling design and supply under the API standards.
The coupling compliance and approval process requires a review of either the applicable API Standards, the customer Standards or enhanced Standards incorporating both API and Customer requirements.
The approval process involves detailed review of the specific application criteria; examples would be material, tolerances, component design, speed considerations and balance for various flexible coupling rotating equipment installations.
One must understand why the customer has specified either the API/ ISO standards, the API / ISO package in conjunction with client’s specifications or client’s standalone requirements.
By understanding our customer’s position the suppliers will have a positive effect on their submission for the technical and supply approval process.
For more information on API couplings, please see the API 610 Standard - Coupling Highlights and API 671 Coupling Standard blog posts.
About the Author: Jim Jones
has several decade power transmission technical sales expertise. To tap into Jim's rich
industry knowledge and experience, you can get to him through the Lovejoy webpage and/or LinkedIn. To find a highly qualified Lovejoy representative or distributor in your area please see Lovejoy's Find a Sales Representative or Find a Distributor tool.
Guest Post: Jim Jones, Lovejoy Canada
Currently there are four (4) major crude oil pipeline projects under review for transporting petroleum liquids within Canada.
These projects will meet domestic demand and enable Canada to export additional oil products to the U.S.A., open more Asian markets and most recently increase access to European markets.
1) The Keystone XL pipeline – TransCanada investment upgraded to $8 billion- 1,897 kilometre
Cost to construct the pipeline is now $8 billion. The construction is joining the proposed Canadian northern leg to the already operating southern U.S.A. line. The project has been under review by the Obama administration for at least 5 years.
Millions have been invested to-date to address the concerns in the review process. Decision on the cross border section from Canada to the U.S.A. is imminent due to recent election results in Washington, D.C.
2) The Northern Gateway pipeline - Enbridge Inc.project estimated @ $6.5 billion – 1,177 kilometre
Submitted for the approval process on 2 lines to transport diluted crude oil from Fort McMurray to Kitimat, B.C. destined for Asian markets. One pipeline will transport 525k bbls crude oil per day, the 2nd @ 193k bbls natural gas condensate per day.
3) Energy East pipeline - TransCanada has submitted for approval $12 billion investment. 4600 kilometre
The pipeline is a reversed flow pipeline proposed to carry 1.1 million bbls of crude oil from Alberta & Saskatchewan to the Canadian central & east coast for further refining. Three new terminals are be built on the route in Saskatchewan, Quebec, and New Brunswick.
New pump stations, tank terminals, and marine facilities are also slated for the construction. The refined product will be available to the eastern provinces, plus export to the eastern U.S.A. and especially to European markets.
4) TransMountain pipeline - Kinder Morgan investment $5.4 billion – 1,000 kilometre
Formerly known as TransMountain Pipelines, Kinder Morgan has submitted for approval their increasing capacity from 300k bbls per day to approximately 900k bbls/ day from Alberta to Vancouver B.C, area. The final destination is to the current marine terminal for export.
These four major projects will create new opportunities for fluid transport equipment, such as turbines, compressors, pumps, motors, gear reducers, flexible couplings and accessory equipment. (Case in point – TransCanada recently awarded GE a contract for a minimum 58 custom motors to be manufactured in Ontario.)
Utilizing the standards of several worldwide associations, primarily API and ISO, ensures that the manufactured & supplied equipment will be consistent in quality for the end user performance criteria, regardless of where the products are sourced.
The Canadian domestic pipeline operations & ongoing expansions will continue to provide strong opportunities for the Power Transmission Industry for a variety of rotating equipment.
Large & small rotating equipment packages will be purchased & operated in all of these major and peripheral projects.
Manufacturers will supply initial engineered product, then together with distribution they will work for the operators in supplying spares & technical expertise. MRO components will increase through daily operation and support operators in case of system upset or through their scheduled maintenance programs.
The current industry trend is to minimize operators’ cost by passing all responsibilities direct to manufacturers for after sales product & service.
Although the reason given by the manufacturers to expand their offerings is to provide value added services & be cost competitive this is a slippery slope when they are directly involved supplying daily product or ongoing maintenance beyond their equipment.
Distribution, working with their manufacturers, has developed inventory & service programs to meet the pipeline operators’ daily requirements.
Distribution is “geared ‘to react to the pipeline daily demands, during scheduled shutdowns or even during system upset conditions. Distribution, through its network of clients, can also strengthen or establish programs for product and technical support to meet the operators' ongoing requirements.
For the Power Transmission Industry the future appears to be strong, aggressive and competitive.
About the Author: Jim Jones
has several decade power transmission technical sales expertise. To tap into Jim's rich
industry knowledge and experience, you can get to him through the Lovejoy webpage and/or LinkedIn. To find a highly qualified Lovejoy representative or distributor in your area please see Lovejoy's Find a Sales Representative or Find a Distributor tool.
