Transfluid Series KSL

VARIABLE FILL
FLUID COUPLING
KSL TRANSFLUID

INTRODUCTION
Transfluid has designed their KSL series variable fill fluid coupling to overcome problems experienced at "start up" and "speed variation" operation for medium and high power machines, driven by electric motors and internal combustion engines.

WORKING OPERATION
Extremely efficient perfomance is achieved utilising the KSL’s very simple and effective principle. Oil, that’s the power medium, is pumped from a sump through a heat exchanger if necessary, to the hydrodinamic coupling circuit, where it is finally "drained off" through a series of orifice plugs, back into the sump.

The "START UP" principle: By controlling the coupling’s feed pump oil flow to the working circuit by a small A.C. frequency converter, changes occur inside the coupling working circuit which alter the coupling slip characteristics and this softens the "start up" dramatically.

The "VARIABLE SPEED" principle: Variable fill - drainable type fluid couplings also permit rapid disconnection of the driven machinery, with quick release valves installed.

Its "TORQUE LIMITING" function: Another KSL feature is its ability to limit the torque transmitted, slipping for a time and then dumping its circuit oil, disconnecting the driven machinery.

The key "KSL" features are:
- soft start
- variable speed
- torque limiting

CHARACTERISTICS

Auxiliary Start up drive In the case of an electric motor drive, instead of using a traditional system like a star-delta starting device, its now possible to connect a Transfluid KSL series fluid coupling between the motor and driven machinery, accelerating the motor up to speed before engaging the fluid clutch, thus avoiding any undesired peak current altogether.
Soft starter The KSL’s fluid coupling working circuit is gradually filled with oil from an empty condition to a fully filled condition. Such behaviour enhances an extremely soft controlled start up, especially with high inertia machinery. The KSL’s variable oil feed system is controlled by a frequency converter during the ramp up, producing the ideal soft starter.
Accurate speed variation By operating either manually, by an "on/off" solenoid valve or by the frequency converter controller, the KSL always guarantees output speed accuracy, as required by operator or control system.
Vibration Dampening One of the most important characteristics of KSL fluid coupling is its torsional vibration dampening effect, protecting both the driven gear box, fan or pump machinery, as well as the motor or engine.
Overload Protection This is a fluid coupling peculiarity and a big benefit to users. Even more protection can be achieved by installing "quick release drainable valves" which discharge oil from the working circuit in a few seconds, limiting any prolonged overload period completely.
High Efficency The KSL is an extremely efficient device compared to the constant filled type fluid coupling, as its volume of working ciruit is controlled at the fullest possible volume to mantain a very small slip rate.
Shaft Labyrinth Sealing These make the KSL series a low maintenance piece of equipment.
Ease of Maintenance Thanks to its split casing design, it’s possible to remove the complete fluid coupling impeller assembly without having to move either the motor/engine or driven machinery, saving the need for realignment and costly down time.

APPLICATIONS
Used as Start-Up Drive for: Mills, Drums, Conveyors, Fans, Blowers, Pumps, Compressors, Centrifuges, Mixers, Generators or Marine Propulsion drives.

SELECTION
To correctly select the right coupling, Transfluid needs to know the following:

Motor/Engine type, power and speed
Driven machinery type, power and speed
Output speed range
Environmental conditions
Cooling water characteristics
Assembly configuration
Drive and driven shaft dimensions and tolerances

WORKING SIMULATION

Back to Transfluid fluid couplings

  Northstar Power Co.
  2402 SE Hulsizer Road
  Ankeny, IA 50021
  Phone: 515-964-6100
  Fax: 515-964-6119