While engineering solutions provider BMG’s Transfluid K Series is the most economical fluid coupling on the market, the only challenge it is currently facing is being listed as a “product standard” at certain operations in the mining industry.

“We have run tests and have references on many of these sites now and we are currently waiting for approval to become listed as a standard on-site. Once we attain the standardisation, we can provide a greater supply as we are readily available and stocked to serve the African market,” says BMG power transmission product manager Brandon Bouillon.

He explains that the Transfluid K Series ranks among the best in the mining industry in terms of product quality and that these products have proven to satisfy some of the toughest industry demands. Additionally, the series is able to satisfy the requirements of the client and, importantly, the requirements of their maintenance teams.

Speaking on possible expansion and product development for the Transfluid K Series, he explains that the KX is a constant fill fluid coupling with a special patented circuit designed to start up large inertia machines driven by electric motors. The circuit includes two internal tanks connected by a scoop.

The scoop works like a differential pump transferring the fluid from one chamber to the other and finally into the coupling working circuit through external adjustable valves. This double passage allows a long starting time with low starting torque and absorbed current by the electric motor, virtually isolating the inertia of the driven machine. The coupling can work using both oil and treated water as standard and is Atmospheres Explosibles (ATEX) approved on request.

“We can see possible growth prospects in this range by creating a starting stall torque below 50% of the electric motors’ nominal torque; and by having a starting torque limitation below nominal torque,” notes Bouillon.

The KX allows the fluid coupling removal without moving the electric motor or the driven machine, avoiding the realignment. It also has a fusible plug that, in case of intervention, releases the fluid from the working circuit to a tank preventing leakages into the ambient.

The fluid filling operation is easy and, apart from some particular cases, it is not a requirement to change the fluid during the test starting. The starting time can be optimised by changing the externally adjustable valves.

“KX fluid coupling is very suitable for driving machines that have immense power and inertia, with typical applications being mills and belt conveyors,” concludes Bouillon.