3 - Shafts, Keys and Couplings

Basic Mechanical Maintenance
and Reliability
Sealing Devices
Chapter 3 Sealing Devices
Objectives
• Correctly identify shafts couplings and keys
• Recognizing the use of shafts, couplings and keys in
machinery
• Deal safely with rotating equipment
• Fill inspection reports regarding shafts, couplings and
keys
Shaft
A shaft is a long, straight rod that

connects and spins machine parts,
transferring power to make things
work
Shaft Attachments
A shaft comes with steps or shoulders for fitting rotating parts and slots
for keys. The shoulders position machine parts axially, and the shaft
transmits rotary motion or torque.
Critical Areas of Shafts
Rotating shafts can wear or become

damaged with use. A worn or
damaged shaft will not work
correctly. The areas of a shaft in
which damage and wear are very
important or critical are:
• bearing areas
• coupling area
• key-seat areas
• impeller hub areas
• shaft sleeve, or sealing areas
Types of Keys and Their Uses
A key is a shaped steel piece that locks

two parts together, enabling them to
rotate as one. It fits into the shaft key-
seat, facilitating the transfer of drive
between rotating parts and the shaft.
Keys are made from a meter-long
keystock bar, available in three types.
• rectangular section
• square section
• round section
Couplings
Most machinery has shaft connections. Shafts must be connected by couplings
to other shafts and to other machine parts. Couplings permit shaft connections
to function correctly. Couplings are of two types:
• Rigid coupling
• Flanged
• Sleeve
• Split Sleeve
• Ribbed
• Flexible coupling
• Chain
• Jaw
• Grid
• Gear
• Tire
Rigid Couplings
Flanged coupling Sleeve coupling
- Connect shaft securely -Transmit Torque
- mostly in heavy duty machines - common in pumps
Split Sleeve coupling

- For easy assembly
Ribbed coupling
- Common for motors
- Dampens vibrations
- Common in HVAC
system
Flexible Couplings
Chain coupling
- Handles misalignment Grid coupling
- common in portable machines - Handles misalignment with flexibility
- Used in conveyors system
Jaw coupling
- Absorbs shocks Tire coupling Gear coupling
- Mostly in small motors - Dampens high vibration - Transmit high Torque
- Some pumps and compressors - High torque
machinery
Functions of Couplings
RIGID COUPLING FLEXIBLE COUPLING
Absorbs star-up torque. Absorbs start-up torque.
Permits one machine to be taken out Permits one machine to be taken out
while leaving the other in place. while leaving the other in place.
Eases manufacturing problems, because long one.

it uses two shorter shafts rather than one Eases manufacture because if uses two
long one. shorter rather than one long one.
Permits a slight, misalignment in the axial

plane and slight misalignment between
Permits no misalignment between shafts. shaft ends.
Reduces the vibration passing from one
machine shaft to another.
Inspecting a Flanged Coupling for
Damage and Wear
Cleaning Preparation:
• Remove all dirt and old lubricant.
Initial Visual Inspection:
• Visually examine the coupling for any
visible signs of damage.
Runout Check:
• Perform a coupling runout with each
flange still attached to the shafts.
• Check for distortion or bending, even if
there are no apparent visible damages.
Shaft Vibration
What an operator should know
Natural Frequency and Shaft
Resonance (vibration)
Natural frequency is how fast something vibrates
when pushed.
Shaft resonance happens when a rotating shaft
vibrates a lot because its natural frequency matches
an external force.
Causes of Resonance (vibration)
External Forces: Imbalances,

misalignments, or sudden load changes can
excite natural frequencies.
Matching Frequencies: Resonance is more
likely when external force frequencies
match the shaft's natural frequency.
Effects of Resonance (vibration)
Accelerated Wear: Excessive vibrations can lead to wear
and fatigue in shafts and components.
Premature Failure: Stress on bearings and couplings may
result in premature failure.
Preventive Measures
Ensure correct shaft

alignment and balance.
Operate away from
critical speeds to
minimize resonance.
Dynamic Balancing to
eliminate imbalances.
Operator Responsibilities
Continuous Monitoring:
monitor equipment
vibrations during operation.
Raise a defect card: Report
any unusual changes to
maintenance teams.
Follow the Standard
operation procedure (SOP)
Thank you

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3 - Shafts, Keys and Couplings

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Basic Mechanical Maintenance

A shaft is a long, straight rod that

Rotating shafts can wear or become

A key is a shaped steel piece that locks

Split Sleeve coupling

Absorbs star-up torque. Absorbs start-up torque.

Eases manufacturing problems, because long one.

Permits a slight, misalignment in the axial

External Forces: Imbalances,

Ensure correct shaft

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