VULKAN Couplings has extended the range of the enhanced performance ACOTEC couplings with the RATO R +. The drive specialist, which is based in Herne, is launching the initial sizes of the development and presenting it to specialists for the first time at SMM 2012, from 4th – 7th September in Hamburg.

ACOTEC (Advanced Compound Technology) is a holistic approach to optimising all relevant areas of influence, in order to be able to offer the best possible products and services. The basis for this is that VULKAN Couplings combines all competencies in-house, from application technology and torsional vibration calculations to the construction and development, the elastomer and vulcanisation technology right up to the test centre, condition monitoring and service. The couplings manufactured and tested with this technology form the ACOTEC coupling range of the company, which are characterised by extreme resilience and reliability and which are labelled in the respective type designation with an additional plus sign following the brand name.

VULKAN Couplings has continued the success of the ACOTEC range with the launch of the RATO R +. The proven principle of construction of the standard RATO R was retained with the ACOTEC variant, and customers may, as a consequence, rely on the utilization of same parts with the existing RATO R product range. The RATO R+ coupling has been specially designed for the use in installations requiring a high level of torsional flexibility and misalignment capacity. Inherent features of the design include high dynamic load capacity and good rotational dynamic properties due to the low rotating inertias. The area of application is primarily high-speed main/PTO systems driven by a diesel engine or electric motor.

In the low to middle torque ranges where the handling and installation of a complete element is practical the RATO Ring coupling is an additional alternative. A customized tuning of the system’s torsional vibration characteristics is possible due to the variety of torsional stiffnesses and element configurations available. The radial, axial and angular flexibility of the RATO R+ coupling, with the shortest possible installation length, enables good compensation of shaft misalignments caused by the flexible mounting of the prime mover, foundation movements etc. to be achieved.

The development of the new RATO R+ was primarily focused on the on the centrepiece of the coupling: the elastomer. Innovative research on compounds and highly specialised vulcanisation technology facilitated the development of an elastomer with considerably higher power density. The ACOTEC compound characterises itself in comparison to other conventionally used materials not only with the enhanced tensile strength and tear strength and increased ultimate elongation, but also with a high thermal resistance and lesser ageing effects. VULKAN Couplings guarantees a high level of process stability for the new elastomer from the aspects of manufacturing and further processing, since this involves in-house production processes, the quality of which is subject to constant and continuous control. An application has already been lodged for the industrial property rights for the new ACOTEC elastomer.

With this enhancement in power and performance of the RATO R +, which is facilitated by the use of the new elastomer, VULKAN Couplings is falling in line with the latest trend worldwide for increasingly more powerful engines operating at higher speeds: The RATO R + replaces the next higher size of the conventional RATO R respectively. As a result of the lower mass and correspondingly lower centrifugal forces higher speed performance is achieved for the coupling. In addition, the RATO R + has yet another significant commercial benefit since a small size coupling may be used for the same power requirements.

Another decisive product advantage of the RATO R+ compared with other highly flexible couplings which are used in engines operating at high speeds is the great level of ease with which it can be integrated in different drive solutions: The main components of this coupling serve as the basis for different special designs such as, for example, Cardan shaft couplings or composite shaft systems. This is where the high level of flexibility of VULKAN Couplings is demonstrated as a solutions provider.

VULKAN Couplings will be presenting the new coupling type RATO R + at the world’s leading trade fair for shipbuilding, SMM 2012 in Hamburg, in the sizes 4A (TkN: 137.0 – 176.0 kNm) and 3E (TkN: 100.0 – 125.0 kNm). Visitors to the trade fair can evaluate the benefits of the newly developed coupling at the booth of the company and satisfy themselves of its many advantages: Hall A3 / booth number 302.