Driveshafts

Highlights:

• Outstanding durability
• Designed specifically for cooling tower duty
• Stainless steel or Carbon Fiber tube
• Stainless hardware standard
• Factory balanced
• Lengths up to 15' (4.6m)

Related Information:

• Series 400 Driveshaft Brochure

The driveshaft transmits power from the output shaft of the motor to the input shaft of the Geareducer. Because the driveshaft operates within the tower, it must be highly corrosion resistant. Turning at full motor speed, it must be well balanced—and capable of being re-balanced. Transmitting full motor power over significant distances, it must accept tremendous torque without deformation. Subjected to long term cyclical operation, and occasional human error, it must be capable of accepting some degree of misalignment.

Driveshafts are described as “floating” shafts, equipped with flexible couplings at both ends. Shafts are fabricated of tubular stainless steel or carbon fiber. The yokes and flanges which connect to the motor and geareducer shafts are HDG steel or stainless steel.

It is very important that driveshafts be properly balanced.  Imbalance not only causes tower vibration, but also induces higher loads and excessive wear on the mechanical equipment coupled to the shaft. Most cooling tower driveshafts operate at speeds approaching 1800 rpm. At these speeds, it is necessary that the shafts be dynamically balanced to reduce vibrational forces to a minimum.