Market leader VULKAN Couplings offers RATO R+ couplings in three additional sizes

High torsional flexibility – good displacement properties – low rotating masses

VULKAN Couplings produces three new coupling sizes of its proven RATO R+ series: 4E, 5B, and 5H.

The three new sizes are suitable for diesel-mechanical and diesel-electric drive systems in the maritime sector, such as in cruise ships, and for the stationary power generation sector, such as in diesel power plants. The RATO R+ 5B and 5H are available in a wide and a slim modular design to accommodate all customer-specific requirements for the various applications in the areas of diesel-electric generator sets and diesel-mechanical drives. Through the specific configuration in accordance with the application, the owner can save significant investment costs. Outstanding displacement properties and torsional flexibility are benefits offered by the wide design of the RATO R+. Thus displacements caused by sea motion and flexibly-mounted engines can be optimally compensated. Consequently the wide version is suitable for marine drive technology and for stationary power generators that impose rigorous requirements on the system tuning.

On the other hand the slim version is impressive with its low mass and high power dissipation that enables optimal operation even under the most difficult conditions. This means that the slim version is optimized for implementation in stationary power generators.

The first couplings are already in use

The market launch of the three highly-flexible couplings is planned for the beginning of 2019. The first couplings have already been implemented in test stand applications, where they have been able to put their outstanding characteristics to the test. The company has already been successful in winning additional orders due to the first class product quality and the outstanding price-performance ratio.

VULKAN Couplings invests in the world's largest vulcanization press for highly-flexible couplings

The two couplings RATO R+ 5B and RATO R+ 5H are the largest RATO R/R+ models that VULKAN Couplings has ever produced in its 130 years of enterprise history. This circumstance posed major challenges for the development team: In order to manufacturer the largest coupling with a diameter of more than 1,700 mm and rated torque of up 530 kNm, the company purchased the world's largest vulcanization press for highly-flexible couplings. It has a pressing force of 5000 tons.

The RATO R+ series

The RATO R+ series consists of highly-flexible couplings for use in drive systems that require high torsional flexibility, good displacement properties, and the lowest rotating masses possible. In the product development phase the primary focus was on the heart of the coupling: the elastomer. Innovative compound research and highly specialized vulcanization technology enabled development of an elastomer with significantly higher power density: ACOTEC.

The product advantages of the RATO R+ series

• High reliability and robustness

• High operational reliability through first-class product quality and a worldwide service network, 24/7 service hotline, and high availability of spare parts

• Stronger power density ensures a good price-performance ratio

• With low rotating masses the couplings are optimized for the trend towards powerful and high-revving engines

• Thermal resistance and the improved aging effects of the ACOTEC elastomer guarantee a long service life

• Maximum solution flexibility thanks to excellent integration in different systems