Unique Features Video
WE SERVE PREMIUM COMPANIES AROUND THE WORLD IN THESE INDUSTRIES.
DELIVERING EXCELLENCE ACROSS THE GLOBE
Accreditations
Our approved ISO 9001 quality management system reflects our promise to deliver to you the best quality product and support for your specific driveline application.
With the applications of couplings to special oil and gas installations Thompson Couplings Ltd can now offer ATEX approved (Atmospheric Explosive) couplings that couple motors and pumps or other equipment unique to explosive risk industries. Thompson Couplings is proud to be certified by American Shipping Bureau (ABS).
Our trained staff can also assist with the installation of couplings for compliance with the American Petroleum Institute API-671 and internationally ISO 10441:2007. The range of TCAE Alignment Eliminator couplings fulfil the requirements of the standard for flexible couplings for mechanical power transmission; this includes all types of industrial plants, being, Steel Mills, Aluminium Plants, High Acid Soft Drink Plants, Paper and Recycle Plants, marine, trucks mining, as well as those unique to the oil and natural gas industries and many more; based on our product design materials of construction, manufacturing quality and inspection and testing procedures.
Cost of Ownership
These losses ,when added together, appear in reporting as Down-Time, the most damaging contributor to profitability.
Products
Frequently asked Questions
1. How to use the selection spreadsheet
a. What machine service factor should I select?
A: Select the factor based on the type of duty. Refer to the “Machine Duty / Service Type” table in the TCAE Selector Spreadsheet or contact TCL/Distributor for guidance.
b. What if the spreadsheet does not provide any product selection?
A: Contact your distributor or TCL for clarification and guidance.
c. What is meant by “Frequent stop/start” and when should I select that option?
A: “Frequent stop/start” refers to multiple starts per hour, or more than 20 starts in a 24-hour period. Check this box in the spreadsheet when your application meets these conditions.
d. What are the options on the QR flanges?
A: QR flanges are available either as pilot bore flanges, which can be custom-machined to suit your shaft, or as standard Taper Lock flange sets.
e. What is the ideal DBSE for the TCAE coupling?
A: The midpoint between the minimum and maximum DBSE to allow for thermal expansion and contraction.
2. What are the different torque ratings you refer to? Nominal, dynamic, static?
a. What does the T100 torque rating mean?
A: T100 is the continuous torque rating. It represents the unfactored torque that the coupling can transmit when run for 8 hours/day, 25 days/month at 100 RPM, with 0° angular misalignment and a machine service factor of 1, giving an expected service life of 3 years continuous operation.
b. What is meant by dynamic and static torque ratings?
A: Dynamic torque is the maximum torque the coupling can handle under normal operating conditions for short periods, including start-up or transient loads.
Static torque is the maximum torque the coupling can withstand without rotation, e.g., during a stall or jam condition.
c. Is any torque transmitted through the red rubber boot?
A: No. The protective boot carries no torque. All torque is transmitted through the metal-to- metal internal components. A demonstration video is available.
3. What maintenance is required for TCAE products?
a. Do I have to grease the coupling?
A: No. TCAE couplings are fully sealed and maintenance-free for the life of the coupling.
b. What about the rubber boot — does it require maintenance?
A: The rubber boot does not require routine maintenance, but TCL recommends replacing it after 5 years as a precautionary measure.
4. What are the installation requirements for the TCAE products?
A: Detailed installation instructions for the complete TCAE range are available on the TCL website.
a. Is there a drive end and non-drive end?
A: No. The TCAE couplings are uni-directional, but TCL recommends reversing the rotational direction every 3–5 years after changing the rubber boot to help extend service life.
5. What if I need a customised design solution for my application?
a. Can I get help selecting a TCAE coupling?
A: Yes. Your local distributor and TCL are available to assist with coupling selection and ensure the right solution for your application.
b. I need special add-on parts to be included — who do I contact?
A: Contact TCL or your local distributor. They can advise on custom components, add-ons, or modifications to meet your specific requirements.
6. Can I get a 3D CAD model for your couplings to inset into my project?
A: Yes. 3D CAD models are available to help you incorporate TCAE couplings directly into your CAD designs and project layouts.
7. What is the standard amount of backlash that I may expect with your TCAE products?
A: The Thompson Coupling has negligible backlash – meaning there may be a very small amount of movement, but it is so minimal that it has no impact on performance or accuracy. Unlike gear or elastomeric couplings, there is no wind-up or clearance that develops into measurable play. In practical terms, you can expect backlash to be effectively insignificant in service.
8. Is this coupling a true constant velocity coupling?
A: Yes, the angular velocity is constant unlike other commercially available couplings that accelerate/decelerate through a revolution.
9. What is the maximum angles I can run the TCAE?
A: The standard rating is ±5° at each end (so 10° total). For best life and to allow for combined errors (angular + parallel), we recommend designing installations to stay well within that limit and to avoid running continuously at the maximum angle. Also check for any parallel (offset) misalignment — combined misalignment should be considered when selecting the coupling and torque rating.
10. What is the maximum speed I can run the TCAE?
A: Maximum speed depends on the specific model and size. Detailed limits are provided in the TCAE Selector Spreadsheet and the Product Catalogue, or you can confirm with TCL or your local distributor.
11. What does it mean that the Thompson Coupling is “torsionally rigid,” and how does that fit with being dual-hinged?
A: Torsionally rigid means the coupling does not twist or wind up under load – torque is transmitted instantly and without lost motion, unlike elastomeric or gear couplings that behave like a spring. The dual-hinged system is separate to this: it allows for misalignment between shafts without passing destructive side loads into the machinery. In simple terms, the Thompson Coupling is rigid in torque transmission but flexible in alignment – giving you the best of both worlds.
12. Will the TCAE work in harsh and/or hot environments such as steel mills?
A: Yes. TCAE couplings are proven in extremely harsh and high-temperature environments, including steel mills and steam turbine drives, where they have operated reliably for many years without degradation. We can provide testimonials and case studies from customers in these industries confirming long-term performance.
13. Where is the TCAE product made?
A: This is an Australian Designed and produced product.
14. What sort of warranty do you offer?
A: All Thompson Coupling products are supplied with a 12-month warranty from the date of installation (or 18 months from shipment, whichever comes first) against defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions. The warranty covers repair or replacement of defective components. As with most engineered products, the warranty does not cover damage caused by misapplication, incorrect installation, abuse, or operation outside the published specifications.
15. What is the lead time on the TCAE product range?
A: In most cases, standard Thompson Couplings are available ex-stock either from TCL or our distributors. For custom designs or large sizes, lead times are typically 90–120 days, depending on size and complexity.