DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
A FLEXIBLE COUPLING FOR A PUMP ALIGNMENT WITH MOTOR AND ITS METHOD THEREOF

Applicant:
GOA SHIPYARD LIMITED
(A Govt. of India Undertaking-Ministry of Defense)
Having addressed as:
GOA SHIPYARD LIMITED
Vasco-Da-Gama, Goa - 403802, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
[001] The present application claims priority to Indian Patent Application No. 202221055787 titled “A FLEXIBLE COUPLING FOR A PUMP ALIGNMENT AND METHOD OF ALIGNING THE PUMP THEREOF” filed on September 28th, 2022, the entity of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[002] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a flexible coupling for a pump alignment, and more specifically to a flexible coupling for alignment of a pump with a motor and a method of alignment thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[003] Pumps are used to deliver fluids from one place/reservoir to other. The pump has an inlet known as suction flange and outlet known as discharge flange. The pump is driven by a driver or prime mover such as, but not limited to electric motor or engine. During installation, alignment of the shaft of the pump with the output shaft of the driver is critical to ensure proper functioning of the pump.
[004] Referring to Figure 1 (prior art), a pump (100) having an eccentric suction pipe (113) is shown. The pump (100) is mounted on seating (102) by means of fasteners. A shaft (104) of the pump (100) is coupled with a driver/prime mover including but not limited to an electric motor or an engine, either with or without a gear box. A discharge pipe is connected to a discharge flange (108) by means of fasteners. A rigid pipe coupling (111) connects a suction flange (106) of the pump (100) with a rigid flange (112) of the suction pipe (113). The rigid flange (112) of the suction pipe (113) is external to the Pump (100). The rigid pipe coupling (111) is fastened with the suction flange (106) by means of fasteners. The axis (114) of the suction flange (106) is offset to the vertical axis (110) of the pump (100).
[005] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, during installation, the shaft (104) of the pump (100) needs to be aligned with the output shaft (204) of the prime mover/ gear box by using a clock gauge (200).
[006] Figure 2A illustrates the configuration of the clock gauge (200) for checking angular alignment of the shafts of pump (100) and the prime mover/ gear box. The clock gauge (200) is fixedly mounted on any of the shafts, letting the needle (202) of the gauge (200) rest on a surface of a flange of the other shaft as indicated in Figure 2A. Then the shaft on which the clock gauge (200) is mounted, is turned and readings on the clock gauge (200) is observed to determine the angular adjustments necessary to align the shaft in a predetermined tolerance.
[007] Figure 2B illustrates the configuration of the clock gauge (200) for checking radial alignment of the shafts of pump (100) and the prime mover/ gear box. The clock gauge (200) is fixedly mounted on any of the shafts, letting the needle (202) of the gauge rest on the other shaft radially, as indicated in Figure 2B. Then the shaft on which the clock gauge (200) is mounted, is turned and readings on the clock gauge (200) is observed to determine the radial adjustments necessary to align the shaft in a predetermined tolerance.
[008] The angular and radial alignments of the shafts need to be within predetermined tolerance zones. Once the shafts are properly aligned, the pump (100) is secured on the seating (102).
[009] As the axis (114) of the suction flange (106) is offset to the axis (110) of the pump (100), during connecting the rigid pipe coupling (111) to the suction flange (106) by tightening the fasteners, the pump (100) is pulled towards rigid pipe coupling (111) and the alignment of the shaft (104) of the pump (100) with the shaft (204) of the prime mover/gearbox is disturbed. Thus, the conventional methodology of the making the rigid pipe coupling (111) cannot be used.
[0010] As the alignment of the pump with the prime mover/gearbox is most critical for functioning of the pump, there is need of a device and method for ensuring that the alignment of the pump’s shaft with the shaft of the prime mover/gearbox will not be hampered while connecting the suction pipe to the suction flange of the pump to eliminate tedious method of aligning the shaft of pump with the shaft of motor.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Main object of the present disclosure is to provide a flexible coupling for connecting a suction pipe to a pump.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a flexible coupling instead of Rigid pipe coupling of a pump.
[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for aligning a shaft of a pump with an output shaft of a prime mover/gearbox.
[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to eliminate tedious method of aligning the shaft of pump with the shaft of motor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Before the present system is described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular machine, device or system, as there can be multiple possible embodiments that are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a flexible coupling for alignment of a pump with a motor and a method of alignment thereof, and the aspects are further elaborated below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the proposed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the proposed subject matter.
[0016] The present subject matter discloses a flexible coupling for alignment of a pump with a motor and a method of alignment thereof. The flexible coupling comprises of a top flange, a bottom flange, a top pipe, a bottom pipe, a cylindrical flexible section, clamps and supporting fasteners. The top flange is welded to the top pipe and the bottom flange is welded to the bottom pipe. The top flange and the bottom flange are provided with plurality of holes for mounting the coupling to the suction flange of the pump and to the rigid bottom flange, respectively. The cylindrical flexible section is mounted on the top pipe at one end and another end is mounted on bottom pipe. The plurality of supporting fasteners are secured between the holes tapped on one of the top flange and bottom flange, and the plurality of clamps provided on the top pipe or bottom pipe. Alternatively, the supporting fasteners are secured between the plurality of clamps provided on the top pipe and bottom pipe. The flexible coupling, once mounted at suction side of the pump, allows fine adjustments with the help of supporting fasteners to properly align the shafts of the pump and prime mover/gearbox. A plurality of lock nuts are provided for securing the supporting fasteners to prevent the supporting fasteners from loosening due to vibrations and shocks.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0017] The present subject matter discloses a flexible coupling for a pump alignment with motor. The flexible coupling comprises of a top pipe configured to be mounted to a top flange, a bottom pipe configured to be mounted to a bottom flange, a cylindrical flexible section configured to be mounted between the top pipe and the bottom pipe, and a plurality of clamps configured to be mounted on the top pipe or the bottom pipe or on both the top pipe and the bottom pipe. The cylindrical flexible section comprises of a casing with lobes, a gasket configured to be inserted in the casing, a casing top cover configured to be positioned on the gasket near the opening of the casing, plurality of solid rods having plurality of holes configured to be inserted in the lobes and plurality of screws configured to be inserted in the respective holes of the solid rods through openings between the lobes. A plurality of supporting fasteners are configured to be fastened to tapped holes and secured with lock nuts on the top flange at one end and another end to be received in the clamps provided on the bottom pipe, and secured by a plurality of nuts with lock nuts. A plurality of supporting fasteners are configured to be fastened to tapped holes and secured with lock nuts on the bottom flange at one end and another end to be received in the clamps provided on the top pipe, and secured by a plurality of nuts with lock nuts. A plurality of supporting fasteners are configured to be secured between the clamps provided on the top pipe and the clamps provided on the bottom pipe by a plurality of nuts with lock nuts. The top flange is configured to be mounted to a suction flange of the pump with the help of fasteners. The bottom flange is configured to be mounted to the suction pipe with the help of fasteners. The cylindrical flexible section is configured to accommodate misalignment of the axes of the top flange and the bottom flange to form an optimal connection. The cylindrical flexible section is configured to allow angular adjustment of up to 5 degrees.
[0018] The present subject matter further discloses method of aligning a shaft of the pump with an output shaft of the prime mover/gearbox comprising steps of, aligning the shaft of the pump with the output shaft of the prime mover/gearbox by using a clock gauge; mounting a top pipe and a bottom pipe of a coupling to a top flange and a bottom flange, respectively; mounting a plurality of clamps on the top pipe or the bottom pipe or both the top pipe and the bottom pipe; mounting a cylindrical flexible section of the coupling between the top pipe and the bottom pipe; securing fasteners between top flange and clamps provided on the bottom pipe or between clamps provided on the top pipe and the bottom flange or between clamps provided on the top pipe and clamps provided on the bottom pipe; securely mounting the top flange to the suction flange of the pump; securely mounting the bottom flange to the rigid flange of a suction pipe; tightening the cylindrical flexible section by a predefined torque to provide leak proof joint; rechecking the alignment of the shafts with the help of the clock gauge; performing fine adjustments by adjusting the supporting fasteners of the flexible coupling by proportionately tightening/loosening the corresponding fasteners to properly align the shafts; and securing the supporting fasteners with the help of lock nuts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure, however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and device disclosed in the document and the drawing. The detailed description is described with reference to the following accompanying figures.
[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a pump having offset suction flange along with seating and suction pipe;
[0021] Figure 2A illustrates a schematic diagram of clock gauge configuration for checking angular alignment of shafts;
[0022] Figure 2B illustrates a schematic diagram of clock gauge configuration for checking radial alignment of shafts;
[0023] Figure 3A illustrates an isometric view of the flexible coupling, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0024] Figure 3B illustrates a front view of the flexible coupling, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0025] Figures 4A and 4B illustrates front views of the flexible coupling during angular adjustment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0026] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the cylindrical flexible section; and
[0027] Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of the cylindrical flexible section.
[0028] The figures depict various embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising", “having”, and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any devices and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, devices and methods are now described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
[0030] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0031] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, a flexible coupling (300) for connecting a suction pipe (113) to a suction flange (106) of the pump (100), is explained. The flexible coupling (300) comprises of a top pipe (305) which is welded to a top flange (302) having plurality of holes for mounting the coupling (300) to the suction flange (106) of the pump (100). The flexible coupling further comprises of a bottom pipe (304) which is welded to a bottom flange (303) and having plurality of holes for mounting the coupling (300) to a suction pipe flange (112) of the suction pipe (113) which is external to pump (100). The flexible coupling (300) further comprises of a cylindrical flexible section (310) which is commonly mounted over the top pipe (305) at one end and another end mounted on the bottom pipe (304) to form an integral flexible coupling. The selection criteria of the cylindrical flexible section (310) is based on the discharge pressure of the pump (100). As per one embodiment, referring to Figure 3A, plurality of clamps (307) are welded on the bottom pipe (304). A plurality of supporting fasteners (306) are securely mounted between the top flange (302) and the clamps (307) provided on the bottom pipe (304), as shown in Figure 3A. The flexible coupling (300), once mounted at suction side of the pump (100), allows fine alignments with the help of supporting fasteners (306) to properly align the shafts of the pump (100) and prime mover/gearbox. A plurality of nuts along with lock nuts (308) are provided for securing the supporting fasteners (306) to prevent the supporting fasteners (306) from loosening due to vibrations and shocks.
[0032] In an alternate embodiment, plurality of clamps (307) are welded on the top pipe (305). A plurality of supporting fasteners (306) are securely mounted between the bottom flange (303) and the clamps (307) provided on the the top pipe (305),
[0033] In an alternate embodiment, referring to Figure 3B plurality of clamps (307) are welded on both the top pipe (305) and bottom pipe (304). The plurality of supporting fasteners (306) are securely mounted between the clamps (307) of top flange (302) and the clamps (307) of the bottom pipe (307).
[0034] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, angular adjustment of the flexible coupling (300) is now explained. Normally, flexible coupling (300) is available with the top flange (302) and the bottom flange (303) aligned coaxially. However, whenever such flexible coupling is to be mounted for any angular adjustment of flange, in such situation angular adjustment of the flanges of the said flexible coupling (300) is done by proportionately tightening the respective nuts with lock nuts (308) of the supporting fasteners (306) (for better understanding, the fasteners on right hand side in Figure 4B) to tilt the top flange (302) with respect to the bottom flange (303). As per the required angular variation, the nuts with lock nuts (308) of the supporting fasteners (306) on one side can be proportionately loosened and the nuts with lock nuts (308) of the supporting fasteners (306) on other side can be simultaneously tightened. The flexible section (310) of the flexible coupling (300) is adapted for the tilting of top flange (302) with respect to bottom flange (303).
[0035] In an embodiment, the structural elements of the cylindrical flexible section (310) are illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. The cylindrical flexible section (310) comprises of a casing (502), a casing top cover (504), gasket (506), plurality of solid rods (508) and plurality of screws (510). While connecting the top pipe (305) (Ref Figures 3A & 3B) of the flexible coupling (300) to the bottom pipe (304) of the flexible coupling (300), the gasket (506) is first inserted in the casing (502). Then the top pipe (305) is inserted in the gasket (506) from one end of the casing (502) and the bottom pipe (304) is inserted from another end of the casing (502). The casing top cover (504) is positioned on the gasket (506) near the opening of the casing (502). The solid rods (508) are inserted in the lobes (503) of the casing (502) formed at both sides of the opening and screws (510) are inserted in the respective holes (509) provided on the solid rods (508) through openings between the lobes (503). The screws (510) are then tightened to form a leak proof joint.
[0036] In an embodiment, the cylindrical flexible section (310) can take Maximum angulations of 5 degree.
[0037] In an embodiment, the material of the casing (502) can be but not limited to stainless steel or mild steel or copper nickel.
[0038] In an embodiment, the material of gasket (506) can be a resilient material like Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber or nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) or hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), Viton etc.
[0039] In an embodiment, the misalignment between the axes of top flange (302) and bottom flange (303) is allowed by the cylindrical flexible section (310) at the time of adjusting alignment of the shafts (104, 204).
[0040] In an embodiment, a method of aligning a shaft (104) of the pump (100) with the output shaft (204) of the prime mover/gearbox is provided. First, the shaft (104) of the pump (100) is aligned with the output shaft (204) of the prime mover/gearbox by using a clock gauge (200). The top pipe (305) and the bottom pipe (304) of the coupling (300) are welded to the top flange (302) and the bottom flange (303), respectively. Clamps (307) are welded to the top pipe (305) or the bottom pipe (304) or both top pipe (305) and bottom pipe (304) based on the selection of the embodiment of the flexible coupling (300). The fasteners (306) are secured between the clamps (307) of top pipe (305) and the clamps (307) of bottom pipe (304) or between top flange (302) and clamps (307) provided on bottom pipe (304) or between clamps (307) provided on top pipe (305) and bottom flange (303), based on the selection of the embodiment of the flexible coupling (300). Then the cylindrical flexible section (310) is securely mounted over the top pipe (305) and bottom pipe (304). The top flange (302) of the flexible coupling (300) is connected and secured with the suction flange (106) of the pump (100) and the bottom flange (303) of the flexible coupling (300) is connected and secured with the suction pipe flange (112) of the suction pipe (113). The cylindrical flexible section (310) is tightened to the specified torque to provide leak proof joint. Then the alignment of the shafts is rechecked with the help of clock gauge (200) and fine adjustments are done by adjusting the supporting fasteners (306) of the flexible coupling (300) to properly align the shafts. After aligning the shafts, the supporting fasteners (306) are secured with the help of lock nuts (308) to support the flexible coupling (300) from vibrations and other forces. As the coupling (300) is flexible, there is no effect on the alignment of the shafts of pump (100) and prime mover/gearbox.
[0041] In an alternate embodiment, the coupling can be intermediately connected between two parts of the suction pipe as per requirement.
[0042] In another embodiment, the clamps can be also welded to top pipe (302) and the fasteners (306) can be secured with lock nuts (308) between the clamps welded to the top pipe (305) and bottom pipe (304).
[0043] In another embodiment, the flexible coupling (300) is supported by the supporting fasteners (306) to support the flexible coupling (300) from vibrations and other forces.
[0044] In another embodiment, the suction pipe (113) is made in two sections and the flexible coupling (300) is connected between the two sections of the suction pipe (113).
[0045] Accordingly, present invention discloses a flexible coupling (300) for a pump (100) alignment with motor. The flexible coupling (300) comprises of a top pipe (305) configured to be mounted to a top flange (302), a bottom pipe (304) configured to be mounted to a bottom flange (303), a cylindrical flexible section (310) configured to be mounted between the top pipe (305) and the bottom pipe (304), and a plurality of clamps (307) configured to be mounted on the top pipe (305) or the bottom pipe (304) or on both the top pipe (305) and the bottom pipe (304). The cylindrical flexible section (310) comprises of a casing (502) with lobes (503), a gasket (506) configured to be inserted in the casing (502), a casing top cover (504) configured to be positioned on the gasket (506) near the opening of the casing (502), plurality of solid rods (508) having plurality of holes (509) configured to be inserted in the lobes (503) and plurality of screws configured to be inserted in the respective holes (509) of the solid rods (508) through openings between the lobes (503). A plurality of supporting fasteners (306) are configured to be fastened to tapped holes and secured with lock nuts (308) on the top flange (302) at one end and another end to be received in the clamps (307) provided on the bottom pipe (304), and secured by a plurality of nuts with lock nuts (308). A plurality of supporting fasteners (306) are configured to be fastened to tapped holes and secured with lock nuts (308) on the bottom flange (303) at one end and another end to be received in the clamps (307) provided on the top pipe (305), and secured by a plurality of nuts with lock nuts (308). A plurality of supporting fasteners (306) are configured to be secured between the clamps (307) provided on the top pipe (305) and the clamps (307) provided on the bottom pipe (304) by a plurality of nuts with lock nuts (308). The top flange (302) is configured to be mounted to a suction flange (106) of the pump (100) with the help of fasteners. The bottom flange (303) is configured to be mounted to the suction pipe (113) with the help of fasteners. The cylindrical flexible section (310) is configured to accommodate misalignment of the axes of the top flange (302) and the bottom flange (303) to form a optimal connection. The cylindrical flexible section (310) is configured to allow angular adjustment of up to 5 degrees.
[0046] The present subject matter further discloses method of aligning a shaft (104) of the pump (100) with an output shaft (204) of the prime mover/gearbox comprising steps of, aligning the shaft (104) of the pump (100) with the output shaft (204) of the prime mover/gearbox by using a clock gauge (200); mounting a top pipe (305) and a bottom pipe (304) of a coupling (300) to a top flange (302) and a bottom flange (303), respectively; mounting a plurality of clamps (307) on the top pipe (305) or the bottom pipe (304) or both the top pipe (305) and the bottom pipe (304); mounting a cylindrical flexible section (310) of the coupling (300) between the top pipe (305) and the bottom pipe (304); securing fasteners (306) between top flange (302) and clamps (307) provided on the bottom pipe (304) or between clamps (307) provided on the top pipe (305) and the bottom flange (303) or between clamps (307) provided on the top pipe (305) and clamps (307) provided on the bottom pipe (304); securely mounting the top flange (302) to the suction flange (106) of the pump (100); securely mounting the bottom flange (303) to the rigid flange (112) of a suction pipe (113); tightening the cylindrical flexible section (310) by a predefined torque to provide leak proof joint; rechecking the alignment of the shafts with the help of the clock gauge (200); performing fine adjustments by adjusting the supporting fasteners (306) of the flexible coupling (300) by proportionately tightening/loosening the corresponding fasteners (306) to properly align the shafts; and securing the supporting fasteners (306) with the help of lock nuts (308).
[0047] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include the following:
[0048] Some embodiments of the present subject matter provide a flexible coupling for connecting a suction pipe to a pump.
[0049] Some embodiments of the present subject matter provide a method for aligning a shaft of a pump with an output shaft of a prime mover/gearbox.
[0050] Although implementations for a flexible coupling for pump alignment, have been described in language specific to structural features and/or system, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of implementations.
[0051] Following is a list of elements and reference numerals used to explain various embodiments of the present subject matter.
Reference Numeral Element Description
100 Pump
102 Seating
104 Shaft
106 Suction flange
108 Discharge flange
110 Vertical axis of the pump
111 Rigid pipe coupling
112 Rigid bottom flange
113 Suction pipe
114 Axis of the suction flange
200 Clock gauge
202 Needle of the clock gauge
204 Output shaft of the prime mover/gearbox
300 Flexible coupling
302 Top flange
303 Bottom flange
304 Bottom Pipe
305 Top Pipe
306 Supporting fasteners
307 Clamps
308 Lock nuts
310 Flexible section
502 Casing
503 Lobes
504 Casing top cover
506 Gasket
508 Solid bars
509 Holes
510 Screws

,CLAIMS:
1. A flexible coupling (300) for a pump (100) alignment with motor, comprising:
a top pipe (305) configured to be mounted to a top flange (302);
a bottom pipe (304) configured to be mounted to a bottom flange (303);
a cylindrical flexible section (310) configured to be mounted between the top pipe (305) and the bottom pipe (304); and
a plurality of clamps (307) configured to be mounted on the top pipe (305) or the bottom pipe (304) or on both the top pipe (305) and the bottom pipe (304).
2. The flexible coupling (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cylindrical flexible section (310) comprises of a casing (502) with lobes (503), a gasket (506) configured to be inserted in the casing (502), a casing top cover (504) configured to be positioned on the gasket (506) near the opening of the casing (502), plurality of solid rods (508) having plurality of holes (509) configured to be inserted in the lobes (503) and plurality of screws configured to be inserted in the respective holes (509) of the solid rods (508) through openings between the lobes (503).
3. The flexible coupling (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of supporting fasteners (306) are configured to be fastened to tapped holes and secured with lock nuts (308) on the top flange (302) at one end and another end to be received in the clamps (307) provided on the bottom pipe (304), and secured by a plurality of nuts with lock nuts (308).
4. The flexible coupling (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of supporting fasteners (306) are configured to be fastened to tapped holes and secured with lock nuts (308) on the bottom flange (303) at one end and another end to be received in the clamps (307) provided on the top pipe (305), and secured by a plurality of nuts with lock nuts (308).
5. The flexible coupling (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of supporting fasteners (306) are configured to be secured between the clamps (307) provided on the top pipe (305) and the clamps (307) provided on the bottom pipe (304) by a plurality of nuts with lock nuts (308).
6. The flexible coupling (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top flange (302) is configured to be mounted to a suction flange (106) of the pump (100) with the help of fasteners.
7. The flexible coupling (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom flange (303) is configured to be mounted to the suction pipe (113) with the help of fasteners.
8. The flexible coupling (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cylindrical flexible section (310) is configured to accommodate misalignment of the axes of the top flange (302) and the bottom flange (303) to form a optimal connection.
9. The flexible coupling (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cylindrical flexible section (310) is configured to allow angular adjustment of up to 5 degrees.
10. A method of aligning a shaft (104) of the pump (100) with an output shaft (204) of the prime mover/gearbox comprising steps of:
aligning the shaft (104) of the pump (100) with the output shaft (204) of the prime mover/gearbox by using a clock gauge (200);
mounting a top pipe (305) and a bottom pipe (304) of a coupling (300) to a top flange (302) and a bottom flange (303), respectively;
mounting a plurality of clamps (307) on the top pipe (305) or the bottom pipe (304) or both the top pipe (305) and the bottom pipe (304);
mounting a cylindrical flexible section (310) of the coupling (300) between the top pipe (305) and the bottom pipe (304);
securing fasteners (306) between top flange (302) and clamps (307) provided on the bottom pipe (304) or between clamps (307) provided on the top pipe (305) and the bottom flange (303) or between clamps (307) provided on the top pipe (305) and clamps (307) provided on the bottom pipe (304);
securely mounting the top flange (302) to the suction flange (106) of the pump (100);
securely mounting the bottom flange (303) to the rigid flange (112) of a suction pipe (113);
tightening the cylindrical flexible section (310) by a predefined torque to provide leak proof joint;
rechecking the alignment of the shafts with the help of the clock gauge (200);
performing fine adjustments by adjusting the supporting fasteners (306) of the flexible coupling (300) by proportionately tightening/loosening the corresponding fasteners (306) to properly align the shafts; and
securing the supporting fasteners (306) with the help of lock nuts (308).