Getting the Speed Right.

Voith Variable Speed Fluid

Couplings

1
Voith sets the standards in the energy, oil & gas, paper, raw
materials and transportation & automotive markets.

Founded in 1867, Voith employs more than 43 000 people,

generates Euro 5.7 billion in sales, operates in over 50
countries around the world and is today one of the largest
family-owned companies in Europe.

2
If Reliable Speed Control is
what You’re Looking for …
Voith variable speed fluid couplings operate on the principle of hydrodynamic
power transmission. Many of our couplings have been in use providing trouble-
free service for more than 40 years.

Voith variable speed fluid couplings can reach power transmission levels
ranging from 100 kW up to 10 000 kW. In drivelines with electric motors or
internal combustion engines, they control the speed of the driven machine,
ensuring that it consistently runs at the speed best suited to your purpose.

Voith variable speed fluid couplings are particularly well-suited Typical applications
for use in pumps, fans, and compressors and have been the
products of choice in these areas for decades. • Power plants
• Oil and gas industry
• Chemical industry
• District heating plants
• Iron and steel industry
• Water management

3
Increase Your
System Availability.
System availability is particularly important in power plants, refineries, oil
platforms, or other industrial uses. Unscheduled downtime can result in
considerable loss of revenue and excess costs. That’s not something our
customers have to worry about.

Increase your reliability Extend your unit’s service life

Voith has been building variable speed fluid couplings since Load-free motor start-up and smooth acceleration of the
1952. Whether it's in the desert, a tropical rainforest, maritime driven machine reduce the overall load on the driveline. The
conditions, or potentially explosive environments, Voith vari- hydrodynamic variable speed fluid coupling also dampens
able speed fluid couplings operate with peerless reliability. torsional vibrations and shocks, protecting the motor and the
They are impervious to external influences thanks to their driven machine. This increases the service life of your entire
compact and robust design. driveline.

Reduce energy consumption Save space — with an integrated lube oil system
The drive motor power consumption at low speeds is less The lube oil system on Voith variable speed couplings can
than for fixed-speed units with throttle control. That saves supply oil to the motor and driven machine at any time. You
energy and reduces operating costs. save space and money.

Reduce your costs

Wear-free hydrodynamic power transmission keeps mainte-
nance costs low by allowing long intervals between scheduled
maintenance tasks. Unlike systems with power electronics, no
additional investments are needed during the total operating
hours.

4
15 000
Currently in use in more than

drives around the world.

4x 58
Service life up to More than

years
longer than a variable frequency drive.

of use.

Power ratings up to

10 000 kW
Operating temperatures from

-40°C to +50°C
(ambient temperature)

5
Compact, Simple, Robust.
How it works
Voith variable speed couplings are fluid couplings. They link The coupling fill level can be adjusted between 0 % and 100 %
the drive machine — generally an electric motor — with the during operation, enabling precise and continuously variable
corresponding driven machine. The power is transferred driven machine speed control. The control range depends on
through the fluid energy of the working fluid. This fluid flows in the load characteristic (torque to speed ratio).
an enclosed working chamber between the pump wheel
(linked to the input shaft) and the turbine wheel (linked to the
output shaft).

Variable speed fluid coupling – 3D sectional diagram and simplified longitudinal section

1 2 3 4 5

1 Pump wheel 5 Scoop tube

2 Turbine wheel 6 Cooler
3 Shell 7 Oil pump
4 Scoop tube housing 8 Oil tank

6
Torque curves
Operating range
The performance diagram shows the transmittable coupling
torques MK for various scoop tube positions versus the output
speed. The desired output speed is the result of a stable
intersection point of the coupling torque MK and the load
torque (load characteristic).

Torque curves for different driven machines in the variable speed fluid coupling characteristic diagram

40 % 50 % 60 % 70 % 80 % 90 %
125
100 %

  III
Smin

1
100

  I

75
30 %
2
MK in %

II 3

4
50
20 %

25
10 %
IV
0%

0
0 50 100

Output speed in % of input speed

Operating ranges Parameters Typical load characteristics

The exact characteristic curve is dependent on Scoop tube position in % of scoop tube stroke. 1 Constant torque
the size of the coupling, the amount circulating, (e.g., volumetric pumps with constant
MK Coupling torque
and the oil viscosity. backpressure and compressors)
Smin Nominal slip at design point
  I , IV Starting range 2 Decreasing torque
(e.g., boiler feed pumps with floating
II Control range S= (1 - n2/n1 ) · 100 [%] pressure operation)
  III Overload range n1 Input speed 3 Parabolic torque
(resistance parabola, pumps with no
n2 Output speed
backpressure, fans)
4 Decreasing torque
(e.g., boiler feed pumps operating with
fixed pressures)

7
 -
a y b e a large ith
M w
picture
format ment here?
state

8
The Product Family –
Find the Best Solution.
Our product range comprises a wide range of choices.
This allows us to meet your needs, whatever they may be.
We work together with you to choose the variable speed
fluid coupling that best matches your drive and system.

Type Features
SVTL The SVTL features a tunnel housing and
shafts with antifriction bearings.

SVNL The SVNL features a housing split horizon-

SVNL G tally. Shafts in the SVNL have antifriction
bearings; SVNL G is equipped with sleeve
bearings.

SVL M The SVL M features an especially high pow-

er density and has a cast iron housing split
horizontally. The shafts are equipped with
sleeve bearings.

SVNL vert. The SVNL vert. is a self-supported design

featuring a vertical orientation.

9
SVTL Models
The SVTL coupling is a self-supported design featuring a tun-
nel housing. The rotating parts are encased in an enclosed
oil-proof housing. Connecting couplings link the electric motor
and driven machine with the variable speed fluid coupling. The
oil tank is built into the housing and the oil pump is driven by
the input shaft. The shafts are equipped with antifriction bear-
ings lubricated by a mechanically driven lubricating oil pump
in the variable speed fluid coupling.

SVTL model variable speed fluid coupling and simplified longitudinal section

1 2 3 4 5

1 Pump wheel 5 Scoop tube

2 Turbine wheel 6 Cooler
3 Shell 7 Oil pump
4 Scoop tube housing 8 Oil tank

10
 SVTL selection diagram SVTL dimensions
A B C Oil capacity Weight
Type [mm] [mm] [mm] [l] [kg]
8 000
422 SVTL 22-2,0 1 120 630 1 780 250 850
HP

7 000
33

487 SVTL 22.2 1 145 630 1 780 250 900

TL

5 000
SV

4 000
487 SVTL 12.1 1 255 800 1 780 500 1 200
33
2
56

TL

3 000
SV

562 SVTL 21.2 1 145 630 1 780 250 970

8
2,

2
-1

56

2 000
22

562 SVTL 12.1 1 255 800 1 780 500 1 260

HP

12
TL

TL
SV

TL
SV

562 SVTL HP 1 358 800 1 350 450 2 200

Rated power P1 in kW

SV
0

12
75

1 000
56

7
TL

48

800 562 SVTL 33 1 358 800 1 350 450 2 200

SV
2

.2

600
56

562 SVTL 33 HP 1 358 800 1 350 450 2 200

22
8

500
2,

TL
-1

400 650 SVTL 21.2 1 310 750 2 000 300 1 200

SV
22

,3

7
-6
TL

48

300
21

750 SVTL 21.2-6,3.2 1 310 750 2 000 300 1 300

SV

,0
-2
TL
6

21

22
86

SV

200 750 SVTL 22-12,8 1 469 725 1 400 400 1 750

TL

TL
0

21
75

SV

SV
TL

866 SVTL 22-12,8 1 469 725 1 400 400 1 800

0

2
21
65

42
SV

TL

100
2
56

SV

80
7
48

60
A
50
400 500 600 750 1 000 1 200 1 500 1 800 3 000 3 600

Input speed n1 in rpm

B

11
SVNL, SVNL G Models
The SVNL and SVNL G models are self-supported designs in SVNL G variable speed fluid coupling – simplified
housings split horizontally. The rotating parts are encased in longitudinal section
an enclosed oil-tight housing. Connecting couplings link the
main motor and driven machine with the variable speed fluid
12 3 4 5
coupling.

The oil tank is built into the housing and a centrifugal pump
serves as the oil pump (some models feature a gear wheel
pump) and is driven directly by the input shaft. SVNL coupling
main shafts are equipped with antifriction bearings. The bear-
ings are lubricated with pressurized oil.

SVNL G coupling main shafts are equipped with sleeve bear- 6

ings. The bearings are force lubricated using pressurized oil.

6
An electrically driven auxiliary lubricating pump is attached for
priming lubrication prior to startup.
7
8

1 Pump wheel 5 Scoop tube

2 Turbine wheel 6 Cooler
3 Shell 7 Oil pump
4 Scoop tube housing 8 Oil tank

SVNL variable speed fluid coupling and simplified longitudinal section

1 2 3 5

1 Pump wheel 5 Scoop tube

2 Turbine wheel 6 Cooler
3 Shell 7 Oil pump
4 Scoop tube housing 8 Oil tank

12
SVNL G selection diagram SVNL G dimensions
Oil
A B C D capacity Weight
10 000 Type [mm] [mm] [mm] [mm] [l] [kg]
8 000 620 SVNL 33 G 1 485 900 2 160 – 430 3 800

3G
6 000 682 SVNL 33 G 1 485 900 2 160 – 430 3 980

L3
5 000
G

VN
1330 SVNL 12-80 G 3 150 800 2 400 1 000 2 500 12 500
-80

4 000 2S
G
12

68
-80

1540 SVNL 12-80 G 3 150 800 2 400 1 000 2 500 13 800

3G
Rated power P1 in kW

NL

3 000
12

L3
SV

NL

VN

A
40

SV

0S
15

2 000
30

62
13

1 000
800

600

B
500
400

300
400 500 600 750 1 000 1 200 1 500 1 800 2 500 3 000 3 600

D
Input speed n1 in rpm

SVNL selection diagram SVNL dimensions

A B C Oil capacity Weight
8 000
Type [mm] [mm] [mm] [l] [kg]
5 000 866 SVNL 22-26 1 760 1 060 1 920 780 3 650
6
-2

4 000
22

1000 SVNL 22-32.1 1 950 1 060 1 920 780 3 650

NL

3 000
SV

1150 SVNL 22-32.1 1 950 1 060 1 920 780 3 800

6
86

2 000
32 1

1210 SVNL 21-32.1 1 950 1 060 1 920 780 4 000

.
32
L P

.1
50 SVN NL H
NL 21-

1210 SVNL HP 1 950 1 060 1 920 780 4 000

Rated power P1 in kW

2-

1
2.
10 SV

1 000
-3
12 210

22

800
SV

NL
1

600 A
SV
11

500
00
10

400
300

200

100
B

80
60
50
400 500 600 750 1 000 1 200 1 500 1 800 3 000 3 600 C
Input speed n1 in rpm

13
SVL M Model
The SVL M coupling model is a self-supported design with a Both circuits are supplied by mechanically driven pumps. An
high power density. The input and output shaft are each indi- energy-saving flow control valve is used to adjust the
vidually encased in a cast iron housing. Connecting couplings circulating oil. The shafts are equipped with sleeve bearings.
link the main motor and driven machine with the variable The bearings are force lubricated using pressurized oil.
speed fluid coupling.

The oil tank is bolted to the bottom of the housing. The

coupling features two oil circuits: a working oil circuit and a
lubricating oil circuit.

SVL M model variable speed fluid coupling – simplified longitudinal section

13 4 1 2 3 7 8 12

11

10

7
1 Pump wheel 8 Circulating control valve
2 Turbine wheel 9 Auxiliary lubricating
pump
3 Shell
10 Working oil cooler
6 9 14 4 Coupling housing
11 Lube oil cooler
5 Oil tank
5 12 Double filter
6 Oil pump
13 Lubricating oil supply
7 Scoop tube
14 Auxiliary lubricating
pump motor

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SVL M selection diagram SVL M dimensions
Type A B C D Oil capacity Weight
[mm] [mm] [mm] [mm] [l] [kg]
40 000
464 SVL M 1 855 720 1 540 1 280 1 460 6 700
30 000
M 510 SVL M 1 985 720 1 540 1 280 1 460 6 800
L
20 000 SV 562 SVL M 2 045 720 1 540 1 280 1 460 6 900
6
82
M 620 SVL M 2 115 720 1 540 1 280 1 460 7 000
L
SV
Rated power P1 in kW

0
10 000 75 682 SVL M 2 265 720 1 540 1 280 1 460 7 100
M
S VL 750 SVL M 2 705 920 1 610 1 130 1 700 7 600
2
68
M 826 SVL M 2 910 920 1 610 1 130 1 700 8 000
L
SV
0
4 000 62
L
M A
SV
5 62
M
2 000 L
SV
0 M
51 L
SV
4 64
1 000
B

2 000 3 000 4 000 5 000

Input speed n1 in rpm

D

15
SVNL vert. Model
The SVNL vert. model coupling is a self-supported design
featuring a vertical orientation. The rotating parts are fully
encased in the housing.

The housing can be adapted to the driven machine flange. Oil

supply is provided via a separate oil supply unit.

SVNL vert. and simplified longitudinal section

1 6
2
3

7
8

1 Pump wheel 5 Scoop tube

2 Turbine wheel 6 Cooler
3 Shell 7 Oil pump
4 Scoop tube housing 8 Oil tank

16
SVNL vert. selection diagram SVNL vert. dimensions
A B C
5 000 Type [mm] [mm] [mm]
4 000 750 SVNL vert. 1 614 1 305 1 050
3 000 866 SVNL vert. 1 614 1 305 1 180
1000 SVNL vert. 2 046 1 656 1 360
2 000
1150 SVNL vert. 2 046 1 656 1 560
Rated power P1 in kW

t.
ver

t.
ver
NL

1 000
SV

.
NL

ert
50

SV

Lv

.
ert
11

VN
00

Lv
10

6S

VN
86

0S

500
75

300

200

100 C
400 600 800 1 200 1 500 2 000 3 000 4 000

Input speed n1 in rpm

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Integrating Voith Variable Speed Fluid
Couplings into a Control Circuit
Variable speed fluid couplings control the speed of the driven machines.
The couplings are often integrated into an automatic process.

Comparison of position and process control circuit

Pole wheel
with pick-up
Driven Driven
Motor Motor
machine machine

Scoop tube Scoop tube

position controller position controller Speed
measuring
transducer
Actuator Actuator
Scoop tube position Scoop tube position Scoop tube Scoop tube
actual value set value position actual position set
4 – 20 mA 4 – 20 mA value 4 – 20 mA value 4 – 20 mA

Process controller

Speed Process Process

indicator actual value set value
4 – 20 mA 4 – 20 mA

Position control circuit Process control circuit

• Scoop tube control drive, including position controller for • Process controller
continuous control • Scoop tube actuator, including position control for

continuous control

A speed measurement device is required in cases where the

speed is to be used, displayed, or fed in as the process value.

As with the speed, a process value (e.g., pressure or flow rate)

can be incorporated into a control circuit. This process value
is then used as set value.

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Voith Service – Take Advantage of the
Manufacturer’s Knowledge
Manufacturer service will increase the efficiency, safety and availability
of your system. Voith’s worldwide service network of engineers and
technicians are at your service. Voith maintains sales and service facilities
in all regions of the world.

Offices worldwide

Our services The benefits for your system

• Installation, commissioning ++ Improved operational reliability

• Training ++ Increased service life
• Maintenance ++ Assured productivity
• Original spare parts ++ Optimized maintenance costs
• Modernization, retrofits and upgrades ++ Life-cycle costs you can plan on
• Service contracts

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 cr104en, S&F-nlg / WA, 6.2014, 1 000. Data and illustrations are provided for information purposes only. Subject to change.

Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG

Variable Speed Drives
Voithstr. 1
74564 Crailsheim, Germany
Tel. +49 7951 32-261
Fax +49 7951 32-650
vs.drives@voith.com
voith.com/vsd