Getting the Speed Right.

Voith Variable Speed Fluid

Couplings

Voith sets the standards in the energy, oil & gas, paper, raw
materials and transportation & automotive markets.
Founded in 1867, Voith employs more than 43000 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.

If Reliable Speed Control is

what Youre Looking for
Voith variable speed fluid couplings operate on the principle of hydrodynamic
power transmission. Many of our couplings have been in use providing troublefree service for more than 40 years.
Voith variable speed fluid couplings can reach power transmission levels
ranging from 100 kW up to 10000 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

for use in pumps, fans, and compressors and have been the
products of choice in these areas for decades.

Typical applications

Power plants
Oil and gas industry
Chemical industry
District heating plants
Iron and steel industry
Water management

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. Thats not something our
customers have to worry about.

Increase your reliability

Voith has been building variable speed fluid couplings since
1952. Whether it's in the desert, a tropical rainforest, maritime
conditions, or potentially explosive environments, Voith variable speed fluid couplings operate with peerless reliability.
They are impervious to external influences thanks to their
compact and robust design.

Extend your units service life

Load-free motor start-up and smooth acceleration of the
driven machine reduce the overall load on the driveline. The
hydrodynamic variable speed fluid coupling also dampens
torsional vibrations and shocks, protecting the motor and the
driven machine. This increases the service life of your entire
driveline.

Reduce energy consumption

The drive motor power consumption at low speeds is less
than for fixed-speed units with throttle control. That saves
energy and reduces operating costs.

Save space with an integrated lube oil system

The lube oil system on Voith variable speed couplings can
supply oil to the motor and driven machine at any time. You
save space and money.

Reduce your costs

Wear-free hydrodynamic power transmission keeps maintenance 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.

15000
Currently in use in more than

drives around the world.

4x 58
years
Service life up to

More than

longer than a variable frequency drive.

of use.
Power ratings up to

10000 kW
Operating temperatures from

-40C to +50C
(ambient temperature)

Compact, Simple, Robust.

How it works
Voith variable speed couplings are fluid couplings. They link
the drive machine generally an electric motor with the
corresponding driven machine. The power is transferred
through the fluid energy of the working fluid. This fluid flows in
an enclosed working chamber between the pump wheel
(linked to the input shaft) and the turbine wheel (linked to the
output shaft).

The coupling fill level can be adjusted between 0% and 100%

during operation, enabling precise and continuously variable
driven machine speed control. The control range depends on
the load characteristic (torque to speed ratio).

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

1 2

7
6
8

1 Pump wheel

5 Scoop tube

2 Turbine wheel

6 Cooler

3 Shell

7 Oil pump

4 Scoop tube housing

8 Oil tank

4 5

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%

125

50%

60%

70%

80% 90%
100%

III

Smin
1

100

I
75
MK in %

30%

II

2
3
4

50
20%

25
10%
IV

0%
0

50

100

Output speed in % of input speed

Operating ranges
The exact characteristic curve is dependent on
the size of the coupling, the amount circulating,
and the oil viscosity.
I , IV Starting range

Parameters
Scoop tube position in % of scoop tube stroke.
M K

Coupling torque

Smin Nominal slip at design point

II Control range

S = (1 - n2/n1 ) 100 [%]

III Overload range

n1

Input speed

n2

Output speed

Typical load characteristics

1 Constant torque
(e.g., volumetric pumps with constant
backpressure and compressors)
2 Decreasing torque
(e.g., boiler feed pumps with floating
pressure operation)
3 Parabolic torque
(resistance parabola, pumps with no
backpressure, fans)
4 Decreasing torque
(e.g., boiler feed pumps operating with
fixed pressures)

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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
SVNL G

The SVNL features a housing split horizontally. Shafts in the SVNL have antifriction
bearings; SVNL G is equipped with sleeve
bearings.

SVL M

The SVL M features an especially high power 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.

SVTL Models
The SVTL coupling is a self-supported design featuring a tunnel 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 bearings 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

7
6
8

10

1 Pump wheel

5 Scoop tube

2 Turbine wheel

6 Cooler

3 Shell

7 Oil pump

4 Scoop tube housing

8 Oil tank

4 5

SVTL selection diagram

SVTL dimensions

TL

33

HP

8000
7000

2
56

12
SV
48

TL

SV
.2

22
TL

C
Oil capacity
[mm]
[l]

Weight
[kg]

422 SVTL 22-2,0

1120

630

1780

250

487 SVTL 22.2

1145

630

1780

250

900

487 SVTL 12.1

1255

800

1780

500

1200

562 SVTL 21.2

1145

630

1780

250

970

562 SVTL 12.1

1255

800

1780

500

1260

562 SVTL HP

1358

800

1350

450

2200

562 SVTL 33

1358

800

1350

450

2200

562 SVTL 33 HP

1358

800

1350

450

2200

650 SVTL 21.2

1310

750

2000

300

1200

750 SVTL 21.2-6,3.2

1310

750

2000

300

1300

750 SVTL 22-12,8

1469

725

1400

400

1750

866 SVTL 22-12,8

1469

725

1400

400

1800

850

,0
SV

SV

42

21
TL

SV
2

B
[mm]

48

56

TL

21
TL

21

TL
SV
0

65

100
80

22

-2

21

48

-6

,3

SV

-1
22
TL
0

200

SV

86

TL

SV

300

A
[mm]

12

2
56
56

2,

600
500
400

TL

SV
TL

TL
SV

SV
0
75

1000
800

75

A
500

600

750

1000 1200 1500 1800

3000 3600

Input speed n1 in rpm

Rated power P1 in kW

TL

HP

22

2000

56

-1

2,

3000

60
50
400

33

SV

5000
4000

Type

11

SVNL, SVNL G Models

The SVNL and SVNL G models are self-supported designs in
housings split horizontally. The rotating parts are encased in
an enclosed oil-tight housing. Connecting couplings link the
main motor and driven machine with the variable speed fluid
coupling.

SVNL G variable speed fluid coupling simplified

longitudinal section

12

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 bearings are lubricated with pressurized oil.
SVNL G coupling main shafts are equipped with sleeve bearings. The bearings are force lubricated using pressurized oil.
An electrically driven auxiliary lubricating pump is attached for
priming lubrication prior to startup.

6
6
7

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

12

1 Pump wheel

5 Scoop tube

2 Turbine wheel

6 Cooler

3 Shell

7 Oil pump

4 Scoop tube housing

8 Oil tank

SVNL G selection diagram

SVNL G dimensions

10000
3G

8000

2S

Type
620 SVNL 33 G

1485

900

2160

682 SVNL 33 G

1485

900

2160

430

3980

1330 SVNL 12-80 G

3150

800

2400 1000

2500

12500

1540 SVNL 12-80 G

3150

800

2400 1000

2500

13800

VN

NL

L3

12

3G

-80

68

-80
12
NL

3800

13

62

30

430

Weight
[kg]

0S

SV

40

SV

3000

15

Rated power P1 in kW

4000

2000

VN

5000

L3

6000

Oil
capacity
[l]

A
B
C
D
[mm] [mm] [mm] [mm]

1000
800

600
500
400
500 600

750

1000 1200 1500 1800

2500 3000 3600

300
400

Input speed n1 in rpm

SVNL selection diagram

SVNL dimensions
Type

A
[mm]

B
[mm]

5000
4000

866 SVNL 22-26

1760

1060 1920

780

3650

1000 SVNL 22-32.1

1950

1060 1920

780

3650

1150 SVNL 22-32.1

1950

1060 1920

780

3800

1210 SVNL 21-32.1

1950

1060 1920

780

4000

1210 SVNL HP

1950

1060 1920

780

4000

NL

22

-2

8000

600
500
400

1
12 210
10 SV
50 SVN NL H
L P
SV
10
NL 2100
32
2
.
2SV
32 1
NL
.1
22
-3
2.
1

1000
800

Oil capacity
[l]

Weight
[kg]

11

300
200

100
80
60
50
400

Rated power P1 in kW

2000

86

SV

3000

C
[mm]

500

600

750

1000 1200 1500 1800

3000 3600

Input speed n1 in rpm

13

SVL M Model
The SVL M coupling model is a self-supported design with a
high power density. The input and output shaft are each individually encased in a cast iron housing. Connecting couplings
link the main motor and driven machine with the variable
speed fluid coupling.

Both circuits are supplied by mechanically driven pumps. An

energy-saving flow control valve is used to adjust the
circulating oil. The shafts are equipped with sleeve bearings.
The bearings are force lubricated using pressurized oil.

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

1 2 3

12

11

10

1 Pump wheel

8 Circulating control valve

2 Turbine wheel

9 Auxiliary lubricating
pump

3 Shell
9

14

4 Coupling housing
5 Oil tank

6 Oil pump
7 Scoop tube

10 Working oil cooler

11 Lube oil cooler
12 Double filter
13 Lubricating oil supply
14 Auxiliary lubricating
pump motor

14

SVL M selection diagram

SVL M dimensions

40000
30000

0
75

10000

68
62

4000

62

2000
0
51

1000
2000

SV

VL

SV

SV

SV

C
[mm]

D
Oil capacity
[mm]
[l]

Weight
[kg]

464 SVL M

1855

720

1540

1280

1460

6700

510 SVL M

1985

720

1540

1280

1460

6800

562 SVL M

2045

720

1540

1280

1460

6900

620 SVL M

2115

720

1540

1280

1460

7000

682 SVL M

2265

720

1540

1280

1460

7100

750 SVL M

2705

920

1610

1130

1700

7600

826 SVL M

2910

920

1610

1130

1700

8000

3000

B
[mm]

64

SV

4000

5000

82

SV

A
[mm]

Input speed n1 in rpm

Rated power P1 in kW

20000

Type

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

2
3
4
5

16

1 Pump wheel

5 Scoop tube

2 Turbine wheel

6 Cooler

3 Shell

7 Oil pump

4 Scoop tube housing

8 Oil tank

SVNL vert. selection diagram

SVNL vert. dimensions

B
[mm]

C
[mm]

750 SVNL vert.

1614

1305

1050

866 SVNL vert.

1614

1305

1180

1000 SVNL vert.

2046

1656

1360

1150 SVNL vert.

2046

1656

1560

Type

4000
3000

.
ert

NL

ert
Lv

VN

VN

6S
86

75

500

Lv

SV
00
10

11

50

SV

1000

0S

NL

ver

t.

ver

t.

2000
Rated power P1 in kW

A
[mm]

5000

300
200
100
400

C
600

800

1200

1500

2000

3000

4000

Input speed n1 in rpm

17

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
machine

Motor

Scoop tube
position controller

Driven
machine

Motor

Scoop tube
position controller
Actuator

Scoop tube position

actual value
420 mA

Speed
measuring
transducer

Actuator
Scoop tube position
set value
420 mA

Scoop tube
position actual
value 420 mA

Scoop tube
position set
value 420 mA

Process controller
Speed
indicator

Position control circuit

Scoop tube control drive, including position controller for
continuous control

Process
actual value
420 mA

Process
set value
420 mA

Process control circuit

Process controller
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.

18

Voith Service Take Advantage of the

Manufacturers Knowledge
Manufacturer service will increase the efficiency, safety and availability
of your system. Voiths 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

Installation, commissioning
Training
Maintenance
Original spare parts
Modernization, retrofits and upgrades
Service contracts

The benefits for your system

++ Improved operational reliability
++ Increased service life
++ Assured productivity
++ Optimized maintenance costs
++ Life-cycle costs you can plan on

19

cr104en, S&F-nlg/WA, 6.2014, 1000. 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