What is a Magnetic Coupling?

Magnetic Coupling Definition

The magnetic coupling transmits a force without any actual physical contact. Due to the attraction and repulsion of magnetic force, its effect can be linear or rotating. A simple magnetic coupling has a follower and a driver. The driver is connected to a motor, and the follower reacts to the motion of the driver, which causes the transmission of mechanical energy without contact.

Understanding magnets can effectively help to understand magnetic couplings. The magnet generates a magnetic field or force. This force acts on ferromagnetic materials, pulling them together or pushing them away. Ferromagnetic materials include iron, cobalt, nickel, and certain alloys. The total strength of a magnet is measured by what is called its magnetic moment, or a permanent magnet is made of a material with its own constant magnetic field. Similarly, an electromagnet is composed of a coil, and when current passes through the coil, the coil becomes a magnetic field. When current passes through the coil, both the coil and the coil have only magnetic force. When the current change in one conductor generates a voltage in the second conductor, both conductors are magnetically coupled.

Drive Device of Magnetic Coupling

In the rotary drive motor, the magnetic drive coupling is composed of internal and external drive devices. The movement of one drive device provides magnetic force to turn the other drive device. The external drive device is usually called a drive device. The internal drive device is a follower device, usually connected to a pump or other device. This radial design is similar to an electric motor.

The driving device is used for pumps with corrosive, flammable or toxic liquids, and magnetic couplings are usually used to use permanent magnets. These permanent magnets can be sealed so that they do not come into contact with liquids. The rotor is held together by magnetic force and will not slide during rotation. However, if too much external force is applied, the magnet will separate and the drive pump will stop.

Advantages of Magnetic Coupling

One of the advantages of magnetic coupling is to reduce vibration. It can also set an isolation barrier between the follower and the driver, because even if the magnetic drive system and the follower are in different environments, they can transmit force. Since the magnetic force will still work, alignment is not important. The coupling can also work along an axis that provides linear force.

Another advantage of motors using magnetic couplings is that they reduce contact between moving parts. Unlike direct contact, there is a gap between the motor and the load it drives. This can reduce friction and improve efficiency. It can also reduce the wear and tear of the motor, thereby extending its service life.