Variable Speed Marine Pump

SPIROL Application Engineers evaluated the application and suggested three design improvements: (1) the relationship between the Shaft OD and the rotor ID be changed to have a maximum clearance of .005” which minimizes the shear plane between the two, (2) the shear plane be moved to at least one diameter length away from the end of the pin (currently .125”) which ensures that the pin interfaces securely with the hole without significant movement, and (3) eliminate the lead-in on the aluminum shaft which contributes to a poor shear plane at the shaft / rotor joint. The existing design elements were placing extra shear requirements on the pin which could be minimized with the above changes.

SPIROL Application Engineering also suggested a change to the pin. In this case the pin is installed in a soft aluminum shaft. During cycling, the heavy duty Ø.187 pin - which is strongest yet least flexible Coiled Spring Pin available - breaks down the edge of the hole on the aluminum shaft deteriorating the shear plane. Heavy duty pins are not recommended for use in soft materials. SPIROL recommended that the customer move to a more flexible Coiled Pin, which in this case was the standard duty pin. The increased flexibility protects the soft material by allowing the pin to absorb the dynamic forces rather than transmitting them to the host. Additionally, by correcting the shear plane issues above, the customer could move to a smaller diameter Ø.125” pin. With the smaller diameter standard duty pin, there is a commensurate pin price reduction.


By incorporating SPIROL’s suggestions, the customer can use the same pin in both applications, reduce machining costs for the lead-in on the shaft, and reduce the cost of the pin in the assembly. These cost savings were accomplished with an increase in performance of both pumps.