Uptime doubled
November 1st 2007 An adaptor-mounted ball bearing system has transformed the economics of maintaining Sapphire Energy Recovery's tyre shredding machines. Switching to the Dodge Grip Tight bearing, which features a flinger seal and a built-in mechanism for removing the bearing from the shaft, has resolved a costly repair problem. After shredding, tyre chips are graded for size by a classifier with 36 sets of bearings. The set-screw style bearings were being damaged by both the fine metal wires in the tyres and water used for cooling. As a result they had a life typically of less than 6 months. Changing the classifier bearings could take anything up to 2h per bearing. Bearing Transmission & Pneumatics, suggested a type of ball bearing from Baldor's range called the Dodge Grip Tight. This adaptor-style bearing has a mechanical maintenance feature that loosens it by simply turning a nut. This action pulls the bearing off, avoiding the need for forcible removal or expansion heating. The built-in flinger seal protects the bearings and they are lasting typically twice as long as the previous types. Changeovers are predictable, take 15min max and there has been no shaft damage. More articles from Baldor UK Limited: | 
