Petrochemical plant solves bearing failure problem

NSK Spacea series bearings equipped with Molded Oil solid lubricant have solved a problem of premature bearing failures in a petrochemical plant in Spain. They are installed on the submerged rollers of a conveyor belt and are in contact with water, hydrocarbons and particles in suspension from the production process.

NSK engineers were asked to visit the plant and discovered that the problem was one of ingress of contaminants, water, hydrocarbons and solid particles. The first two contaminants were causing lubricant loss and corrosion; the third was causing damage to bearing raceways.

NSK engineers recommended stainless steel bearings from the company's Spacea series, complete with DDU type contact seals to deny contaminant ingress. In addition, to ensure effective lubrication under the extreme working conditions, solid Molded-Oil was used.

The H-20 Spacea bearings provided for the petrochemical conveyor rollers are made with outer and inner rings and balls of Martensite stainless steel for corrosion resistance. The bearings have now performed for more than one year without problem.