Explorers get sealed for life
Explorers get sealed for life
In an environment where a molecular layer of oil creates the distinction between a machine running efficiently and a costly failure, product quality and design is critical. When SKF launched its Explorer range of spherical roller bearings, the company set a new standard for this type of bearing by providing life expectancies three times higher than before. Now, SKF has unveiled a range of sealed-for-life Explorer bearings that reduce grease consumption, lower life cycle cost, lower recycling costs and reduce pressure on the environment (see Plate 9).
The sealed versions of Explorer are the result of the deployment of advanced simulation tools, the incredible depth of knowledge within SKF and the highest degree of manufacturing competence. To seal a spherical roller bearing there are several challenging parameters to consider, such as: seal material, seal pressure (efficiency), broad axial and radial load ranges, wide temperature range, misalignment and different types of possible contamination. Extensive laboratory and field tests have verified exceptional performance from the sealed Explorer bearings under greatly differing operating conditions.
Plate 9 The new sealed-for-life Explorer bearings from SKF are fully protected against the ingress of moisture or contaminants
The sealed Explorer bearings are supplied in normal and high temperature versions. The normal version uses a nitrile rubber double lip seal and a standard grease. The high temperature version, which is primarily suited to low speed operation, has a fluoro rubber seal and a high temperature grease. Like their unsealed counterparts, these Explorer bearings can withstand very high axial and radial loads and tolerate up to 0.5° misalignment.
Like all Explorer bearings, the new sealed units can be fitted as direct replacements for earlier SKF types – thereby effecting an immediate upgrading of the machine. Designers can also take advantage of the greater load carrying capability of Explorer by reducing the size of the bearings required to carry a given load.
Perhaps the biggest advantage, from the many benefits of the new sealed-for-life Explorer bearings, is the dramatically increased up-time for machines and the consequent reduction in maintenance costs.
For further information contact: Jerry Truman or Phil Burge, SKF (UK) Ltd,Sundon Park Road, Luton, Beds LU3 3BL, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1582 490049; Fax: +44(0)1582 848091; e-mail: jerry.truman@skf.com
