As for lubricating oils, viscosity is one of the most important properties and determines oil lubricating efficiency [8]. There may be many reasons for this – heavier loading than has been anticipated, inadequate or unsuitable lubrication, careless hand- ling, ineffective sealing, or fits that are too tight, with … Worn Engine Bearings. As a general rule, rolling bearings and their housings should be filled from 30 to 60% of their total capacity. In industrial applications there are two types of lubricants suitable for high temperature use: grease and oil. The efficiency of the EP additives should be proven in the actual application or in an appropriate bearing test [6]. According to ISO 281:2007(E), the effectiveness of the lubricant is primarily determined by the degree of surface separation between the rolling contact surfaces. On the contrary, this new layout may create additional problems as, for instance, that the selected bearing may have a speed lower than the nominal one and may not work properly in a environment with relatively high trust. Why is my bearing suddenly making excessive noise? In some instances, failure is due to a design compromise made in the interests of economy or from unforeseen operating conditions. Issues include: too much lubricant; too little lubricant; using the wrong lubricant; mixing incompatible lubricants; incorrect lubrication intervals; using old, deteriorated grease or oil; and water contamination. These sudden changes may introduce heavy wear in the ball or roller pockets where they run. 3017/E. Consequently, by examining a damaged bearing … Bearing failures reduce a plant’s operating efficiency, increase downtime, drive cost of operations up and, in the worst cases, may injure workers. The failure can result from improper assembly or maintenance or from faulty manufacture of the bearing or of its adjacent parts [3]. In special cases, bearings are lubricated with solid dry lubricants [4]. These difficulties affect all bearing types. When possible, install external shields to avoid debris buildup on and around seals. A simple replacement of the bearings will not address the factors that; led up to the failure. The amount of grease to be used will depend on many factors relating to the dimensional and geometrical parameters of the housing, space limitations, bearing working speed and type of grease used. Botanical extraction and solvent recovery applications require reliable high-volume pumps that meet sanitary standards. Routinely check radial lip seals for flexibility, hardening, cracking and shaft contact. the formation of shallow depressions or flutes on the bearing raceways in positions corresponding to the pitch of the rolling elements” [7] (figure 10). Metallurgy. If seal contact surfaces are worn, resurface and grind them to original specifications for finish and diameter. As a general rule, for an industrial application the replacement of a bearing has to be done with the same type of bearing, selected by the original equipment manufacturer [5; 14]. Most bearing … The most common failure pattern for bearings is for those on the passenger side of the vehicle to fail first. Mounting and Installation of Bearings. One moving part requiring particular attention are the bearings. After an inspection, apply preservatives and ensure parts are rewrapped. If one of the bearings fails, not only the machine, but also the assembly line stops and the deriving costs may be extremely high. People also frequently use old grease without realizing it. The principle causes of damage and premature bearing failure are inadequate/improper lubrication, contamination, overload, and improper handling and installation. Fine foreign material in the bearing can cause excessive abrasive wear. Quantifying and assessing liquid leakage from shaft seals. Finally, the wear becomes an accelerating process that results in the failure of the bearing [7]. There is no bearing that is suitable for every application, so each case needs to be considered individually, and the most appropriate bearin… BearingNews-March 6, 2017. There are many requirements which need to be considered when selecting a bearing, including load (weight and type), speed, and misalignment. Many applications call for only a ¼ to ½ ounce of grease every month, which translates to one or two strokes on a standard grease gun. The interaction between flow control and pressure control can create new process methods for industrial applications. The appearance of these microcracks can generate local stresses, which will lead to a reduced life of the rolling bearing [7]. In full complement bearings (cageless), smearing can also occur in the contacts between rolling elements depending on lubrication and rotation conditions [7]. Avoid purging excessive grease past lip seals. When bearing failure is found, even if it is insignificant, it is important to investigate the phenomenon to determine the causes. Vibration represents a huge problem as for bearing failures. A quality bearing distributor will assist with all bearing-related issues, including making sure users are getting optimum life on every bearing and in every application. When the bearings fail… All rights reserved. Silver Shavings in the Oil. Lubrication is crucial for bearing life. Include the housing or shaft conditions and any other replaced components. Failure can be the result of excessively long time lubrication without renewing, unsuitable lubrication and lubrication contamination [12]. Bearing contamination problems can be easily avoided if proper design and adequate maintenance of sealing and lubrication system are used. The bearing manufacturer, OEM and bearing distributor may also be able to make recommendations for storing, handling and inspecting lubricants. Flow Control is now named P.I. These difficulties affect all bearing types. Featured Webinar: Benefits and Best Practices: Unrestricted mounting of electromagnetic flowmeters. It is most important to correct the causes and prevent future failures and the costs that follow. Machine learning control algorithms and fast flowmeters help a wastewater treatment plant save 50% of energy. While normal wear and tear is one of these causes, there are specific points of failure … Bearing failure due to surface fatigue is usually the result of the normal life span of the bearing being exceeded. For a number of reasons, few bearings reach their full designed life expectancy. Flooded Streets. With the passage of time grease loses its properties and fresh grease must be resupplied at proper intervals. The vast majority of bearing failures in electric motors and electric motor-driven equipment are due to mechanical and thermal causes. Solving the sealing problem will not solve the misalignment between components; in fact, the seal replacement may have a superior sealing capability but an even lower tolerance misalignment [3; 14]. However, currents that flow through induction motor bearings can also create premature bearing failure. January 9, 2018 Spindle Repair No Comments. For more information, visit motionindustries.com and bearings.com. When the lubricant is contaminated with wear solid particles, permanent microcracks on the bearing raceway can be generated when these particles are over rolled. Their lubricant recommendations are usually based on type, grade, viscosity, any needed additives, amount, application method and application interval. Introduction to Bearing Failures. Improper lubrication is the major cause of bearing failure. Overlubrication occurs when a rolling bearing is greased excessively or when too much oil is added to the housing. Bearing distributors’ account representatives are trained in performing root cause analysis to identify solutions for preventing premature bearing failures. When taking apart large machinery, avoid lifting with chains, wire ropes or dirty slings that can score sealing surfaces. With grease lubrication, the contacts may operate in a severely starved condition because of the poor bleeding capability of the grease leading to poor lubrication and possible reduction of life [7]. It is important to read OEM and bearing manufacturer recommendations carefully to maximize bearing life within each application. If there are any changes in the working process, these may necessitate the possibility of using a new bearing, but not all the times this is a good solution [14]. Wheel bearings have a tough time dealing with water. www.maintenanceworld.com. Equipment and systems with longer warranty periods are generally more robust in design, taking into consideration potential overloads and environmental conditions. Save 50 % of all premature bearing failure ; is crucial in preventing the recurrence the. King talks flowmeters and controllers for liquid applications should never for any reason be opened until are... Defects and manufacturing errors based on type, dimensional parameters, bearing lubrication, or high that... Planning and maintenance practices unexpected causes of damage and more serious consequences bring. To shut down running equipment and possibly entire plant operations ready for installation bearing failures 8! Installation of bearings, power transmission and material handling occur on the guiding faces. Original equipment manufacturer is the major cause of a bearing while stationary can cause scoring and even etching the! 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