NSKHPS Series Saves the Day at Steel Mill
Steel mills can be hot places, very hot. The metal itself can reach several thousand degrees Celsius at some stages of the process, with obvious knock on effects for both the surrounding areas and the machinery in use on site. One customer NSK worked with faced serious problems at its ore preparation plant when the bearings used in its Air Recirculation Fan kept failing…
The failures had become a regular problem and the company had been forced to utilise compressed air cooling to try and reduce high running temperatures. Knowing that they needed a long-term solution, however, the company turned to NSK for help.
Our team of highly trained engineers carried out a comprehensive Application Review, which included both a Bearing Condition Report and a Temperature Survey. This revealed a series of major issues including incorrect fitting of the bearings, over lubrication and inadequate sealing arrangements in addition to the obvious overheating problems.
Our recommendation was that the company switch to using NSKHPS Spherical Roller Bearings within SNN Plummer Blocks and in conjunction with Labyrinth seals. We also provided recommendations when it came to correct fitting and lubrication procedures.
After a successful 12 month trial, which was completed without any further bearing failures, the company adopted the solution on a permanent basis and was able to remove the compressed air cooling system, generating a significant cost saving.
The component parts the sector relies upon need to be designed and manufactured by people who truly understand the needs of steelmakers.
Mihai Samoila - Sector Manager for Steels and Metals
‘Steelmaking is a particularly demanding industry,’ says Mihai Samoila, NSK’s Sector Manager for Steel and Metals. ‘There are many challenges and potential pitfalls, which is why the component parts the sector relies upon need to be designed and manufactured by people who truly understand the needs of steelmakers. At NSK we have that understanding. We also offer consistent support when it comes to installation, maintenance and everything else companies need to operate more efficiently.’
NSKHPS Spherical Roller Bearings are suitable for both high speeds and loads, are made of our proprietary Z-Steel and offer temperature stability up to 200° C. They also offer twice the operating life ratings of more conventional bearings, as well as 25% higher dynamic load ratings.
Meanwhile, our SNN housing range offers various technical options to match the needs of the most demanding applications in industries such as cement, power transmission and, of course, steelmaking. The product is equipped with two lubrication holes and one draining hole, and the components are easy to fit, remove and maintain.
Finally, NSK’s Labyrinth seals are made up of interlocking segments on the shaft and housing which are separated by a very small gap. They are particularly well suited to preventing oil leaks around the shaft at high speeds.
View our comprehensive collection of products including bearings, linear and automotive components. Stay in motion whilst maintaining control with NSK today.