sEaLs & BEarIngs 6
avoid teMPeratures outside tHe bearing’s range
If a steel bearing is heated above the limit that it is designed for, this can permanently deform or soften the bearing material, resulting in a reduced load carrying capacity and leading to equipment failure. Choosing a bearing that is suitable for your temperature operating range is the first step. During regular maintenance, look out for discolouration of the rings, rolling elements and cages, as this could indicate overheating. This can be the result of excessive operating temperatures and improper lubrication and requires your attention quickly.
7
wHere PossibLe, Prevent corrosion
Corrosion is the natural enemy of bearings. Over time, if bearings are exposed to moisture, corrosion will occur. This can lead to rust entering the raceway and ultimately, premature bearing and equipment failure. Wearing gloves will ensure that perspiration or other liquids do not enter the bearing. When designing specifically for corrosive environments, selecting the right bearing is key. For example, opting for a 316 stainless steel bearing with seals is often a good choice in marine or chemical environments.
8
cHoose Your rePLaceMent carefuLLY
If a bearing does reach the end of its operating life, replace your bearing with one that is identical or superior in quality to the original. a low-quality alternative will be more likely to fail and could lead to more costly equipment failure in the long run.
9 Monitoring
It is rare that a bearing will fail without any warning signs. Excessive noise or an increase in vibration or temperature could be the
How to Maintain Your seaLs during Periods of no use
perfect time to check your seals for any signs of damage and wear that you may need to address. It is important to do this as seal failures can lead to equipment problems which may be detrimental to your equipment and business. Whether you deal with hydraulic or pneumatic
I
seals such as wiper seals, they must be able to withstand a range of environments and practises such as extreme temperatures, high pressures, chemicals and contamination. In this article, Mandata will give you some
tips on what to watch out for when looking for problems in your seals and how to maintain your seals during a period when they are not being used.
ProPer storage If a seal is in a period of no use, storing them properly can prevent future failure. Properly storing seals includes putting the seals and their hardware in a cool environment. You must also disassemble the seals and sort each part individually, making sure not to store seal faces together as they could end up losing their flatness.
Lubrication Lubrication is a must in seals and most machinery as it can prolong the life of seals
t is vital to check your seals constantly whether the machinery is being used or not. Especially during periods of no use, this is the
due to the motion they are usually under. When looking at the seals, check that lube is present. If there is none present or only a small amount, place some grease around the seal. Checking for grease is important to prolong the life of your seal.
contaMination Just because the machinery is not being used does not mean that contamination is not still present in the seal. If the seal has not been checked after its last use, then contamination may still be present. Contamination may come from metallic shavings, powder, dirt, mud, grit, and other solid particles. These may be picked up during operation and can damage the seal when passing through.
HigH teMPeratures If the seal has been stored somewhere that has a high temperature, the heat can cause damage to the seal. The heat can cause the seal to harden and degrade quickly. The material of the seal can break off when hardened, and this can then cause more contamination along the whole machinery or pipe network.
Pressure The pressure that your seal has been under could cause the seal to fail. This might have been because it is over pressurised. Check for pressure strikes in seals. If you can see any, then
symptom of a deeper problem. If a bearing exhibits any operational abnormalities, it should be monitored more closely.
10 caLL in tHe exPerts
Finally, if in doubt, seek the help of an expert. a bearing specialist will be able to advise you on the best maintenance method for your specific application and will be able to help you diagnose any bearing problems. It can be as simple as sending your problem bearings to experts, who will inspect and relubricate your bearings if required.
sMb bearings
www.smbbearings.com
you may need to replace the seal with a one that is made to be under higher pressure.
cHeMicaL deterioration If there has been a corrosive fluid used, then this may cause a breakdown in the seals’ material. You need to have made sure that the material the seal is made out of is right for the fluid passing through it. Especially when connecting a seal to a hydraulic system using chemical fluid, this may create fractures in a material. The chemical deterioration can cause swelling or shrinking of the seal. Whether your seals are being used or are in
storage, maintenance is important to keep them in good condition for present and future use to make sure they do not fail.
Mandata
www.mandata.co.uk
FaCTOrY&HanDLIngsOLUTIOns | MaY 2021 43
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