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In theory, the service life of rolling bearings in centrifugal pumps with electric spindle bearings is 20000~80000 hours. However, the actual service life depends on many factors -& mdash; Premature bearing failure can lead to costly equipment shutdowns, and sometimes even more serious consequences. The spindle bearing experts of Wuxi Second Bearing Co., Ltd. provide some simple but practical tips for optimizing bearing performance.

The satisfactory service life of spindle bearings begins with the correct selection. From the beginning, the designers of spindle bearings extended the service life and equipment performance of bearings by selecting the correct bearings for different applications. This process requires consideration of many factors, such as load, hardness, bearing life prediction, operating environment, and so on.

Correct storage of Enskai bearings

In principle, all spindle bearings should be stored in their original packaging before installation. They need to be kept in a clean, moisture free, and relatively constant temperature environment. Rolling bearings should be kept away from dust, water, and corrosive chemicals. Shaking and vibration may permanently damage the mechanical performance of bearings, so vibration must be avoided during handling and storage.

Basically, all bearings must be stored horizontally, as some heavier bearings may deform due to their own weight after being placed vertically for a long time.

Pre coated (or sealed) spindle bearings require special care as the density of the grease may change after prolonged storage. When the bearing is used for the first time, there will be a certain degree of rotational noise. Therefore, the shelving time of this type of bearing should be controlled according to the principle of first in, first out.

Cleaning of spindle bearings

Cleaning is very important for the rolling bearings in the spindle bearings. The surface roughness of the rotating surface and rolling elements of the bearing ring is usually 1/10μ m. Such a smooth surface is highly sensitive to damage caused by pollutants. The lubricating layer between the rotating surfaces is usually 0.2~1μ m. Particle type impurities larger than the lubricant particle size will be excessively crushed by rolling elements, resulting in local pressure in the bearing steel and ultimately leading to permanent material fatigue. In addition to this, the size of dust particles in the external environment can reach 10 μ m; m. It can also cause damage to the bearings. Therefore, a clean and dust-free environment is crucial for the storage and installation of bearings.

Fully prepare for reinstallation

The spindle bearings should be carefully installed and disassembled using appropriate tools. Industry experts estimate that 16% of premature bearing failures are due to incorrect installation. For large-scale installations (such as in production facilities), strict control of installation conditions is usually required, and suitable bearing installation equipment can also be used.

However, in maintenance or replacement work, the environment is diverse. Therefore, comprehensive preparation work is necessary for bearing installation to ensure the longest bearing service life.

Firstly, relevant documents such as drawings, maintenance manuals, product manuals, etc. need to be carefully studied. Next, all bearing components such as shafts, distance rings, covers, washers, etc. must be kept absolutely clean and free from contamination. The status of adjacent components should also be carefully checked.

Careful installation and disassembly

Choose the appropriate installation method (mechanical or hydraulic) and tools based on different applications and the size and type of spindle bearings. Here are some basic principles for bearing installation:

1. Do not apply installation force on the rolling elements, as this can easily lead to local overloading of the contact surface between the rolling elements and the seat ring, resulting in premature failure of the bearing.

2. Do not use any hard tools (such as hammers, screwdrivers, etc.) to directly tap on the surface of the bearing, as this can cause the bearing ring to break or shatter.

3. Follow the guidance of respected installation equipment suppliers.

About 90% of rolling bearings have never been removed from the equipment they are in, and typically only larger bearings are removed due to scheduled preventive maintenance procedures. Just like installing a bearing, disassembling a bearing also requires careful preparation. During the disassembly process, it is important to ensure that adjacent components such as shafts and bushings are not damaged. Choose appropriate methods and tools based on the type, size, and application scenario of the bearing.

Designers should note that well-designed bearing positions can greatly simplify the installation and disassembly of bearings, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

Correct lubrication of spindle bearings

Lubricants can isolate metal bearing surfaces (such as rolling elements, bearing rings, and bearing covers), thereby reducing friction, protecting metal components, and preventing pollution and impurities. There are various lubricants (including grease, oil, and solid) available for different operating conditions to choose from. Proper selection of lubricants is crucial for extending the service life of bearings and equipment.

Due to excessive rolling of the main shaft bearing rolling components, the bearing lubricant is subjected to long-term mechanical pressure. In addition, over time, especially in high-temperature, humid, or polluted environments, the chemical properties of the lubricant will change. All of these lead to a gradual decline in lubrication quality. Therefore, to ensure the longest service life, it is necessary to regularly lubricate the bearings. The lubrication cycle depends on operating conditions such as temperature, speed, environment, etc. Only in pre lubricated or sealed bearings (also known as "lifetime lubrication" bearings), the bearing life depends on the lubricant life.

Lubricants must be stored correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions, with special attention paid to keeping them clean and free from contamination. Before each use, carefully check the quality of the lubricant, as using old or contaminated lubricants may cause premature bearing failure.

Status monitoring and maintenance of spindle bearings

Generally speaking, the rolling bearings of spindle bearings are very reliable, despite their limited lifespan. Like all other important components in the machine, they should be regularly inspected and maintained. The frequency of inspection and maintenance depends on the importance of individual applications and the operating conditions of each device.

Due to the critical role of bearings, it is recommended to add status monitoring function in their design phase. Important parameters of machine operation, such as vibration and noise, can be continuously monitored, and preventive measures should be taken before unpredictable and costly equipment shutdown.

Training - the foundation of good practice

Practice makes perfect, but appropriate training is the foundation of practice. Renowned bearing manufacturers will provide various training courses for commercial, technical, or workshop employees. If technicians have basic knowledge in handling bearings, they can avoid major errors. Design and product development engineers can optimize bearing design to maximize equipment performance and minimize lifecycle costs.