A German vegetable processing plant found that one of its transport facilities had an increased consumption of rolling bearings. After an average of only two weeks, the bearings had to be replaced on a conveyor belt. This resulted in increased maintenance and unexpected downtime. NSK has solved the problem.

In the review, the experts quickly identified the cause. The plant was regularly cleaned very thoroughly. This led to a strong ingress of water into the bearing and subsequently to the washing out of the grease filling.

NSK therefore suggested using sealed and low-corrosion molded oil bearings. A special tribological concept is implemented with this type of bearing. The bearings are equipped with NSK's own oil-impregnated material, which consists of lubricating oil and an oil-related polyolefin resin.

Pillow block bearings made of stainless steel for food and pharmaceutical use

This material releases the lubricant - which due to its consistency cannot be washed out - continuously over long periods of time. At the same time, the carrier material prevents the entry of water or solid contaminants into the bearing.

Rolling bearings for food technology

In addition, the operating environment remains clean because no grease escapes and no oil needs to be replenished. These rolling bearings are therefore suitable for applications involving heavy contact with water and thorough cleaning processes, and more generally for use in food production. This is also helped by the use of stainless steel for the bearing components.

In addition, the bearings in this case were equipped on both sides with highly effective sliding seals (DDU). This option is also part of the standard range of Molded Oil bearings as well as the choice between ball bearings, spherical roller bearings and tapered roller bearings.

The useful life of the installed rolling bearings then increased from around two weeks to more than nine months.