Graphite lubrication takes the heat out of high temperature applications

Citation

(2004), "Graphite lubrication takes the heat out of high temperature applications", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 56 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.2004.01856ead.004

Graphite lubrication takes the heat out of high temperature applications

Graphite lubrication takes the heat out of high temperature applications

Keywords: Lubricants, Bearings, Temperature

To address lubricant problems bought about by elevated operating temperatures, SKF has developed a maintenance-free lubricating solution. It can supply high-temperature bearings that incorporate a unique dry graphite lubrication technology – a solution that increases reliability and service life at extreme temperatures (Plate 3).

Graphite is an excellent lubricant and already sees use as an additive in high temperature applications. SKF's dry lubrication technology, however, goes one step further – it incorporates a graphite insert, replacing all other lubricants.

Plate 3 SKF high-temperature bearings incorporating a unique dry graphite lubrication technology

The graphite insert in SKF's VA228 bearing is in the shape of a crown, surrounding and separating the balls. It can handle temperatures between -150 and 350°C, at speed of up to l00 rpm. Another version, the VA208, has graphite segments between the balls rather than a complete crown. The surfaces of both bearings are treated with manganese phosphate to prevent rust and provide a run-in surface and both bearing types are completely maintenance-free – drastically reducing the cost of special lubricants, maintenance staff and production stops.

Experience, in a wide variety of applications, has shown that SKF rolling bearings with graphite lubrication have at least twice the service life and, in many cases, 100 times the service life of similar bearings using high temperature lubricants. Many companies with extreme temperature processes are saving a considerable amount of money, due to SKF's maintenance-free bearings. SKF sees many primary markets for this technology including food, textiles, automotive and metals. Indeed, any industry where high temperatures are encountered in conjunction with moving machinery could take advantage of this graphite breakthrough.

For further information, contact: Phil Burge – SKF (UK) Limited Sundon Park Road, Luton Bedfordshire LU3 3BL, UK. Tel: +44(0)1582 490049; Fax: +44(0)1582 848091; E-mail: phil.burge@skf.com