Rolling Mill bearingworking condition
Bearings in rolling mills are responsible for keeping the machinery operating properly and efficiently. Without proper bearings rolling mills can suffer premature wear and malfunction which can result in expensive repairs and lost production. Rolling mill bearings provide support and alignment of the mill, and must be able to withstand heavy loads and vibration. Bearing failures in rolling mills are usually related to fatigue or contamination caused by un-filtered or improperly filtered lubricating oils.
The typical design of rolling mill bearings consists of a double row of cylindrical roller bearings with an empty space between the inner rings. This design allows for radial shaft movement as the rollers move back and forth. The rollers are spaced apart from each other by a distance larger than their diameter. This allows the rollers to move freely and also helps to dissipate heat generated by the bearings during operation.
In order for rolling mill bearings to work properly, the lubricating oil must be clean and free from contaminants such as dirt, dust, and other particles. Any contamination in the lubricant can cause bearing failures such as ball spin, wear and tear, and loss of radial clearance. To ensure a clean lubricating oil, the oil must be filtered to remove these contaminants.
In operation, rolling mill bearings are subjected to heavy loads, rapid acceleration and deceleration, and high temperature, all of which can lead to bearing misalignment and wear. This is why it is important to regularly inspect rolling mill bearings and replace them when they wear out. Bearing wear can cause loss of clearance, noise, premature failure, and vibration.
When inspecting rolling mill bearings, the first step is to check the condition of the lubricating oil. If the oil is dirty, it can be cleaned or changed. If the bearings have been in operation for a long time, they should be replaced. Bearing mounting surfaces should also be checked for any damage that could cause misalignment.
Once inspected, the rolling mill bearings can be reassembled correctly and lubricated per the manufacturer’s instructions. The bearing and its associated parts, such as the seals and housings, should be installed with great care, and any bearings that do not meet the manufacturer’s requirements should be replaced. When installing rolling mill bearings, extra care should be taken to ensure that they are fitted correctly and remain aligned throughout their life.
Once in operation, the tools used to measure the condition of rolling mill bearings should be regularly monitored and maintained in order to detect any changes in their condition ahead of time. In addition to readings taken in the factory setting, readings can also be taken in operation to check for abnormal noise, vibration, and heat.
Rolling mill bearings play a critical role in the operation of rolling mills, and it is crucial that they are kept in proper working condition. By performing regular inspections, changing contaminated lubricants, and taking care when installing them, bearing fatigue and failure can be avoided, which helps to ensure the efficient and productive operation of the entire rolling process.
