Mood, Industries, 1600x230

Introduction

The customer was experiencing regular bearing failure on their conveyor at a Milk Processing Plant. The bearings were in an inaccessible area and were difficult to lubricate. The customer had to change the bearings every 10 weeks, resulting in down-time of 3 hours at least twice a year. NSK reviewed the bearing application and suggested that Stainless steel bearing inserts fitted with Molded-Oil would give a better service life. They combined these with the additional benefits of Silver-Lube® polymer housings to provide the Life-Lube® combination. Trials showed that bearing life was extended from 10 weeks to over 1 year.

Food - Beverage, conveyor, milk, bottles
  • Milk processing
RHP Life-Lube Molded-Oil, Bearing Unit, cut, 874x555
  • Life-Lube® housing with Molded-Oil bearing insert

Key Facts

  • Milk processing plant
  • Customer had to change the bearings every 10 weeks
  • NSK solution: Life-Lube® Housings with Molded-Oil Bearing insert
  • Reduced downtime
  • Productivity improvement
  • Cost saving and zero maintenance

Value Proposals

  • NSK application review highlighted poor bearing life and difficult maintenance
  • NSK recommended Molded-Oil inserts and Silver-Lube® plastic housings
  • Increased corrosion resistance and Molded-Oil Lubrication resulted in over 12 months lifetime
  • Additional benefit gained due to not having to replace shaft after bearing failure
  • Technical support provided for fitting new Life-Lube® units

Product Features

  • PBT thermoplastic resin housing
  • Molded-Oil inserts (with solid lubricant)
  • Martensitic stainless steel
  • Nitrile rubber seals
  • Available in Pillow Block, 2 and 4 bolt flanges and take-up unit housings
  • Bore size 20mm – 40mm
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Paint free housings, preventing chipping & flaking
  • Resistant to contamination increasing operating life
  • Ideal for operations where process fluid is unavoidable
  • No need for re-lubrication
Cost Saving Breakdown
Before Cost p.a. NSK Solution Cost p.a.
Bearing Costs: Old bearing design: €140 Bearing Costs: New bearing design: €136
Engineering Costs: Labour: 2 fitters × 3 hours
@ €25/h, 5 × year
€750 Engineering Costs: No maintenance  €0
Costs of lost production: Downtime: 3 hours @ €2.055, 2 × year €12.330 Costs of lost production: No downtime  €0
Engineering Costs: 2 x shafts replaced @ €110 each  €220 Engineering Costs: No replacement shafts  €0
Total Costs € 13 440 € 136

Reference:SS-E-2006