SKF's latest generation of Y-bearing units for extreme temperatures are useful for optimising productivity and minimising costs in a diverse variety of industrial applications.
The robust units withstand an extremely wide range of operating temperatures and aggressive fluids, gasses and particulate matter; in addition they require little or no lubrication, enabling users to reduce both maintenance requirements and costs.
There are two series of the Y-bearing units available: the VA201 range for applications where operating temperatures are between -40 and +250 degrees C; and the VA228 series for even more challenging operating environments of between -150 and +350 degrees C.
In each case, the Y-bearings supplied inside the housing units feature a specially designed spherical outer diameter; this corresponds exactly to the concave seating face inside the unit, enabling alignment errors of up to +/-5 degrees to be tolerated, which reduces installation time and optimises equipment performance. Furthermore, the bearings themselves, which are capable of withstanding shaft speeds of up to 100rev/min, feature highly efficient seals designed both to protect the bearings and prevent the leakage of lubricants.
The VA228 bearings feature a specially developed coronet cage, constructed from graphite-based material, which effectively acts as the lubricant for extended periods of operation and eliminates the need for conventional greases. This makes the bearings an environmentally friendly option, as no harmful fumes or gases are produced, even at extreme temperatures.
For comparatively less demanding applications, the VA201 series bearings utilise a conventional pressed steel cage. This is filled with a high-temperature lubricating paste made from a mixture of polyalkylene glycol and graphite to offer excellent lubricating properties.
In addition, the Y-bearing units have a zinc and yellow chromate finish for added protection against corrosion, while each housing bore is coated with lubricating paste and designed so that the effects of shaft or housing misalignment can easily be eliminated regardless of temperature variations.
The units can also be specified with bore diameters of 30-60mm and can be supplied as a plummer block assembly or with square or oval flanges, making them extremely versatile.
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