Petrochemical Industry – long-lasting bearings
Minimising production stoppages and maximising productivity are crucial in the petrochemical industry. The machine components used in this sector – such as pumps, compressors, electric motors and ventilators – are particularly susceptible to change. These components contain bearings which have to work reliably and precisely, even in challenging conditions.
As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of bearings, we are a valuable partner for the petrochemical industry. Our Application Engineers are the first people you should talk to – they have the expertise to work with you on developing solutions that effectively cut costs and boost productivity.
Our specialists are in touch with the research and development teams at OEMs that produce components for petrochemical systems. This enables them to develop new bearing solutions at every level of your project.
Tap into this experience and knowledge for your company’s success!
Centrifugal pumps
Operating conditions: medium speeds, axial and radial loads
If a process pump fails in a petrochemical plant, this can lead to costly downtime. Centrifugal pumps are used to transport liquids at every stage of the process and are among the most sensitive components used in the petrochemical industry.
Pump applications place a great deal of strain on bearings, meaning that the materials used for bearings and bearing cages have to withstand tough conditions. The bearings have to support axial, radial or combined loads, run equally reliably at low and high speeds (1,500 rpm to 3,000 rpm) and handle different lubrication conditions with ease.
Total Quality Solution:
Single row angular contact ball bearings from the HPS™ series with a high load rating and high-strength brass cages
The single-row angular contact ball bearings from the HPS™ series run extremely reliably in compliance with API standards, especially in difficult applications as centrifugal pumps. They boast a long life, even when exposed to high axial loads.
The special high-strength cage construction makes the bearings in the pumps more resistant to shock loads and vibrations. Thanks to the precisely manufactured guiding surfaces, the noise level is lower than that of conventional bearings.
Our Innovations:
High Capacity Deep Groove Ball Bearings - HR Series
EW Series of Cylindrical Roller Bearings
EM Series of Cylindrical Roller Bearings
Angular Contact Ball Bearings HPS™
BPMC Pump Bearings
Double Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings
Angular Contact Ball Bearings HPS™ Brass Cage
Submersible pumps
Operating conditions: vertical shaft position, axial loads (bottom bearing), very light radial loads (top bearing)
Submersible pumps are widely used for water and wastewater applications. They have a vertical driving motor which is connected to the impeller at its extremity. The double-row angular contact ball bearing at the bottom must withstand axial and radial loads, while the deep groove ball bearing at the top is only subject to light radial loads. It is important to avoid creep (relative motion) between the outside diameter and housing of the top bearing.
Total Quality Solution:
Creep-free bearings for rotating loads
The tight O-rings fixed to the outer ring help to prevent the creep phenomenon when the bearing is subjected to rotating loads. Fitting the bearing is very easy and the housing is reusable.
Our Innovations:
High Capacity Deep Groove Ball Bearings - HR Series
EW Series of Cylindrical Roller Bearings
EM Series of Cylindrical Roller Bearings
Angular Contact Ball Bearings HPS™
Double Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings
LNG pumps
Operating conditions: speed: 1,160 rpm to 3,600 rpm, gas temperature: −196°C to 0°C, predominantly axial loads, insufficient lubrication
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) pumps are used to load/unload cryogenic liquids in tanks. The bearings used here must be able to withstand a liquid gas temperature of −162°C and are partly lubricated by the pumping medium.
Total Quality Solution:
Stainless steel bearings with fluororesin cage
LNG pump bearings from NSK are made from stainless steel, which provides excellent corrosion resistance. They also feature a specific cage made from fluororesin. This material is extremely useful as it is self-lubricating even at very low temperatures.
Our Innovations:
High Capacity Deep Groove Ball Bearings - HR Series
Angular Contact Ball Bearings HPS™
Double Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings
Roots Blowers
Operating conditions: dry running, medium to high temperatures, vibration
Roots blowers are rotary piston blowers which are often used to transport gas. The gas is carried from the intake side to the exhaust between the lobes of the rotors and the outer wall and compressed by the backflow. This can generate some vibrations, which bearings must be capable of withstanding.
Total Quality Solution:
Cylindrical roller bearings and double row angular contact ball bearings with steel cages
NSK’s high-performance cylindrical roller bearings and double-row angular-contact ball bearings come with a steel cage which is resistant to heat and wear.
Our Innovations:
Cylindrical Roller Bearings with L-PPS Cage
Angular Contact Ball Bearings with L-PPS Cage
Oil-injected and oil-free compressors
Operating conditions: oil lubrication, medium to high speeds, medium to high axial and radial loads
Two screws are used to compress gases. The gas enters on the inlet side and flows through the threads while the screws rotate. As the compression space becomes smaller, the gas is compressed. This process requires bearings that can withstand high radial and axial loads and enable precise shaft positioning.
Total Quality Solution:
Angular contact ball bearings & cylindrical roller bearings with special cages
NSK has developed special angular contact ball bearings and cylindrical roller bearings for oil-injected screw compressors. The bearings come with an L-PPS cage. NSK’s patented material L-PPS (linear polyphenylene sulphide) is ideal for use in screw compressors thanks to its outstanding resistance to heat and wear and its high strength and chemical stability.
For oil-free screw compressors, NSK offers angular contact ball bearings, four-point contact bearings and cylindrical roller bearings with outer-ring-guided brass cages. These boast improved accuracy for performance at high speeds and excellent precision.
Our Innovations:
Angular Contact Ball Bearings, Cylindrical Roller Bearings & 4 Point Contact Ball Bearings with outer ring guided brass cage for oil-free screw compressors
Conveyor belts
Operating conditions: low speeds, medium to high loads, contaminated environments and high temperatures (for example during the transportation of petroleum coke)
In the petrochemical industry, conveyor belt systems are often used to transport raw materials. This places high demands on the bearings’ resistance to factors such as temperatures and contamination.
Total Quality Solution:
Our Self-Lube® HLT reduce maintenance, downtime and replacement costs in operation at extreme temperatures
Self-Lube® HLT bearing units were developed specially for this application. In addition to preventing contamination, they run at both low and high temperatures from −40°C to +180°C.
Ventilators
Operating conditions: high loads and speeds, high temperature
Ventilators are needed for a wide range of cooling processes. In most cases, these involve high speeds and temperatures that can reach up to 200°C.
Total Quality Solution:
Our HPS™ Spherical Roller Bearings are state-of-the-art material technology bearings, suitable for high speeds & loads
Thanks to the materials used and special internal design, HPSTM spherical roller bearings work precisely and reliably, even at limiting speeds up to 20% higher than conventional designs. We have also succeeded in increasing the dynamic load rating by up to 25%. The bearings are wear- and temperature-resistant. Their long service life also makes for lower maintenance costs.
Electric motors
Operating conditions: high temperature, high speeds, vibrations
Electric drives for pumps, compressors, blowers and conveyor belt systems have to withstand high operating temperatures and high speeds.
Total Quality Solution:
High-temperature sealed deep groove ball bearings
This special range has been created to run in dusty environments and at high temperatures of up to 150°C. The seals are usually made from fluoroelastomer.
