NSK bearings are helping to produce significant cost savings on an annealing-process-line accumulator sheave at a UK steelworks.

NSK has worked with global steel makers to develop a package of high-performance bearings that address downtime problems in all areas of steel making.

After analysing failed bearings on the annealing process line, NSK redesigned the assembly to accommodate a more robust bearing arrangement using crane-sheave bearings.

Crane-sheave bearings are usually employed in crane sheaves in quarries, ports and building sites; however, the high load capacity and advanced levels of sealing provided by these bearings means that they also suitable for applications in steelmaking environments.

NSK has calculated an operating life of at least five years for the bearings.

An NSK spokesman said: 'They are essentially full-complement cylindrical roller bearings, offering an advanced sealing system that minimises grease leakage and increases resistance to the entry of water and other foreign substances.

'Their ability to provide reliable life in arduous environments is enhanced by machined holes, which are provided on the inner and outer rings of the bearings to allow grease replenishment, even while the bearing is in place.

'In addition, the bearings are supplied with phosphate surface treatment to improve their resistance to corrosion,' he added.

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