(May 19, 2011)
SKF has announced the availability of its new SKF Food Line Y-bearing units, a range of maintenance-free units designed for the wet, humid, contaminated environments of the food and beverage processing industry.
Suitable for use in conveyors, sorters, sizers, presses, augers, brush washers, and all washdown areas, SKF Food Line Y-bearing units feature the industry-proven 2RF seal to withstand high-pressure washdowns, as well as other sources of moisture and process contaminants.
"Washdowns performed hourly, daily, or weekly (depending on processing and regulatory requirements) commonly cause water, detergents and contaminants to penetrate seals, leading to bearing failures in as little as six months," explains Patricia Van Der Hulst, SKF's Segment Manager - Food and Beverage. "As SKF Food Line Y-bearing units do not allow water to enter the bearing, they eliminate the need for re-lubrication after washdowns to purge water and contaminants," Van Der Hulst continues.
By preventing the need for re-lubrication following washdowns, SKF Food Line Y bearing units can help processing facilities increase bearing lifecycles and enjoy a range of related benefits: Reduced downtime, maintenance costs and environmental impact. Eliminating re-lubrication for the life of the bearing units helps facilities reduce lubricant consumption and maintenance demands.
For example, re-lubricating 100 bearing positions over the course of a year requires as much as 78 kg of lubricant, as well as 100+ minutes of labour time per weekly maintenance cycle. SKF Food Line Y-bearing units will operate for years on a single food grade grease pre-fill, saving plants a substantial amount in lubricant and maintenance costs.
As a result, SKF Food Line Y-bearing units keep excess lubricant out of plant wastewater streams thus preventing it from entering the environment. Lubricant reduction also represents savings in wastewater treatment costs, and offers plants a range of additional benefits including less downtime, less maintenance and less risk of lubrication points being missed.
"SKF Food Line Y-bearing units cater for up to a 50mm metric and 1 15/16" imperial shafts, they also feature a curved, non-porous surface with no cavities for easier cleaning and reduced risk of bacteria accumulation. A range of housing shapes are available in a corrosion-resistant composite material or stainless steel. Stainless steel or zinc-coated bearing inserts are pre-lubricated with food-grade grease to comply with food and beverage industry regulations. And, an effective end-cover is available for processes where health and safety regulations demand it," concludes Van Der Hulst.
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