Did you know that contamination and low lubrication levels account for 80% of premature bearing failures?

As one of the most demanding industries for both clean and contaminated environments, the food and beverage industry offers a unique challenge due to the need to safely lubricate bearings in a contaminated environment. From conveyor belts, to electric motors, to pumps, there are a multitude of components with the potential to interrupt uptime and reduce productivity.

Conveyors, for example, are at the heart of every facility in the food and beverage industry. Products need to be moved throughout the production process and throughout the facility itself and it is essential that conveyors run for long predictable periods of time. When a conveyor goes down for either planned or unplanned maintenance, there is no time to waste. Productivity and profits are quickly compromised when raw materials or finished goods aren’t reaching their destinations.

WHERE CONVEYORS FAIL

A belt conveyor consists of a structural framework, an endless belt which is guided on idlers, a motor and gearbox, and various pulleys. Which of these is the primary point of failure? Pulley bearings and motor and gearbox bearings are generally the areas most susceptible to contamination and lubrication issues and subsequently are the most likely to experience premature failure.

REDUCE BEARING FAILURES

1. Molded oil bearings: Even in applications without direct hygiene requirements, molded oil bearings are a superior option for conveyor applications. They eliminate the need for re-lubrication, negate leakage risks and are appropriate for contaminated environments that may also encounter frequent washdowns.

2. Bearing specifications: Bearings made with stainless steel, for example, offer the best protection from corrosion, whether from washdowns, chemical contamination or product wear and tear. Contamination can result in peeling paint or general corrosion that will compromise bearing life and possibly lead to machinery damage.

3. Conveyor design: Investigate options that locate bearings outside of frames, and keep motors and gearheads outside of the frame or under the conveyor. This type of conveyor design makes lubricant contamination virtually impossible, and is a popular choice in food manufacturing applications.

4. Preventative maintenance: Ensure that staff are well versed in maintenance procedures and schedules for the bearings currently in use. Additionally, the proactive assessment of failed bearings upon replacement aids in the identification of potential problems before they result in machinery failure. Cracks, wear, fretting and flaking are all symptoms that can be identified on failed bearings and point to specific machinery defects or improper bearing selection or installation.

Getting the most out of your equipment ensures that your business runs smoothly and efficiently. When you think about keeping your equipment in the best possible condition with quality components and industry-specific solutions, Think NSK.