SKF has developed its Explorer range of spherical roller bearings to include sealed for life versions. Claimed improvements include lower grease consumption, reduced lifecycle costs and lower recycling costs.
Sealing a spherical roller bearing presents engineering challenges including choice of sealing material and seal pressure, axial and radial load ranges, temperature and contamination. issues. The new sealed Explorer bearings are available in normal and high temperature versions. The normal temperature version uses a nitrile rubber double lip seal and a standard grease while the high temperature version, which is better suited to low speed operation, has a fluro rubber seal and and high temperature grease.
