Case study reveals how bearings have led to considerable cost savings at an ore plant.

When NSK solved an overheating issue involving the bearings on a dust extraction fan at an ore preparation plant, it led to annual cost savings of €88,955. These ongoing savings emanate from the elimination of compressed air – previously required for cooling – thanks to NSK’s correctly specified bearing and lubrication solution.

The challenge

Dust extraction fans are necessary at ore preparation plants to help remove the high level of airborne particulates that occur from processes such as crushing, sorting, grinding, screening, decanting, filtering and drying. At this particular facility, the running temperature of bearings on its extraction fans was proving unacceptably high. To help counter the situation and prolong bearing life, the plant was using compressed air for cooling purposes – at considerable cost.

Concerned about the ongoing expense of this activity, the facility’s management team invited NSK’s experienced engineers to undertake a thorough application review. The review included value proposals such as a bearing condition report and a temperature survey that revealed serious issues with the seals of the incumbent bearings. High rotational bearing speed was causing seal lip burn-off and over-lubrication, contributing to elevated running temperatures.The ideal solution

To combat this unwanted situation, NSK recommended its high-performance NSKHPS spherical roller bearings with SNN plummer blocks and labyrinth seals, along with proposals for correct installation procedure, lubrication intervals and quantities. SNN plummer blocks feature two lubrication holes and one draining hole to support easy maintenance. A subsequent trial showed a considerable reduction in temperature, eliminating the need to run the compressor for cooling purposes.

The modular SNN housing range offers various technical options to match the needs of demanding applications such as the dust extraction fan. Notably, the components are easy to fit, remove and maintain. Equipped with high-performance bearings, such as the NSKHPS series, SNN split housings support companies in achieving their cost-reduction plans.What results were achieved?

With the trial at the ore preparation plant proving highly successful, NSK’s engineering team oversaw the installation and implementation of its recommendations, with the facility ultimately benefitting from increased productivity and reduced maintenance costs, as well as the removal of compressed air. The latter alone led to annual savings of €88,955.