NSK Europe, the European arm of Japanese bearing producer NSK, has developed deep groove ball bearings that do not require external lubrication to be used in submersible pumps dealing with cryogenic gases similar to hydrogen and LNG.
NSK has developed particular shaft bearings with a cage made from self-lubricating fluoroplastic for submersible pumps that handle cryogenic gases and liquids.
The stainless-steel bearings with a cage made of self-lubricating fluoroplastic are seeing increasing adoption in submersible pumps as a growing variety of initiatives promote using hydrogen as an energy source. These initiatives usually use particular submersible pumps that may reliably pump gaseous and liquid media in continuous or intermittent operation at low temperatures all the method down to round -200°C.
In pressure gauge 10 bar , the double bearing of the pump shaft is a critical design component. Corrosion resistance is important, and no lubricant can be utilized other than the media washing across the bearing. However, this locations powerful calls for on the fabric pairing.
So NSK has developed a collection of deep groove ball bearings particularly for these exceptional working conditions, and several other key design options present differentiation from standard pump bearings. For example, the inside and outer rings are made from a chrome steel adapted to the special necessities of rolling bearings.
A secure cage that occupies the entire internal volume of the bearing supplies steerage for the rolling elements (also manufactured from stainless steel), while the cage materials, a self-lubricating fluoroplastic, ensures low friction working of the bearing without exterior lubrication. In addition, the high-performance fluoroplastic is extraordinarily wear-resistant and offers good low-temperature properties at speeds as much as 3600 rpm. The cage has a two-piece design, with the 2 halves joined by stainless-steel rivets.
The NSK bearings are available in numerous sizes (shaft diameter 30–100 mm) and are designed to be used in each larger hydrogen pumping facilities and decentralised purposes, such as hydrogen filling stations.
Share