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SKF Bearing Vibration and precautions.What is commonly perceived as “SKF bearing noise” is in fact the acoustic effect of the SKF bearing vibrating directly or indirectly with the surrounding structure. This is why many times noise problems can be considered as a vibration problem involving the entire SKF bearing application.
SKF Bearing Vibration and precautions.When a radial load is loaded on a particular SKF bearing, the number of rolling elements carrying the load changes slightly during operation, i.e.: 2-3-2-3 …. This causes a shift in the direction of the load. The resulting vibration is unavoidable, but can be mitigated by axial preloading, loaded on all rolling elements (not applicable to cylindrical roller bearings).
SKF Bearing Vibration and precautions.In the case of a close fit between the SKF bearing ring and the SKF bearing housing or drive shaft, the SKF bearing ring may deform with the shape of the adjacent parts. If deformation occurs, vibration may occur during operation. Therefore, it is important that the SKF bearing housing and drive shaft are machined to the required tolerances.
SKF Bearing Vibration and precautions.A small portion of the SKF bearing raceways and rolling elements may be damaged due to handling or mounting errors. In operation, rolling over damaged SKF bearing parts will generate a specific vibration frequency. Vibration frequency analysis identifies the damaged SKF bearing components.
SKF Bearing Vibration and precautions.In many applications, the stiffness of the SKF bearing is the same as the stiffness of the surrounding structure. Due to this feature, it is possible to reduce the vibration in the application with the correct selection of the SKF bearing (including preload and clearance) and its configuration in the application.
Removal of critically excited vibrations from the application.
Suppression of critical excitation vibrations between the excited and resonant components.
Changing the stiffness of the structure and thus the critical frequency.
SKF Bearing Vibration and precautions.The SKF bearings are the focus of attention, as they are the most important rotating part of all machines. Condition monitoring is an important part of preventive maintenance. Early detection of SKF bearing damage can prevent equipment downtime during unscheduled maintenance due to SKF bearing damage.
In this case, the machine operator or maintenance engineer must be highly alert to SKF bearing “failure signals”, such as noise, temperature and vibration. Listening”, “touching” and “observing” are 3 important factors. The following observations can be used as a reference for you.
High temperatures often indicate that the SKF bearing is in an abnormal condition. High temperatures are also detrimental to the lubricant inside the SKF bearing. Sometimes SKF bearing overheating can be attributed to the SKF bearing lubricant. If an SKF bearing is operated at temperatures above 125 degrees Celsius for a long period of time, the life of the SKF bearing will be reduced. Causes of high temperature SKF bearings include: insufficient or excessive lubrication, lubricant containing magazines, excessive load, SKF bearing damage, insufficient clearance, and high temperature friction from oil seals, etc.
SKF Bearing Vibration and precautions.Whether you are measuring the SKF bearing itself or other important parts. If the operating conditions do not change, any change in temperature may indicate that a failure has occurred.
SKF Bearing Vibration and precautions.Thermometers, which accurately measure the temperature of SKF bearings and display it in degrees Celsius.
SKF Bearing Vibration and precautions.Important SKF bearings, meaning that when they are damaged, they can cause equipment downtime, so these SKF bearings should be equipped with a temperature detector. Under normal circumstances, SKF bearings will have a natural temperature rise that lasts for a day or two after they have been freshly lubricated or re-lubricated.
If the SKF bearing is well lubricated and properly shielded from debris and moisture, the oil seal should not be worn. However, visually inspect the SKF bearing when opening the SKF bearing housing and periodically check the oil seals. Check the condition of the oil seals near the SKF bearing to ensure that they are adequate to prevent hot or corrosive fluids or gases from penetrating into the SKF bearing along the shaft core. Protective rings and labyrinth seals should be greased to ensure that they provide adequate protection. The oil seals should be replaced as soon as possible if they are worn.