Pillow block bearings are a common component of many industrial mechanical power transmission equipment and electric motors. These modern bearings are highly engineered to address the constraints and stresses of their environment. While the design is advantageous to its application and its structure, materials and related engineered parts provide reliable solutions, the result and duration of the bearings may fail to meet expectations of many Lousiana industrial facilities and even perceived industrial standards of longevity. However, the flaw may not lie with the product. Instead, it is often the result of poor maintenance and/or failure to realize the bearings are intentionally replaceable.
Basic Maintenance: Lubrication
Many pillow blocks fall into the light-duty category. This type often features replaceable bearings. In those models designed for heavier duty, the intention is not to replace the bearings. The design requires, not replacing, but maintenance. The most common type of bearing maintenance is lubrication. The only exception to this is the type of pillow block bearings described as self-lubricating. Some types even function normally without any lubrication. Generally, however, it is essential to lubricate bearings to maintain optimal performance in such Lousiana facilities as petro chemical companies and refineries.
The pillow blocks will not all require the same level or even the identical type of lubricating material. It will depend upon the requirements. Pillow blocks may use any of the following formats to maintain their functionality:
- Liquid oils
- Dense greases
- Powdered lubricants
- Application of lubricants is frequently through a port in the pillow block built specifically for this purpose.
Pillow Block Bearings
Pillow blocks play a significant part in countless numbers of common machinery. They require proper design, impeccable engineering, and compatibility to function trouble-free for many years in plants in Louisiana and elsewhere. However, failure to provide proper maintenance can reduce the capability and longevity of even the finest equipment. To keep pillow block bearings operating according to engineering specifications, always maintain upkeep – specifically proper lubrication.
