Research on Extending the Bearing Life of Large Rolling Mills

Sep 26, 2023

Large rolling mills are the key equipment in industrial production, and bearings are the core components of the rolling mills. However, due to complex and harsh working conditions, bearings often suffer from wear, fatigue, and other problems, causing rolling mill shutdowns and affecting production efficiency. Therefore, how to extend the service life of large rolling mill bearings has become the focus of attention in industry and academia.

1. Main factors affecting bearing life

Load and speed: The load and speed of the bearing are the main factors affecting its life. High load and high-speed rotation will cause increased bearing wear and shorten service life.

Lubrication: Good lubrication can effectively reduce bearing friction and wear. If the quality of the lubricating oil is not good or the oil supply is insufficient, the life of the bearing will be greatly reduced.

Cleanliness: Impurities and contaminants in bearings can cause surface wear and fatigue. Therefore, keeping bearings clean is crucial to extending their life.

Installation and maintenance: The lifespan of bearings is significantly influenced by their installation and maintenance. It is, therefore, important to ensure proper installation and regular maintenance to ensure their longevity. Improper installation and maintenance can lead to bearing eccentricity, increased friction, and ultimately shortened service life.

Below is the spherical roller bearing 24036 MBW33C3 with brass cage, which is widely used for rolling mill equipment.

2. Measures to extend the service life of large rolling mill bearings

Choose the right bearing: Choose the right bearing type and material for the working conditions of the rolling mill to withstand high loads and high-speed rotation.

Optimize the lubrication system: select high-quality lubricating oil and ensure that the lubrication system can continuously and stably supply sufficient lubricating oil. In addition, regularly check the operating status of the lubrication system and repair leaks and other problems promptly.

Keep bearings clean: Strengthen cleaning management of the environment around bearings to reduce dust, metal shavings, and other impurities from entering the bearings. At the same time, regularly clean the oil, dirt, and dust on the bearing surface.

Correct installation and maintenance: Professional technicians should carry out bearing and maintenance to ensure that the bearings are installed correctly and the clearance is adjusted appropriately. In addition, the bearings should be maintained regularly, and any abnormalities should be dealt with promptly.

Implement monitoring and predictive maintenance: Use modern industrial Internet of Things technology to monitor the operating status of rolling mill bearings in real-time and collect key parameters such as bearing temperature and vibration. Through data analysis, abnormal signs of bearings can be discovered, and preventive maintenance can be carried out promptly to avoid failures.

Improve the rolling mill process:

• Optimize the rolling process parameters.

• Reduce the load fluctuation of the bearings.

• Reduce the impact of impact loads on the bearings.

Through refined control of the rolling process, smooth rolling is achieved, and the dynamic stress of the bearing is reduced.

Strengthen employee training: Regularly train operators to improve their operating skills and understanding of bearing maintenance. Let employees understand the importance of bearings, master correct operating methods, and reduce the impact of human factors on bearing life.

Establish and improve maintenance records and files: Keep detailed records of bearing maintenance and establish complete files. Through the analysis of historical data, the patterns and causes of bearing damage can be found, providing a basis for optimizing maintenance plans.

3. Conclusion

Extending the service life of large rolling mill bearings is a systematic project that requires comprehensive consideration from multiple aspects. By selecting appropriate bearings, optimizing lubrication systems, keeping bearings clean, correct installation and maintenance, implementing monitoring and predictive maintenance, improving rolling mill processes, and strengthening employee training, the life of large rolling mill bearings can be effectively increased, and downtime and downtime reduced. Cost of production. It is significant for improving enterprises' economic benefits and market competitiveness.