The methods of FLSmidth mill bearing selection

Mar 20, 2024

The selection of FLSmidth mill bearings is a complex and important process, which involves the consideration of multiple factors, including mill specifications, working conditions, load characteristics, and maintenance requirements. The selection process of FLSmidth mill bearings will be discussed in detail below, and the influence of various factors on selection will be analyzed.

1. Introduction

As a well-known mill manufacturer, FLSmidth has always been recognized for its product quality and performance. Bearings, as key components, play an important role in supporting and transmitting torque during mill operation. Therefore, selecting suitable bearings is of great significance to ensure the stable operation of the mill and extend its service life.

2. Basic principles of bearing selection

During the selection process, the following basic principles need to be followed:

Meet load requirements: Bearings must be able to withstand various loads generated by the mill during operation, including static load, dynamic load, and impact load.

Ensure smooth operation: The bearings should have good operating performance and stability to ensure the mill's smooth operation and reduce vibration and noise.

Consider the service life: The bearings' service life should meet the mill's long-term operation needs and reduce the frequency and cost of bearing replacement.

Easy maintenance: The structure of the bearing should be simple and clear, making it easy to install, debug, and maintain.

3. Factors affecting bearing selection

During the selection process, the following factors need to be considered:

Mill specifications: Different mill specifications require different bearings, including bearing size, load-bearing capacity, and rotational speed. Therefore, the type and parameters of the bearings need to be determined according to the specific specifications of the mill when selecting.

Working conditions: The mill's working conditions include ambient temperature, humidity, dust concentration, etc. These factors will affect the bearings' performance and life. For example, in high-temperature or high-humidity environments, bearing materials with better heat and corrosion resistance need to be selected.

Load characteristics: The load generated by the mill during operation is periodic, impact, and uneven. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a bearing type that can withstand these loads, such as heavy-duty bearings or impact-resistant bearings.

Maintenance requirements: Bearing maintenance requirements are also a factor to consider when selecting. For example, for bearings that require frequent replacement or repair, you can choose a bearing structure that is easy to disassemble and replace to reduce maintenance time and costs.

The picture above is a large spherical roller bearing for ball mills.

4. Types and characteristics of FLSmidth mill bearings

FLSmidth mill bearings are available in a variety of types to suit different application scenarios and needs. Here are several common bearing types and their characteristics:

Spherical roller bearings: Spherical roller bearings have strong load-bearing capacity, smooth operation, and good impact resistance. They are suitable for large mills and high load conditions and can provide stable support and transmit torque.

Cylindrical roller bearings: Cylindrical roller bearings have a simple structure and are easy to manufacture. They are suitable for mills with medium loads and speeds. They are also highly rigid and precise and can meet the operating requirements of general mills.

Tapered roller bearings: Tapered roller bearings can carry large radial and axial loads, which are suitable for heavy loads and high-speed working conditions. They also have good thermal stability and wear resistance, ensuring stable mill operation under high loads.

The picture above is the bearing model matched by FV Bearing Company for the FLSmidth vertical mill model.

5. Specific steps for bearing selection

When selecting FLSmidth mill bearings, you can follow the following steps:

Determine the mill's specifications and working conditions, including its size, power, speed, and working environment.

Analyze the mill's load characteristics, including load size, direction, frequency variation range, etc., to determine the bearing capacity and impact resistance requirements.

A suitable bearing type is initially selected based on the Mill's specifications and load characteristics. To understand the performance characteristics and application scope of various bearings, refer to FLSmidth's product catalog and technical manual.

Conduct detailed performance calculation and verification of the initially selected bearings, including bearing life prediction, temperature rise calculation, and lubrication demand analysis. Make sure the selected bearings can meet the operating requirements and service life of the mill.

Consider the bearing's installation, debugging, and maintenance needs and select a bearing structure that is easy to operate and maintain. At the same time, factors such as the supply cycle and cost of the bearing must also be considered.

6. Conclusion

To sum up, the selection of FLSmidth mill bearings is a process that considers multiple factors. During the selection process, it is necessary to fully understand the mill's specifications, working conditions, load characteristics, and maintenance requirements and select the appropriate bearing type and parameters based on this information. Through reasonable selection, the mill's stable operation can be ensured, the service life can be longer, and the production speed and economic benefits can be enhanced.

Please note that the above content is an overview and discussion of the FLSmidth mill-bearing selection process. The actual selection process may require detailed analysis and calculation based on specific circumstances. Therefore, when selecting bearings, it is recommended to consult and cooperate with professional engineers or suppliers to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the selection.