MechChem Africa July-August 2025

⎪ PowerGen,PetroChem and Sustainable energy management ⎪

Dependable, low-maintenance solutions Graphalloy ® ’s success is rooted in its abil ity to solve complex problems in environ ments where other materials simply can not cope. Its blend of mechanical strength, chemical stability and self-lubrication makes it an ideal candidate for engineers seeking dependable, low-maintenance solutions. While the upfront cost may be higher, the lifecycle cost benefits, includ ing reduced downtime, lower maintenance and improved safety, are substantial. As industries move toward more resil ient, efficient and sustainable operations, materials such as Graphalloy ® are be coming increasingly important. In an age where performance under pressure is not just desirable but essential, Graphalloy ® stands out as a material that delivers quietly, consistently, and under the most

lubricated roller chain bear ings that had been failing week ly due to lubricant breakdown. Following the switch, maintenance intervals were extended to over a year, with no unexpected downtime. • In a chemical processing facility, Graphalloy ® components were in stalled in a sodium hydroxide mixing tank. They operated continuously for five years without showing signs of wear or corrosion, a remarkable improvement over the previous sealed bearing system. • A nuclear power station using Graphalloy ® in its steam valve as semblies reported reduced main tenance schedules and improved system responsiveness under high-pressure and temperature conditions.

punishing of conditions. A range of graphite-metal/alloy bush ings and bearings is available from ISO Reliability Partners. “Graphalloy ® is an ideal solution for any bearing or bushing application where lubricants fail due to the surrounding environment,” says Craig FitzGerald. ISO-Reliability Partners is an origi nal equipment manufacturer (OEM) of class-leading micro-fine oil filtration solutions. ISO owns the iconic Filter Focus brand of vacuum dehydration systems, automated water removal for compressed air, and high-efficiency industrial air scrubbing. “Our high production standards ensure customer satisfaction and unrivalled protection of their critical production equipment,” concludes FitzGerald. www.iso-reliability.com

Material

Graphalloy ®

Bronze

PTFE

Steel

Lubrication

Self-lubricating

Requires oil

Self-lubricating

Requires oil/grease

Maximum Temperature

538°C

204°C

260°C

204°C

Corrosion Resistance

Excellent

Moderate

Excellent

Low

Dry Running

Yes

Limited

Yes

No

Wear Life

High

Moderate

Low-Moderate

High (with lubrication)

A comparison of the properties of Graphalloy ® with other common bearing materials.

What is

® SKF is a registered trademark of AB SKF (publ). | © SKF Group 2025

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July-August 2025 • MechChem Africa ¦ 31