Mechanical Technology April 2016

⎪ Power transmission, bearings, bushes and seals ⎪

Induction heater for couplings

S KF South Africa, the bearing and rotating technology and engineering solutions special- ist, once again provided an optimum solution for a key customer by joining forces with one of its authorised distributors, Citi Bearings Vereeniging. The customer, a market leader in the South African steel industry, needed a bearing heater capable of heating couplings and approached Citi Bearings Vereeniging for a solution. “Our autho- rised distributor recommended the SKF TIH 220m large induction heater and demonstrated a new unit at the cus- tomer’s site,” explains Eddie Martens, SKF product manager, MaPro. Recognising the induction heater’s impressive capabilities that will meet all the necessary requirements, the cus- tomer ordered the unit from Citi Bearings Vereeniging. In addition to meeting the customer’s specific application needs, the TIH 220m was also found to be suitable for two of the company’s other sections’ require- ments. The customer also reported that the induction heater has almost halved and wash-down exposure all shortening fan and blower life. Premature bearing failure can result from lubrication loss or contamination; shaft misalignment; or ex- cess vibration – and any failure will cause unscheduled downtime, production losses, and/or costly emergency repairs. Making matters worse, accessing installed onsite equipment is usually difficult and can also be dangerous. SKF’s comprehensive, cost-effective fan and blower solutions, which include bear- ings and seals, lubrication, alignment and reliability solutions, all reduce the chance of premature failure. SKF specialised bear- ings and seals tolerate harsh operating conditions while SKF lubrication systems, and shaft/belt alignment tools contribute to improve the service life of fans. Condition monitoring services and equipment to identify failures before they become cata- strophic are also available. Bearing and seal solutions include: Ball and roller bearing mounted units, SKF concentra bearing units, CARB ® bearings, SKF Explorer bearings, fan wheel hub bushings, split housing units, contact seals

the heating time of the couplings from 150 minutes to only 45 minutes, which translates into significant downtime and cost savings. The TIH 220m is part

of SKF’s comprehensive, reliable and robust range of induction heaters that are suitable for most bearing heating applications. The unit is suited for heating bear-

The SKF TIH 220m induction heater is suited for heating bearings and solid components up to a maxi- mum weight of 300 kg and 150 kg, respectively.

ings and solid components up to a maxi- mum weight of 300 kg and

150 kg, respectively.“The heater is ca- pable of heating a 220 kg bearing in just 20 minutes,” adds Martens. The induction heater’s power elec- tronics systems feature an advanced design that includes current and over- heating control. The standard unit is supplied with two yokes allowing bear- ings with bore diameters from 60 mm to 600 mm to be accommodated.

The heater also boasts a number of features that make the unit user-friendly, easy and safe to operate. The sliding or swivel arm allows for easy and quick replacement of bearings with a large yoke. In addition to maximising uptime, operator fatigue is also reduced. An SKF remote control complete with operating display and control panel further adds to the units easy and safe operation. q

SKF solutions extend fan and blower MTBF A ir handling equipment operates under challenging conditions with factors such as heat, dust, corrosive vapours and flinger seals, and labyrinth seals. On the lubrication side, solutions in- clude: specialised SKF lubricants, SKF multipoint lubricators, and SYSTEM 24 with 24/7 automatic lubricators.

collectors, on-line data collection systems, failure analysis software as well as machine balancing are also on offer. As drop-in replacements or part of an integrated maintenance system, SKF fan and blower solutions extend Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), reduce un- planned downtime, reduce maintenance and repair costs, enhance plant safety, and increase productivity. q

Laser shaft alignment tools as well as laser belt alignment tools are also available, while reliability solutions such portable data

Comprehensive and cost-effective fan and blower solutions from SKF can extend equipment MTBF, reducing downtime and associated costs.

Mechanical Technology — April 2016

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