EDITOR ’ S CHOICE REDUCE , REUSE , RECYCLE
SKF PRODUCTS
How to achieve the 3 Rs in Bearings
By Alan Stewart , Brammer Buck & Hickman Bearing Product Manager – SKF Products
At a time when the world is looking to limit its energy usage and impact on the climate , pressure is mounting on industry to reduce its overall environmental impact . The products and services we produce need to be sustainable ; they need to be produced through economically-sound processes that minimise negative environmental impacts while conserving energy and natural resources .
Individual bearings use relatively little energy , but as they are in such widespread use and are also one of the most frequently replaced components , the sustainability of the bearings you use matters . By applying the 3 Rs waste hierarchy - Reduce , Reuse ,
Recycle – to bearings , we can make a genuine difference .
REDUCE Is it possible to reduce the number of bearings used ? Well , you can ’ t simply not use a bearing where one is required , but by extending their life you can reduce the total number of bearings used during that machine ’ s lifespan .
To ensure longevity , select the right bearing for the task at hand . There ’ s an incredibly wide range to choose from , many of which have been designed for specific applications and industries , so do your homework or ask for advice on the bearing best suited to your specific needs .
Not only should the bearing be the right type , but it should also be of a good quality . Opting for a low cost , unrecognisable brand not only risks premature failure and costly downtime , but it may also lose performance over time which almost always results in wasted energy as most systems keep drawing power despite the drop or lack of output .
Ensuring product is correctly fitted also has a part to play . Misalignment can lead to friction and vibration which can significantly increase energy consumption , plus the risk of premature failures . Alignment tools are readily available which allow you to increase machine reliability through easy to use and accurate alignment . Other options include selecting products that don ’ t require realignment , such as SKF
10 PECM Issue 58