PBC Linear has recently implemented a new,
custom made sensor bearing into large paper plant dryers. Previously
using Babbitt bearings, the paper plant was experiencing constant
downtime, using an immense amount of energy, and reporting loss of
product, and profits. After changing these older bearings out, the paper
company began to experience immediate benefits. Enhanced product life,
mass energy savings, increased profits, and sensors that alert staff
when preventative maintenance is required are all reaped rewards of the
newly installed PBC Linear sensor bearing.
The original Babbitt bearings installed
into the paper dryers were only functioning for a short period of time
before they needed to be changed out and replaced. This is mostly due to
the immense force required to start-up the paper drying process. In the
beginning start up stages, the cast iron dryers are running against the
Babbitt bearings which are typically comprised of bronze, tin, or
lead. This extremely pressurized metal to metal contact creates a
large amount of friction and results in incredible wear on the Babbitt
bearings—dramatically reducing their product life.
With the introduction of the new PBC Linear
sensor bearings into the cast iron dryer system, the self-lubricating
technology greatly reduced the amount of energy needed for the machine’s
start up by 90%! This not only created less wear and tear on the
bearings and dryers but also significantly lowered energy costs.
The decreased wear and tear on the bearings
also contributed to extended product life—allowing the machines to run
even longer without undergoing start-up. The bearings sensors also
signal technicians at when preventative maintenance is required, which
further allows the condition of the bearings to be kept in running
condition.
Originally, 3 custom made PBC Linear sensor
bearings were used as a trial operation in the mill out of 72 possible
replacements. The clear improvements of the sensor bearings over the
Babbitt bearings caused 9 additional sensor bearings to replace the old
system, energy-wasting bearings.
