Brinelling Bearing: A Critical Guide to Prevention and Resolution

Brinelling bearings is a serious problem for industrial machinery, costing businesses millions of dollars each year. It occurs when a bearing is subjected to a heavy load that causes a permanent indentation in the raceway. This can lead to premature bearing failure and downtime.

Causes of Brinelling Bearing

• Excessive load: The most common cause of brinelling is excessive load, which can occur during storage, transportation, or operation.
• Impact loading: Another common cause is impact loading, which can occur when the bearing is subjected to sudden shock loads.
• Improper mounting: Improper mounting can also lead to brinelling, as it can cause the bearing to be misaligned or subjected to excessive stress.

Consequences of Brinelling Bearing

The consequences of brinelling can be severe, including:

• Premature bearing failure
• Downtime
• Increased maintenance costs
• Reduced productivity

How to Prevent Brinelling Bearing

There are a number of steps that can be taken to prevent brinelling, including:

• Using bearings with adequate load capacity: The bearings used in a particular application should be able to handle the maximum load that will be applied.
• Properly mounting bearings: Bearings should be mounted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper alignment and load distribution.
• Protecting bearings from impact loading: Bearings should be protected from impact loading by using vibration dampeners or shock absorbers.
• Lubricating bearings properly: Proper lubrication is essential for preventing brinelling, as it reduces friction and wear.

How to Resolve Brinelling Bearing

If brinelling has already occurred, there are a number of steps that can be taken to resolve the issue, including:

• Replacing the bearing: In severe cases, the bearing may need to be replaced.
• Regrinding the raceway: In some cases, the raceway can be reground to remove the indentation.
• Using a bearing isolator: A bearing isolator can be used to protect the bearing from further damage.

Success Stories

• A major automotive manufacturer was able to reduce bearing failures by 30% by implementing a preventive maintenance program that included proper bearing lubrication.
• A food processing plant was able to eliminate brinelling bearing failures by using bearings with adequate load capacity.
• A wind turbine manufacturer was able to extend the life of its bearings by protecting them from impact loading.

Conclusion

Brinelling bearing is a serious problem that can lead to premature bearing failure and downtime. By taking steps to prevent and resolve brinelling, businesses can save money and improve productivity.