SKF introduce new separable high-capacity cylindrical roller bearing

SKF has introduced a separable high-capacity cylindrical roller bearing to support high-speed shafts in wind turbine gearboxes. By incorporating these bearings within gearboxes and turbine units, equipment manufacturers can add advanced technology and increase system reliability. For wind farm owners and operators the ability to reduce gearbox failures and turbine downtime can minimise operating and maintenance costs, helping to lower cost per kWh and increase profitability.

SKF’s new separable high-capacity cylindrical roller bearings combine the advantages of conventional cylindrical roller bearings with SKF’s high-capacity cylindrical roller bearings - widely used in the wind turbine industry. The new bearings are sized to match standard original bearings; however, they feature extra rollers for increased load-carrying capacity. In addition, they offer the ability to separate the inner ring from the rest of the bearing components, without the risk of the rollers becoming disengaged.

Conventional bearings used to handle minimal load conditions and quick acceleration and deceleration can suffer smearing due to high levels of wear, potentially leading to bearing failure. To minimise this risk, the design of the latest SKF separable high-capacity cylindrical roller bearings has been optimised, with an inner ring cage guidance mechanism and a lower weight brass cage, for low inertia of the roller set. Additionally, the use of black-oxidised rollers improves running-in behaviour and prevents oil film build-up to ensure more stable running conditions. The separable bearing design also enables easy mounting and dismounting, helping to reduce replacement and maintenance times during top-of-turbine repairs.