SKF has announced the availability of its new pure refrigerant lubricated bearings, a unique oil-free solution for direct drive centrifugal compressors in chillers, that uses low viscosity refrigerant as the bearing lubricant.
By eliminating the need for oil lubrication, the bearings reduce chiller energy use while simplifying system design and maintenance requirements. Pure refrigerant lubricated bearings combine ceramic (silicon nitride) rolling elements, rings made of high nitrogen, specially heat treated stainless steel and glass fibre reinforced PEEK cages.
As a result they can operate reliably using low viscosity refrigerant as a lubricant, an innovation that enables energy savings of at least 10% versus conventional centrifugal compressor drive designs. Traditionally, centrifugal compressors using low viscosity refrigerants have been gear-driven designs that use hydrodynamic bearings lubricated with an oil-refrigerant mixture.
“It’s an approach that requires both a lubrication system and an oil separator to provide an oil-rich mixture to the gears and bearings and a refrigerant-rich mixture to the evaporator and condenser,” explains Richard Law, SKF global segment manager, fluid machinery. “These bearings provide simplified system design and oil-free operation by allowing low viscosity refrigerants to be used as the lubricant in direct drive centrifugal compressors, enabling a much more energy efficient, low-maintenance solution.” Tested and proven reliable through more than a decade of field operation, pure refrigerant lubricated bearings from SKF are already at work in industry-leading chillers, helping to
lower energy use and costs, reduce maintenance, and eliminate oil-related environmental concerns.
It’s full steam ahead for SKF’s sustainable leak detection solution SKF South Africa
Pneumatic systems & components
One of SKF’s key customers based in Cape Town, which depends on steam systems for its production processes, was facing costly challenges related to high energy consumption and excessive maintenance hours. SKF recommended the TKSU 10 ultrasonic leak detector as a more streamlined, user-friendly alternative.
Read more...Bearing failure analysis is a perfect solution for Tongaat Hulett SKF South Africa
Shaft power components
A collaborative bearing failure analysis conducted by SKF and Authorised Distributor, Bearings Services Durban at one of South Africa’s leading sugar refinery plants in KwaZulu-Natal provided tremendous value for the customer.
Read more...Heavy-duty V-belts for aggressive conditions Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Shaft power components
BMG’s specialised Gates belting range includes Predator V-belts, engineered for optimal performance in Africa’s harshest conditions.
Read more...A racing partnership SKF South Africa
News & events
In one of motorsport’s most demanding arenas, a partnership forged in engineering precision and high-performance ambition has proven its worth. SKF, a global leader in bearing technology and innovation, celebrated a remarkable milestone in partnership with SVR Toyota GAZOO Racing, taking second position overall at the 2025 Dakar Rally.
Read more...Vibration monitoring in three axes with IO-Link ifm - South Africa
Shaft power components
Machine vibrations are important indicators when it comes to assessing the current condition of a machine. Damage to rolling element bearings and other machine components can be detected at an early stage before costly machine downtime occurs.
Read more...SKF empowers employees SKF South Africa
News & events
The cornerstone to SKF’s success as a global leader in premium bearing products and rotating technology is an unwavering commitment to investing in its valued employees. Tsholofelo Choma, who now proudly holds the position of quality environmental health and safety (QEHS) officer, exemplifies SKF’s employee-centricity ethos.
Read more...Efficient maintenance counts Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Shaft power components
BMG’s total plant management solutions encompass a technical advisory service for maintenance programmes that includes correct chain and sprocket selection, which is a critical factor in any power transmission system.
Read more...Optimise your plant assets SKF South Africa
Shaft power components
The SKF Rotating Equipment Performance Centre provides anyone from anywhere with easy access to a comprehensive suite of advanced condition monitoring, analytical and diagnostic solutions.
Read more...Next-gen battery-driven grease gun SKF South Africa
Other technologies
SKF’s innovative TLGB 21 battery-driven grease gun optimises lubrication efficiency and reduces costs, by seamlessly combining advanced technology with a smart, rugged design.
printer friendly version