INPRO/SEAL has written about bearing isolators, a non-wear non-contacting type labyrinth seal which extends bearing life.
According to the company, bearing isolators were first patented in 1977, designed to protect bearings, allowing running times of more than 150,000 hours (17 years), resulting in low maintenance and repair costs.
They are used to protect motor and pump bearings, spindles, turbines, fans, gear boxes, and other types of rotating equipment.
Since 1977, plant operators have realised the importance of controlling and improving machinery maintenance and repair. The adoption of bearing isolators has also ballooned with this recognition. They are now standard components in process pumps and electric motors.
Traditional contact seals require continual maintenance and have a 100% failure rate. The wear on contact seals and packings also caused problems where powder leaked to the outside, causing environment problems.
According to the manufacturer, bearing isolators provide non-contact positive sealing. They avoid problems with rapid wear because a solid wall of air is present between the isolator and the shaft or equipment. This buffer of air also allows it to handle angular misalignment caused by shaft deflection and mounting conditions.
Other benefits afforded by bearing isolators include reduced energy consumption and lower product costs.
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