Introduction
At International Shellfish in Yerseke, Netherlands, a shrimp peeling machine required bearings capable of handling conditions that destroy conventional units: 1-inch diameter shafts spanning 3 meters, rotating at extremely high speeds.
The Challenge
The drums are only 1 inch in diameter but 3 meters long. High-speed rotation causes severe shaft bending. Normal bearings cannot handle the combination of high speeds, extreme axial displacement from bending, saltwater presence, and caustic chemicals used for cleaning. Misalignment from the flexible drums creates forces that would seize standard bearings.
The Solution
Extreme Bearing 1-inch units with spherical roller bearings that absorb misalignment without generating force. The self-aligning capability accommodates shaft flexing and bending. AISI 316 housing resists saltwater and cleaning chemicals. Special sealing prevents contamination while allowing angular movement.
Results
The bearings continue operating reliably despite extreme conditions. The self-aligning design absorbs all misalignment from the long, thin, high-speed drums. No binding or excessive wear despite thousands of hours of operation. The facility achieves consistent production without bearing-related stops.
Key Takeaways
- Self-aligning bearings are critical for long, thin, high-speed shafts
- Misalignment accommodation prevents excessive bearing forces
- Food-grade environments require both corrosion and chemical resistance
- High-speed applications benefit from low-friction spherical roller design