Spherical roller bearings handle heavy loads

A spherical roller bearing is a special type of bearing that allows an object to rotate in both directions around a center point. Think of it like a ball and socket joint in our bodies. This type of bearing mainly supports a rotating rod inside an inner ring. The rotating rod can rotate and tilt at a certain angle.
There are two main ways to make this type of bearing: with a fluid (hydrostatic) or a solid structure (mechanical). The core components of a spherical bearing are an outer ring, an inner ring, and a mechanism that locks the inner ring in place. These parts slide against each other and can be greased, designed to be maintenance-free, or have tiny rolling elements to reduce friction. The contact surfaces of the inner and outer rings are shaped like a sphere, and they are all part of the bearing’s rolling track. NSAR provides high-quality spherical roller bearings, click to speak with our technical experts.
These spherical bearings are used in many places, especially when something needs to rotate and change its tilt at the same time.

How to check for bearing misalignment?

There are several reliable methods for detecting bearing misalignment in running equipment.
Dial gauge measurements remain the gold standard, with dial gauges mounted on magnetic bases measuring runout at multiple points around the shaft and housing. Laser alignment tools provide the most accurate results, capable of detecting misalignment as low as 0.001 inch per foot. For quick on-site inspections, the reverse dial gauge method, used in conjunction with traditional tools, provides useful accuracy.
Thermal imaging can reveal misalignment issues through abnormal heat patterns around the housing. Vibration analysis can effectively identify misalignment by detecting elevated axial vibration at 1 and 2 times the operating speed frequency. A simple visual inspection can sometimes reveal signs such as uneven wear patterns on the bearing raceways or unusual lubricant leakage from one side of the bearing.
Regular alignment checks should be part of a preventive maintenance program, with the frequency determined by the criticality of the equipment and operating conditions.

What is the allowable bearing misalignment?

The allowable misalignment varies by bearing type and design. Spherical roller bearings offer the most flexibility and can typically tolerate misalignment of 0.5 to 2 degrees, depending on the bearing series and size. Standard deep groove ball bearings are more restrictive, typically requiring an alignment error of 0.05 to 0.1 degrees for optimal performance. Self-aligning ball bearings are somewhere in the middle with an allowable alignment error of about 3 degrees.

What causes bearing misalignment?

Foundation settlement: This can cause uneven heights at one or more mounting points, which can lead to misalignment.
Shaft warping: This can occur during startup, causing deformation and misalignment.
Human error: Improper alignment measurements can cause misalignment.
Pipe strain: This can cause parallel and angular misalignment.
Thermal expansion: Deformation or expansion of equipment due to temperature changes can affect alignment.
Shaft centerline misalignment can create oscillations and vibrations that can cause severe mechanical damage if not addressed. Identifying misalignment and its root cause is critical to extending equipment life.
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