Bearing Seals - Preventative protection

In heavy industrial operations, the smallest issues can quickly escalate into costly downtime. When oil analysis reveals contamination, or when frequent bearing failures disrupt your workflow, it's not just a maintenance concern—it's a signal that your gearbox seals might be failing. But waiting for a critical failure isn’t an option in industries where every minute counts.

The ideal seal selection for gearboxes around the globe

Are you concerned with one or more of the following:

  • Contamination: Regular oil analysis might reveal particulate contamination, water ingress, or degradation in lubricant quality, signaling that seals are no longer effective.
  • Frequent Bearing Failures: Operators may be experiencing repeated bearing failures or premature wear, leading to costly repairs and unplanned downtime.
  • Increased Service Calls: Companies might notice that gearboxes require more frequent maintenance, particularly seal replacement, which interrupts production schedules and increases operational costs.
  • Corrosion Issues: In environments where moisture or corrosive agents are present, corrosion of bearings and other internal components could be a significant concern.
  • Operational Efficiency Losses: Any reduction in gearbox efficiency due to seal failure, leading to heat build-up or energy loss, could also be a trigger for seeking an upgrade.

The Solution: Upgrade to ISOMAG bearing isolators with Artec

The typical seal used in gearboxes today is the lip seal, which relies on the equipment's shaft as its main sealing surface, often resulting in wear and deterioration over time. In contrast, ISOMAG bearing seals rotate along with the shaft, eliminating metal-to-metal contact, and offering a durable, long-lasting solution that represents a significant upgrade. ISOMAG bearing isolators are engineered to minimize the risks of contamination, corrosion, and lubricant degradation, making it an essential upgrade for any heavy-duty application.

modes of bearing failure

Common modes of bearing failure

Artec Machine Gearbox Field Services

Artec Machine, in partnership with ISOMAG, offers a proactive approach to gearbox maintenance. These advanced bearing seals are designed to prevent these common failures, ensuring that your gearboxes remain reliable and efficient. With our global field service teams ready to install and maintain these seals on-site, we provide an upgrade solution that enhances the performance of your existing gear units. This service not only extends the lifespan of your gearboxes but also delivers a significant return on investment by minimizing unplanned downtime and reducing maintenance costs. This service upgrade not only enhances the performance of your gear units but also extends their service life, providing a significant return on investment.

Compatibility with Common Lubrication Types

To see how ISOMAG seals stack up against lip seals and labyrinth isolators under different conditions and lubrication systems, take a look at our comparison chart. ISOMAG seals excel at preventing oil leaks in gearboxes across a wide range of scenarios and conditions, including oil-flooded, oil mist, static, dynamic applications, and more.

Bearing Isolator Performance Comparison Lip Seal Labyrinth
Isolator
ARTEC /
ISOMAG
Performs reliably in flooded oil level
Performs reliably in oil mist
Performs reliably in static and/or dynamic conditions
Provides a liquid-tight seal
Allows air molecules to egress
Causes no wear to any host equipment component surface
Performs reliably at or below operating bearing temperature
Performs reliably in vertical positions

Isolator is not recommended under the given condition
Isolator is recommended under the given condition

Technology

Magnetic-face sealing technology

  • Prevents lubricant leakage
  • Prevents contaminant ingress
  • Increase bearing life 75,000 hours
  • Reduce frequency of oil changes
  • A static and dynamic particle filter

O-ring driven rotary sealing face

  • Eliminates shaft wear on host equipment

Cartridge seal assembly

  • Allows axial shaft movement up to 1” (≈25mm)
  • Easy installation and removal
magnetic face bearing lip seals

ISOMAG’s magnetic-face bearing seals enhance gearbox longevity by forming a secure barrier that blocks contaminants and prevents lubrication issues, which are a leading cause of gearbox malfunctions.

bearing lip seal upgrades and replacements diagram

ISOMAG Bearing seals are compatible with a wide range of heavy industrial gearboxes.

Applications in Key Industries:

Ropeways (Lift-Gear Industry)

Application: Ropeways and ski lifts, such as those from ZF Lohmann and Kissling, are critical infrastructure in the lift-gear industry, operating in some of the harshest environmental conditions. These systems are exposed to extreme moisture, ice, and temperature fluctuations, which can lead to accelerated wear and unexpected failures if not properly protected.

Relevance: ISOMAG’s bearing seals are engineered to offer superior contamination control and lubricant retention, crucial for preventing corrosion and extending the operational life of gearboxes in these environments. Upgrading to ISOMAG bearing seals not only enhances the reliability of your ropeway systems but also reduces maintenance intervals and the risk of costly downtime, ensuring that your operations remain smooth and uninterrupted throughout the season.

Mining Equipment Gearboxes

Application: Gearboxes in mining are used in equipment such as crushers, conveyors, draglines, and grinding mills. These gearboxes must handle heavy loads, shock loads, and operate under harsh conditions like dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures.

Relevance: Mining operations require gearboxes that are not only durable but also efficient in energy consumption, making high-quality seals and protection critical.

Marine and Offshore Gearboxes

Application: Critical Protection for Large-Scale Marine and Offshore Operations: In marine and offshore environments, particularly in operations as demanding as those on various oil platforms, the reliability of gearboxes is crucial. These massive structures and vessels rely on gearboxes for propulsion, drilling, and other essential functions. The harsh conditions, including saltwater exposure, high humidity, and heavy loads, pose significant challenges.

Relevance: ISOMAG bearing seals and isolators provide advanced protection against corrosion and environmental contaminants, ensuring that these vital gearboxes operate smoothly and efficiently. By safeguarding against the ingress of saltwater and other harmful elements, our solutions help extend the service life of marine and offshore gearboxes, minimizing the risk of costly downtime and repairs.

Cement Industry Gearboxes

Application: Gearboxes in cement plants are used in kiln drives, crushers, and conveyors. They must handle heavy, abrasive materials and operate under high temperatures.

Relevance: The cement industry’s demanding environment makes it essential for gearboxes to have reliable seals that prevent contamination and extend operational life.

Sugar Mill Gearboxes

Application: These gearboxes are used in rolling mills, which are essential for shaping steel into various forms like sheets, bars, and rails. The rolling mill gearboxes must handle high torque and heavy loads as they drive the rollers that compress the steel.

Relevance: These gearboxes often operate under high temperatures and intense pressure, making durability and reliability critical.

Rolling Mill Gearboxes

Application: Apart from the more obvious applications in turbines, gearboxes in power plants are used in auxiliary systems such as cooling towers, conveyors, and coal mills.

Relevance: These gearboxes often operate in high-temperature environments and require seals that can withstand both heat and contaminants like coal dust.

Pulp and Paper Mill Gearboxes

Application: Gearboxes in pulp and paper mills drive the machinery that processes wood into pulp and paper. These systems need to handle continuous operation in environments with high humidity and exposure to chemicals.

Relevance: Effective sealing solutions are critical to protect against moisture and chemical ingress, ensuring the longevity of the gearboxes.

magnum dv8 isomag bearing seal
Magnum-P V7
Lubrication Splash, Mist, Circulated
Equipment Pumps, Steam Turbines
Orientation Horizontal
magnum dv8 isomag bearing seal
Magnum-P V6S
Lubrication Bath, Flooded
Equipment Pumps, Gearboxes
Orientation Horizontal, Vertical Down
magnum dv8 isomag bearing seal
Magnum-D V8
Lubrication Splash, Grease
Equipment Pumps, Electric Motors
Orientation Horizontal, Vertical Up

Why Choose Artec and ISOMAG?

artec field service lip seal replacement

As an AGMA member, Artec is committed to providing industry-leading solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. Our partnership with ISOMAG brings together two leaders in the field, ensuring that your gear units receive the best possible protection and performance enhancements. Artec proudly services all major heavy-gear equipment brands, including ZF Lohmann, Dopelymayr, MAAG, Radicon, Elecon and Kissling

Intertek ISO 9001:2008

Additional Resources

elecon industrial gearbox repair service
radicon industrial gearbox repair service
maag industrial gearbox repair service
custom high-speed gearbox design
kissling industrial gearbox repair service
zf lohmann industrial gearbox repair service
custom high-speed gearbox design

Artec News

23

Apr

2024

Intertek ISO 9001:2008
AGMA gear box repairs and gearbox refurbishment