Rolling bearing maintenance, condition
monitoring and reconditioning from a single source

In a tough economic climate, companies are identifying ways in which they can cut costs, reduce capital expenditure and prolong the life of their existing plant and production equipment - particularly those that rely on high value capital plant and machinery.

Rolling bearings are often found at the heart of most rotating machines. In order to prolong the life of this equipment, the correct mounting, maintenance and condition monitoring of these rolling bearings is critical and can help to avoid any costly, unplanned downtime. Furthermore, rather than buy new replacement bearings for production machines, companies can look to cut costs by returning worn bearings for reconditioning.

Schaeffler UK offers a comprehensive range of rolling bearing maintenance equipment, condition monitoring systems and reconditioning services - all available from a single source. These products and services include bearing mounting and dismounting equipment; lubricants; automatic lubricators; alignment and balancing tools; condition monitoring systems; and rolling bearing reconditioning services.

By opting to have bearings reconditioned, for example, companies can reduce costs and save time. The costs of reconditioning a large rolling bearing are only a fraction (normally between 20 and 70 per cent) of the cost of buying new. In addition, the lead times involved in reconditioning are much shorter than producing new replacement versions.

Reconditioning typically includes the polishing and regrinding of raceways; removal of any fretting corrosion; re-greasing; new rolling elements; cage replacement; or the remanufacture of bore diameters and internal clearance. Often, the reconditioned bearing is given the same warranty as new replacement bearings. Reconditioning is also available for both Schaeffler-produced bearings and bearings from other manufacturers.

In many cases, the bearings can be restored to a completely acceptable, functionally reliable condition using appropriate cleaning and repair techniques. Applications include bearings used in steel and aluminium rolling mills, papermaking machinery, mining and quarrying machines, mineral processing equipment, the wind energy sector or in shipbuilding. Significant cost reductions can be made by opting for reconditioning rather than new replacement bearings.

On the condition monitoring side, Schaeffler offers all the necessary tools and equipment for prolonging the life of rolling bearings. These include handheld infrared thermometers; battery-operated and handheld vibration monitoring devices and balancing tools; and a wide range of online condition monitoring systems, including specific systems for monitoring the condition of drive train components on a wind turbine.

Alignment tools can also help prolong the life of production equipment and machines that use rolling bearings. Schaeffler offers a range of alignment and tensioning tools for belt pulleys and chain sprockets, as well as shaft alignment systems for motors, pumps, ventilators and gearboxes.

The reliable, controlled supply of lubrication to a rolling bearing is also important and can extend the maintenance interval and maximise the life of the rolling bearing. Schaeffler provides a wide range of automatic lubricators and multi-bearing lubrication systems to suit every application.

The correct mounting and dismounting of rolling bearings can save time, improve bearing life and therefore minimise downtime of machines. Here, thermal mounting and dismounting tools can be used, including heating plates, induction heating devices, mounting paste, heating rings, feeler gauges, hydraulic extractors, hydraulic nuts and hand pump sets can be used to ensure that bearings are mounted and removed easily and quickly without causing damage to the bearings.

For further information on Schaeffler UK's comprehensive range of bearing mounting, maintenance, condition monitoring and reconditioning services, view website:  www.schaeffler.co.uk or telephone the marketing department on 0121 351 3833 and ask for a copy of catalogue MP1.

FAG Group in profile
With a total of 66,000 employees at over 180 locations around the globe and group sales of 8.9 billion euros (fiscal year 2008), the Schaeffler Group is one of the world's leading rolling bearing manufacturers and automotive component suppliers. The corporate group includes the INA Group with headquarters in Herzogenaurach, the FAG Group based in Schweinfurt as well as the LuK Group, with headquarters in Bühl.

For further information, e-mail: info.uk@schaeffler.com  or view website: www.schaeffler.co.uk    Refer to next page

A boost for the performance of demulsifier formulations

Momentive Performance Materials today introduced Silbreak* 638 Silicone Demulsifier, a new material that enhances the oil demulsification process, making exploration feasible in conditions once thought to be technically and environmentally too demanding.

Silbreak 638 Silicone Demulsifier may be highly effective in controlling foam in gas oil separators. The material is non-toxic and degrades easily in sea water, making it an attractive alternative to less environmentally friendly products now being used in the oil industry.

Silbreak demulsifiers represent a novel class of hybrid demulsifiers that combine the unusually high surface activity of silicone materials with the emulsion destabilising activity of organic groups. Silbreak demulsifiers may be particularly active in heavy crude or upgraded crude at low dosage levels. When formulated together with organic demulsifiers, they may be able to efficiently separate water from crude at lower temperatures, produce clean water and reduce residual BSW in the crude to less than the required specification levels at a lower overall cost.

"Silbreak 638 Silicone Demulsifier can play a strategic role in helping oil exploration companies meet growing worldwide demand," said Kostas Spyropoulos, Global Marketing Manager at Momentive Performance Materials, for this product. "By efficiently breaking water-in-oil emulsions and controlling foam in oil-based systems, Silbreak 638 Silicone Demulsifier enhances the recovery process while addressing environmental concerns."

The new silicone demulsifier may be effective in harsh conditions such as in oil sands, deep-sea fields and in areas where the crude is heavy or acidic. It remains liquid at extreme temperatures making it easy to handle in cold conditions.

Silbreak 638 Silicone Demulsifier is based on a modified polydimethylsiloxane that contains no halogens. Because of its high molecular weight, Silbreak 638 Silicone Demulsifier is expected to be non-bioaccumulating.

For further information: e-mail: es-eur.licones@momentive.com or view website: www.momentive.com.

PIX Europe Ltd obtain the ISO9001:2008
standard and Investors in People Bronze Award

Ipswich based PIX Europe Ltd, is proud to announce they have successfully met all the requirements of the external audit carried out by Warwick Management Network, to obtain the ISO9001:2008 standard and Investors in People Bronze Award. This makes them the first Company in Norfolk or Suffolk to successfully complete the new joint assessment for both standards.

These certifications set out the systematic control of activities to ensure that the needs and expectations of employees and customers are met, and ensure that PIX's management, design and quality control procedures match the highest international standard of service delivery.

Stewart Booth, Operations Director at PIX commented, "We are delighted to have achieved ISO 9001 and Investors in People status, after many months of hard work. They are testament to our commitment to customer satisfaction and continual quality assurance. Our clients demand the best, and our goal is to meet and exceed their expectations. It has improved our competitive position and significantly improved service and quality across our whole business."

ISO 9001:2008 recognises companies with quality management systems that consistently provide services that exceed customer and regulatory requirements. The certification is awarded to companies that enhance customer satisfaction through quality programmes.

"ISO accreditation is an acknowledgement of our adherence to strict quality standards" continued Stewart "It was not a critical business requirement for us to go for the award, as our manufacturing plants around the world are already certified. However, as we had experienced several years of rapid growth, we saw the process as a way of redesigning our infrastructure, and we have used ISO 9001 as a template for excellence, transforming the business and its processes from the inside out."

Stewart was very keen to highlight special contributions from the PIX team, which have made the achievements possible. Our Technical Services Manager, George Soanes, has led the project, and his tireless attention to detail has ensured our success. On the Investors in People side, Customer Services Supervisor, Damian Brannigan, did much of the foundation work.

Michael Fredericks, from Warwick Management Network said, "Gaining Investors In People status was achieved in just 18 months and most importantly without the need for any major re-engineering of the existing culture within PIX - this was particularly pleasing and reassuring for their employees. As an additional accolade, the auditors were also able to bestow the prestigious Bronze Award for IiP, a magnificent achievement at a first assessment"

The Investors in People framework highlights the vital role that employee engagement plays in business success: it is a core component of effective leadership and management, and accesses the exceptional management practices and dedication to employee development.

To achieve the Investors in People standard, an organisation must meet a minimum of 39 requirements. PIX not only met these requirements but also met a further 26 additional requirements beyond the minimum standard to gain their Bronze status.

"We are very proud of our staff, all of whom have the exceptional skills and dedication needed to provide top quality services for PIX customers. The quality of our team has been the most important component in our success" concludes Stewart "I am delighted that auditors felt that standards were high enough to warrant the Bronze Award. Their feedback and encouragement has helped us to focus on how we can improve still further. In a competitive market, such as ours, it is important that our customers know we "go the extra mile"!

For further information, e-mail: dbrannigan@pixeuro.com or view website: www.pixeuro.com