Project Summary
Liquified natural gas (LNG) pumps operate widely in conditions that place unusual demands on bearing performance. Temperatures can fall as low as -162°C (-260°F), and the pumps operate without external lubrication. Under these conditions, standard ball bearings can fail rapidly because of material instability and contamination by particles in the liquified gas. For facilities that rely on these pumps, repeated bearing failures can cause major downtime, costly repairs, and operational disruption.
To address these challenges, SLS Bearings, in partnership with Timken, provided a specialised solution: a bearing capable of sustaining top performance in ultra-low temperatures, supporting minimal disruptions without external lubrication.
Understanding The Challenge
The key role of bearings is to reduce friction for smoother machine operation, using balls or rollers to carry load with low friction, thus supporting rotating shafts in various industrial machinery. Notably, bearings support key industry components such as electric motors, transmissions, turbines, turbochargers, and pumps.
However, in ultra-low-temperature environments, standard bearings cannot perform at peak efficiency. When standard bearings fail frequently in this environment, the time required for repair and rebuilding can directly affect how quickly a pump returns to service.
The challenge is therefore not simply
selecting a bearing, but addressing several demanding conditions at the same time. The bearing must operate at an ultra-low temperature, perform without external lubrication, and contend with particles present in the liquified gas.
Customised Solution: Specialised Bearing for Ultra-low Temperatures
After evaluating the issue, SLS’ technical team worked together with Timken, assessing site conditions and running tests. The team determined that a customised solution was needed to address the core issues and to ensure extreme temperature resistance, peak efficiency, and minimal downtime in such harsh environments.
A specialised deep groove ball bearing was developed specifically for ultra-low temperature applications.
Key developments:
- Stainless steel races are treated to maintain dimensional stability at -162°C (-260°F).
- Silicon nitride balls provide superior fatigue resistance under poor lubrication conditions.
- PEEK cage with custom rivets and washers enhances bearing performance in contaminated environments.
Each feature responds to a challenge identified in the LNG pump application, creating a solution designed around the operating environment rather than relying on a standard ball bearing.
Efficient Response & Expert Team for Industries
Bearing performance was only one part of the response. When a pump requires rebuilding, the availability of replacement components can also affect the time before equipment returns to service. SLS and Timken’s expert teams acted promptly, remaining proactive to ensure everything could be assessed and developed within the shortest lead time possible, ensuring stable client operations and building a long-term, reliable solution for maximum results.
The specialised bearing was provided with a lead time of only 14 weeks, considerably faster than the six to nine months typically offered by competitors. Excess components from each order were also maintained, allowing an even faster response to future requirements.
Impact on Client Operations
Combining a specialised bearing solution with responsive manufacturing helped reduce LNG pump rebuild times.
Results showed that:
- LNG pumps could return to service faster, significantly increasing uptime.
- Quicker deployment also minimised operational disruptions and helped facilities maintain an improved, seamless workflow.
By focusing on both the bearing requirements and response time, the solution supported improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Conclusion: A Practical Lesson for Demanding Applications
This case study highlights how our SLS experts and Timken’s technical teams consider both product design and supply responsiveness when assessing customer equipment that operates in challenging conditions. For LNG pump applications, addressing ultra-low temperatures, poor lubrication conditions, and contamination, combined with shorter lead times, are important in helping equipment return to service faster and improve uptime.
As a leading company in industrial motion products, Timken designs, makes, and markets bearings, material handling products, linear motion products, and related industrial motion rebuild and repair services. By partnering with Timken, SLS improves the reliability and performance of our customers’ machinery in diverse regional and local markets.
At SLS Bearings, we are committed to helping customers overcome challenging operational problems and achieve higher efficiency and productivity through
reliable solutions.
If you are facing operational challenges and require a customised solution,
contact SLS for expert assistance in enhancing efficiency, reliability, and industrial performance.
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