Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings

Spherical roller thrust bearings are a type of rolling-element bearing that supports axial loads. They permit rotation with low friction and can tolerate angular misalignment.

They are suitable for a wide variety of applications and are available with a choice of cages, including stamped window-type cages and machined prong-type cages. NEWORLD also offers a range of special-purpose designs with higher utility parameters and a more durable shaft washer.

Self-aligning

Unlike tapered roller thrust bearings, which are sensitive to static misalignment between shaft and housing, spherical roller thrust bearings are self-aligning. Their raceways are designed with a large number of asymmetrical rollers. This enables the rollers to conform to the washer raceways, optimizing load distribution along their length. These bearings are able to support heavy axial loads in one direction and moderate radial loads.

This design makes them ideal for applications that experience heavy axial loads and difficulty in establishing or maintaining correct bearing alignment. The asymmetrical rollers also help to compensate for shaft deflection and distortions.

NEWORLD recommends using this bearing for all applications operating at speeds below the green area in diagram 1. At these speeds, the axial installation clearance can be reduced by installing the bearing with an external preload. This allows for a simpler and more cost-effective bearing arrangement, especially in vertical shaft applications. Examples of these applications include injection pump governor linkage axial thrust bearings, vehicle steering axle bearings and gearbox secondary output shafts.

High load carrying capacity

Spherical roller thrust bearings are able to support high axial loads in one direction and moderate radial loads. These specialized bearings are also highly resistant to shock loads and misalignment. This makes them ideal for applications that require heavy-duty operations.

They are often used in blowout preventers, a type of large valve employed in oil and gas drilling. They are able to withstand the high pressure and heavy loads of these machines while providing stability and precision shaft alignment.

In addition, spherical thrust roller bearings can operate at lower speeds than other types of thrust bearings. This allows for easier maintenance and operation in harsh environments. They are also separable, making them easy to disassemble and mount without removing the shaft washer. This feature saves time and money during installation and maintenance. They are also more resistant to temperature changes than other types of bearings. They are also lubricated for longer life expectancy and less noise.

Asymmetric rollers

Spherical roller thrust bearings have a unique design that allows them to accommodate heavy loads while remaining stable at high speeds. These bearings have a spherical inner surface and outer surface that slide against each other on either a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or maintenance-free liner. This reduces sliding friction and allows the bearing to operate under marginal lubrication conditions without losing performance.

These bearings can withstand heavy axial loads in one direction while also accommodating radial loads, but these radial loads must be smaller than the maximum simultaneously acting axial load. They can also accommodate shaft deflection and housing distortion. They have a spherical raceway that enables the bearing to align verticality deviations between the shaft and housing.

This type of bearing is ideal for operating conditions that experience heavy loads, difficulty establishing or maintaining housing alignment, and/or shaft deflection. These bearings have specially designed raceways with asymmetrical rollers that ensure high load capacity, low friction, and continuous roller alignment. They can be fitted with a machined brass or pressed steel cage.

Light weight

Due to their spherical raceway design, the shaft washer and rollers of a spherical thrust bearing are significantly lighter than those of a cylindrical or tapered bearing. This allows for easier and less expensive equipment assembly, especially in applications where space is limited.

The spherical contour of the rollers reduces friction, and internal self-alignment during operation compensates for shaft deflections or misalignment between housing and bearing. This allows equipment designers to use simple weldments in housing frames, reducing costs and the need for machining.

Additionally, spherical thrust bearings can be operated at relatively low speeds without preload. This makes them particularly efficient in fans, where the start/stop cycle occurs frequently. Contact NEWORLD for more information on a specific application, or to see how we can help you save money using these cost-effective solutions. Our application engineers can determine potential savings quickly and free of charge – online, by phone or in person. We’ll help you find the best solution for your application!