Prevention of bearing contamination can prove to be a challenging task for you if you are unaware of the cause behind the contamination. In order to provide sufficient protection to bearings against contamination, you need to get all the relevant and necessary information about what causes bearing contamination and how a bearing is contaminated.

Bearing contaminants are usually composed of external bodies such as debris, dust and dirt. These foreign bodies puncture the thin layer of grease coating the bearings and penetrate through it, causing significant harm and damage to bearings. Apart from dirt, debris and dust, water may also be considered as a contaminant, as it is nemesis to the oily lubricant. Even the contamination of the lubricant by a very marginal amount of water can reduce the lifespan of a bearing significantly.

Fundamental and the most important measures of bearing contamination prevention include the proper usage of contamination seals. Different kinds of seals are appropriate for different applications of bearings. In order to avail and employ a bearing seal that is most suited to the application of your machine, you may contact a reliable and reputable manufacturer or supplier to get advice regarding the right seal for your bearings. Apprise the dealer or supplier with all the relevant and necessary information concerning equipment performance, shaft orientation, assembly requirements, lubrication and various other factors, so that they may advice you accurately about the proper selection and usage of bearing seals. Suppliers and dealers also consider the kinds of materials and mounting used in the manufacture of the seal and then render valuable and feasible advice.

Tips for Seal Maintenance

• In order to properly use and maintain a suitable sealing for your bearing, you need to take extreme care when dismantling a machine unit. This is of particular importance when you are handling heavy industrial machinery. While dismantling heavy machinery, you may take care to not to lift components such as dirty slings, wire ropes and chains as these can be easily mishandled and can cause significant harm to bearing seals.
• Also, if you use compressed-air sprays, steam or water for the regular cleaning of your bearings, it is essential that you take great care with their use. Most of the seals and bearings are not designed to withstand the high pressure exerted as a consequence of compressed-air spray or steam cleaning. Hence, these can easily rupture the protective seals, ultimately leading to bearing contamination.
• When applying grease to bearings, take care that you do not use excessive lubricant around the opening of bearing seals. Excessive application of lubricant around the concerned area can lead to a reduction in the effectiveness of the bearing seal.
• Also, be wary of any damages, such as cracks and breaks in your bearing seals. Check you bearing seals regularly for any leakages and as soon as you may come across any signs of damage, it is advised that you replace the bearing seal as soon as possible.
• Lastly, ensure that the seal that you are using is suitable for the external environment that it is exposed to and for the concerned mechanical application.