News

Mining industry bearings: types, applications, failure causes and maintenance practices

In the mining sector, the working surroundings are characterized by severe conditions like dust, high temperatures, and impact loads, which impose strict requirements on equipment. Equipment breakdowns not only result in high maintenance expenses but might also trigger production halts and safety hazards. Among the numerous factors causing failures, bearing damage is frequently the most common yet easily neglected issue. This article will conduct a thorough analysis of the application of bearings in the mining industry, assisting you in selecting the appropriate model based on different working conditions, lowering maintenance costs, and prolonging the service life of equipment.

Bearings in the mining industry
In mining, bearings are utilized in crushers, conveyors, loaders, and drilling equipment to minimize friction, withstand impact loads, and enhance reliability. The most prevalent types of bearings include spherical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, and deep groove ball bearings. These bearing types are specifically engineered to maintain durability in dusty and high-load environments.

Next, let’s delve deeper into the working principles, types, maintenance, and real-world application cases of FRSZC bearings in the mining industry.

What are bearings in the mining industry?
In the mining industry, bearings primarily function to support rotating components, reduce friction, and bear heavy loads. They are extensively employed in mining equipment such as crushers, conveyors, screens, winches, fans, drills, and heavy-duty trucks, ensuring that the equipment can operate smoothly continuously under high-intensity, strong vibration, and polluted environments.

The role of bearings in mining
The performance of bearings in mining equipment directly influences the operational efficiency and maintenance cycles of the equipment. Selecting high-performance bearings that are resistant to heavy loads, contamination, and have a long service life is crucial for ensuring stable, efficient, and safe operation at mining sites.

What are the four types of bearings used in mining?
Generally, the commonly used bearings in the mining industry are mainly categorized into the following four types:

Bearing classification in the mining industry
– Rolling bearings: Comprising ball bearings and roller bearings, they are used in all equipment ranging from conveyor pulleys to gearboxes.
– Plain bearings: Usually applied in sliding scenarios such as pivots or heavy-duty suspension points.
– Thrust bearings: Mainly used to bear axial loads, they are highly suitable for heavy-duty vertical shafts in mills or crushers.
– Sealed bearings: Equipped with built-in tight seals, they effectively prevent water, sand, and dust from entering the bearing.

What are spherical roller bearings used for in mining?
Spherical roller bearings are the most widely used bearings in mining equipment, such as jaw crushers, cone crushers, vibrating screens, conveyor pulleys, blowers, motors, and pumps. Their popularity mainly stems from the following aspects:

Spherical roller bearings in mining
– Self-aligning function: Allows angular misalignment between the shaft and the bearing housing, making them suitable for unstable foundations or equipment that is difficult to align.
– High load capacity: Can bear high radial loads and moderate axial loads simultaneously, suitable for heavy-duty equipment like crushers and screens.
– Impact and vibration resistance: Adaptable to severe impact and continuous vibration conditions in mining processes.
– Long lifespan and low maintenance: Provide a guarantee for reducing unexpected downtime and maintenance costs in mining.

This type of bearing holds more than 60% of the market share (source: Bearing News).

What are the common causes of bearing failure in mining?
Bearing failure can cause mining equipment to cease operation, resulting in significant downtime losses. The following are common causes of bearing damage:

Bearing failures in mining
– Contamination: Dust, slurry, and moisture can damage the bearing seal and enter the interior of the bearing, ultimately leading to bearing damage. Signs include abrasive scratches on the raceway surface and early fatigue spalling.
– Poor lubrication: Incorrect selection of lubricants (for example, using regular grease under high temperature or heavy load), insufficient or excessive lubrication, and irregular lubrication cycles all contribute to bearing failure. Main signs include overheating, accelerated wear, raceway scuffing, and early failure.
– Overload: Under extreme conditions, if the actual load exceeds the bearing’s rated capacity, it can cause roller misalignment, raceway spalling, and inner ring cracking, eventually leading to failure.
– Bearing fatigue: After long-term operation under continuous high or impact loads, the bearing may exceed its rated service life. Early symptoms include raceway spalling, increased noise, and higher vibration levels.

What are the best practices for bearing replacement and maintenance in mining?
In the mining industry, daily maintenance is of great significance. To avoid downtime caused by bearing failure, here are some maintenance recommendations:

Bearing maintenance in mining
– Visual inspection: Check seals, noise, and heat buildup.
– Regular lubrication: Use the correct grease and follow proper intervals.
– Alignment check: Prevent uneven loading.
– Predictive diagnostics: Use vibration or temperature monitoring tools.

Need help in formulating a preventive plan? Please contact FRSZC—we assist customers in developing customized maintenance plans.

Customer case study: Why Goran chose FRSZC instead of international brands
Goran is a mining equipment purchaser from the Middle East. He initially got in touch with us looking for original NSK bearings because he was worried about counterfeit products in the market. However, after a professional discussion about his equipment and working environment (including watching videos and pictures of a sand and gravel separator running 16 hours a day), we recommended the FRSZC brand as a practical and reliable alternative.

Mining bearings customer case study
So we provided the customer with:
– A technical comparison between NSK and FRSZC.
– Support for code matching and clearance selection.
– Quick responses regarding pricing, availability, and shipping.
– Product performance data and material specifications.

Goran later disclosed that his previous supplier had secretly reduced product quality after gaining his trust. He appreciated our honesty and said, “This time, I want a long-term partner who will never compromise on quality.”

Thanks to this transparent and solution-oriented approach, Goran accepted FRSZC as his new bearing supplier, transforming his initial doubts into a successful business relationship.

Are SKF or NSK the only options? Why consider FRSZC bearings?
Admittedly, major brands such as SKF and NSK dominate the market. But FRSZC is helping customers reduce costs, avoid long lead times, while still ensuring the quality and durability of bearings.

Here’s why FRSZC is a smart choice:
– Factory-direct pricing, with no middlemen.
– Large inventory for fast delivery.
– Customized sizes and materials for specific applications.
– Trusted by customers in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, the US, Japan, and Korea.

If you’re seeking a cost-effective and proven supplier, FRSZC is always ready to support your project—regardless of its size.