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SKF INSOCOAT Bearings: Reliable Insulation Solutions to Protect Electric Motors and Generators from Electrical Erosion
Electric motors, generators and associated equipment are at risk when an electric current passes through their bearings. This can damage the contact surfaces of rolling elements and raceways in the bearings (electrical erosion) and rapidly degrade the grease. An additional risk in electric motors and generators comes from high frequency currents caused by the inherent stray capacitance. The risk of damage increases where the application uses a frequency converter.
INSOCOAT bearings are designed to prevent electric current from passing through the bearing. The external surfaces of either their inner or outer ring are coated with an insulating aluminium oxide layer, by applying a sophisticated plasma-spray process for an outstanding quality finish. The solutions are very cost-effective compared with other insulation methods.
Assortment
The standard assortment of INSOCOAT bearings listed here constitutes the most commonly used sizes and variants of:
- Single row deep groove ball bearings
- Single row cylindrical roller bearings
For bearing types and sizes not listed in the product tables (Deep groove ball bearings, Cylindrical roller bearings), contact SKF.
For applications where smaller bearings than those listed are needed, SKF recommends using SKF Hybrid bearings.
In addition to the standard assortment, SKF can supply special INSOCOAT bearings and bearing units with complex ring geometries, such as:
- Four-point contact ball bearings
- Flanged tapered roller bearings
- Tapered roller bearing units (TBU)
- Traction motor bearing units
For availability and detailed information, contact SKF.
Features and benefits
- Protection against electrical erosion
With insulating properties integrated into the bearing, INSOCOAT bearings can improve reliability and increase machine uptime by virtually eliminating the problem of electrical erosion. - High electrical resistance
The aluminium oxide coating provides a minimum electrical resistance of 200 MΩ and can withstand voltages up to 3 000 V DC. - Consistent electrical performance
Plasma-spray coatings are normally hygroscopic and, therefore, vulnerable to penetration caused by condensation. To protect against this effect, INSOCOAT bearings are treated with a unique sealant.
Applications
Here are examples of applications in which INSOCOAT bearings might be used:
Inquiry - SKF INSOCOAT bearings
