Bearing damage in compressor gearbox

Bearing damage in compressor gearbox is a complex and common problem, which may be caused by a variety of factors, including but not limited to poor lubrication, overload, improper installation, material fatigue, etc.

1. Types of bearing damage
There are many types of bearing damage in compressor gearbox, mainly including but not limited to the following:
Stripping: The running surface is peeled, and the stripping is obviously convex and concave. This is usually caused by excessive load, improper use, poor installation, poor precision of shaft or bearing box, too small clearance or foreign matter intrusion.
Burn: The bearing heats up and changes color, and then burns and cannot rotate. This is mainly caused by too small clearance, insufficient lubrication or improper lubricant, excessive load (excessive preload) and roller deflection.
Crack defect: Partial gap and crack. This may be caused by excessive impact load, excessive interference, large peeling, friction cracks or poor use (such as using a copper hammer, large foreign matter stuck).
Cracked cage: Loose or broken rivets, cracked cage. This may be caused by excessive torque load, high-speed rotation or frequent speed changes, poor lubrication, foreign matter stuck, large vibration or poor installation.
Rust corrosion: The surface is partially or completely rusted, and the rolling element pitch is rusted. This is mainly caused by poor storage, improper packaging, insufficient rust inhibitor, water or acid solution intrusion, and direct hand-holding of the bearing.
Wear: Surface wear causes dimensional changes, often accompanied by abrasion and wear marks. This may be caused by foreign matter mixed in the lubricant, poor lubrication or roller deflection.
Electrocorrosion: There are crater-like pits on the rolling surface, and further development is corrugated. This is mainly caused by the electrification of the rolling surface.
Indentation and bruises: Surface pits caused by the insertion of solid foreign matter or impact and scratches during installation. This may be caused by the intrusion of solid foreign matter, the insertion of stripping pieces, the impact or falling off caused by poor installation, and installation in an inclined state.

2. Causes of damage and solutions
For the above-mentioned different types of bearing damage, the following corresponding solutions can be taken:
Stripping: Re-study the use conditions and re-select bearings. Reconsider the clearance and check the machining accuracy of the shaft and bearing box. Check the lubricant and lubrication method to ensure that the lubrication is sufficient and appropriate.
Burn: Set the appropriate clearance (increase the clearance), check the type of lubricant and ensure the injection amount.
Check the use conditions to prevent positioning errors. Improve the bearing assembly method to ensure that the assembly is correct.
Crack defects: Check the use conditions, set the appropriate interference and check the material. Improve the installation and use methods to prevent friction cracks. Check the design around the bearing to ensure that the design is reasonable.
Cage rupture: Check the use conditions and check the lubrication conditions. Re-examine the choice of cage and select a suitable cage. Study the rigidity of the shaft and bearing box to ensure that the rigidity is sufficient.
Rust corrosion: Prevent rust during storage and strengthen the sealing performance. Check the lubricant regularly to ensure the quality of the lubricant. Pay attention to the use of bearings and avoid direct contact with the bearings with your hands.
Wear: Check the lubricant and lubrication method to ensure good lubrication effect. Strengthen the sealing performance to prevent foreign matter from intruding. Prevent positioning errors and ensure that the bearings are installed correctly.
Electrocorrosion: Make a current bypass valve to prevent current from passing through the inside of the bearing. Take insulation measures to ensure good insulation of the bearing.
Indentation and bruises: Improve installation and use methods to avoid collision and falling off. Prevent foreign matter from mixing in and ensure a clean working environment.