Ensuring the smooth, reliable operation of all machinery installed above the waterline is a tall order for a ship's Deck Crew. Operating conditions are tough, and maintenance requirements of the equipment onerous, with the onset of bearing seizure usually imminent should periodic maintenance be delayed or overlooked. Inadequately greased bronze bushings and seawater shaft corrosion may cause bushing seizure.
Even sealed, rolling element bearings often fail prematurely as a result of salt water ingress past their simple contact seals or from the intermittent impact loads this equipment is often subjected to. The cost-effective, maintenance-free solution to solving many of these problems is ThorPlas-Blue, Thordon's new lifetime lubricated bearing material. Capable of operating pressures to 45MPa (6,527 psi), ThorPlas-Blue can be easily back-fit into virtually all applications where greased bronze is currently installed.
When a non-corroding pin or shaft liner is included as part of the conversion as recommended, ThorPlas-Blue does not require greasing to ensure smooth operation. The lubricants formulated throughout the homogenous ThorPlas-Blue polymer matrix ensure a low, stable coefficient of friction, even as the bearing wears. In applications where movement is infrequent and there is significant exposure to salt water spray, if space permits, high performance Thorseal lip seals can be considered to prevent the ingress of seawater and possible buildup of salt deposits in the bearing. Wear rates are very low compared to greased bronze ensuring long life and dramatically reduced maintenance costs.
With the elimination of grease, ThorPlas-Blue offers improved safety for the crew not having to grease these bushings located in hard to reach locations. Grease-free ThorPlas-Blue also means the disappearance of unsightly grease from view as well as the potential of grease stains on clothing. To facilitate maintenance while under way, ThorPlas-Blue can be easily and safely machined using on-board machining facilities and then installed quickly.
Other Thordon grades may also be possible for different operating environments depending on the pressures, speed and abrasives.