We offer a full range of split bearings, providing solutions for a wide range of operating conditions.

The working parts of a split bearing

Where a SN/SD plummer block unit has been used, we have the dimensionally equivalent replacement part

Over the years, SRB has built a reputation for the design and manufacture of highly specialised bearing units

From thin section, high speed bearings for wire stranding machines to robust, dependable water cooled units for continuous casting, SRB have the capability to provide top-quality products.

The cornerstone of this growing reputation is our willingness to work closely with equipment manufacturers and end users to solve specific application problems. This has led to the development of a number of innovative designs, some of which have now been incorporated into the SRB standard product range.

Should a standard unit spec not suit an end-user application 100%, we will endevour to find a design solution that will.

We acknowlege that each industry, each application and each client has its specific requirements.

Our non-located bearing handle thermal growth better than spherical roller bearings.

In most bearing applications, there is one located (fixed) bearing and multiple non-located (free) bearings per shaft.
The reason for this is that the located bearing holds the shaft in position while the non-located bearing allows for thermal growth of the shaft.

The split bearing method of accommodating thermal growth is far superior to the plumber block method as it is able to tolerate axial displacement and mis-alignment simultaneously. This allows it to be used in applications that specifically need to accommodate excessive thermal growth, for example, in blood cookers.

SRB bearings and housings may be mounted in a variety of support units according to the application and loading constraints. A number of variants are available as standard types. Custom designed support unit types are available on request.

• All elements are numbered for simple "match-the-number" fitting method
• No clearance setting required
• No special skills are required
• No Bearing feeler gauges are required to measure clearance
• No checking of the starting clearance
• No checking of the minimum reducing of clearance

• Installation & Fitting Animation
• Assembly Video

The function of a lubricant in a rolling element bearing is to prevent metal to metal contact between components, prevent wear and protect against corrosion. Two methods of lubrication are normally employed grease and oil. In the case of SRB Split Bearings grease lubrication is most often employed.

Greases can be used to lubricate SRB split roller bearings under most normal conditions. Grease is the preferred method of lubrication because it can be more easily retained within the bearing enclosure and housing, the latter simplifying sealing arrangements. Greases are essentially oils thickened usually with a metal soap, a third ingredient are additives such as rust inhibitors, or extra pressure additives. The oils employed may be mineral or synthetic depending upon the application.

SRB bearings are heat treated to retain dimensional stability up to 140°C. At temperatures up to 100°C, standard high quality greases may be used. We suggest good quality lithium soap or complex based greases having extra pressure additives and a consistency of 2. It is important to note that all values given in this catalogue for axial capacity assume the use of a grease with extra pressure (EP) additives. If EP additives are not present then axial capacity is reduced by 50%.

At temperatures exceeding 100°C care must be taken to ensure that the correct thickener and viscosity of base oil are selected. The performance of grease at such temperatures is dependent on a stable thickener and the temperature/viscosity ratio of the base oil. A stable base oil and soap thickener are important as is the ability of the oil to offer adequate viscosity at an elevated temperature.

No graphite or molybdenum grease is recommended, except for oscillating applications.

In cases of water splash, calcium soap based greases may be used, these are particularly resistant to water wash out. Care should be taken when mixing greases with different soap thickeners and base oil types. Please contact SRB Technical Services for further advice. For initial lubrication the bearing should always be well filled with grease. The remaining housing space should be filled as follows:-

• At low speeds, not exceeding 25% of catalogue speed rating, we suggest that the remaining housing space be fully filled with grease
• At medium speeds, between 25 and 50% of catalogue speed rating, the remaining housing space may be 1/3 to 1/2 filled with grease
• At high speeds, exceeding 50% of catalogue speed rating, the remaining housing space should be left empty

The re-lubrication intervals will be dependent on the prevailing operating conditions.

Greases age and oxidise due to a number of considerations these include load, speed, temperature, cleanliness, presence of water and even airflow through the bearing.

For retained type bearings, initial re-lubrication intervals for guidance purposes would be 2 - 4 weeks with 3 - 6 mls added. For expansion type bearings, initial re-lubrication intervals would be 3 - 4 months with 3 - 6 mls added. More accurate intervals and quantities should be established from observations taken during bearing operation.

If re-lubrication can be carried out whilst the bearing is in operation, this will allow for even distribution of the grease. This means of re-lubrication should only be undertaken if it is safe to do so.