The aggregate industry is highly lucrative and will be for the foreseeable future. The global aggregates market size was estimated at USD 532.83 billion in 2022, and it is forecast to hit around USD 914.44 billion by 2032, according to Precedence Research. Additionally, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, aggregate is the most fundamental material used in construction, “making up over 90% of an asphalt pavement and up to 80% of a concrete mix.
However, a significant component within the mining and aggregate industry is using bearings to operate conveyors, crawlers, crushers, and more. Matt Courter, a Mechanical Specialist for CBT Company, says load and speed are also important variables to consider for aggregate applications.
“Bearings are rated for a certain type of maximum speed,” Courter explains. “If a bearing is operating at too high of a velocity, it can overload and fail. Similarly, if a bearing is overloaded, it can fail prematurely, causing damage to surrounding machinery and downtime.”
Temperature is also another factor, Courter adds.
“Operating your bearing at lower temperatures can increase bearing life as lubricant will last longer in those conditions too,” he says.
Nick Roseto, Account Manager for Dodge Industrial, says there are many elements to think about when picking what bearing is best for your application, broken down into an acronym, HILLS.
H | “Housing material, such as cast iron or stainless steel, is crucial for the bearing’s durability,” Roseto says. “The housing supports the bearing and shaft loads while protecting the bearing from contaminants.” |
I | “Insert type. Whether it is a ball bearing, tapered roller bearing, or spherical roller bearing, it all depends on load, speed, and other variables,” Roseto explains. “Spherical and tapered roller bearings are preferred in most aggregate conditions because of their high durability. |
L | “Lubrication, which is used to reduce friction,” Roseto said. “Typically, standard lithium-based grease works well in aggregate industries, but higher-temperature greases are required in specialized settings. |
L | “Locking mechanisms are selected based on the ease of installation and speed requirements. Set screws are suitable for slower environments, while tapered adapter sleeves are preferred for faster operations. Because aggregate settings are typically low speed, mounted ball bearings are a good choice,” Roseto clarifies. |
S | ” Seals,” Roseto states. “The selection of seals is essential for machinery exposed to elements like dust and water. Using the Trident Lip Seal, which is equipped to resist dirty and wet conditions, could prove successful.” |
“There are many other components to review, such as the large variation in weather, but these factors are paramount to achieving optimum performance,” Roseto concludes.
Lastly, Adam Moresea, a Territory Manager for Timken, says it is equally needed to examine debris and dust getting into the equipment.
“With dust and debris being frequent within the aggregate industry, debris-resistant bearings are an option. For example, there are special coatings which are resistant to microcracking,” he says.
Bearings are a critical component of the aggregate industry and there are a multitude of factors to consider. There is no one-size-fits-all solution and choosing the wrong type of bearing for your needs can be disastrous. Those attempting to purchase bearings need to carefully examine all their options before committing.
Need to determine which bearing is right for you? Get in touch with a CBT Specialist to configure your custom solution.
