OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) typically provide pillow block bearing isolators that are ineffective in protecting bearing systems for several reasons, such as poor selection of O-rings, contacting components, environmental conditions that are not physically able to be achieved by design, etc. Unlike these standard offerings, SEPCO EXPs are engineered to provide reliable bearing protection even in demanding applications involving high temperatures and oil-based lubrication—environments where typical OEM bearing isolators fail. Our design is non-contacting and boasts a quarter million-hour lifespan, as confirmed by rigorous field testing. The SEPCO EXP-PB (Pillow Block Bearing Isolator) is compatible with any pillow block that uses LER or LOR rings and has a split design. Additionally, our engineering team can usually customize flange-mounted EXPs to enhance reliability in previously considered unimprovable applications.

MINE OPERATIONS CASE STUDY:
A major coal mining company in Appalachia (one of the largest producers globally) turned to SEPCO to address frequent failures of OEM-provided pillow block-bearing isolators, which necessitated constant maintenance. The original isolators used dynamic O-rings that wore down quickly, exacerbated by the abrasive nature of coal dust. Furthermore, using a grease purge as a lubricant in their design contributed to rapid deterioration. SEPCO’s EXPs, designed to prevent the ingress of particulates and water while maintaining lubricant integrity, successfully addressed these issues. This design change improved performance and generated significant cost savings—over $12 million annually for the mining company. This is due to the downtime for cleaning, repairing, or replacing the previous competitor isolators. The downtime was to be avoided as the missed opportunity for mining plus maintenance staff expenses exceeded one million dollars per day out of production. The durability and effectiveness of the SEPCO EXP for Pillow Blocks led to its rapid adoption across other sites and garnered positive reviews from clients facing similar challenges.

OTHER EXP APPLICATIONS:
The inability of standard bearing isolators to accommodate articulation significantly limits their effectiveness in applications like paper roll machines. SEPCO can custom-manufacture articulating isolators that utilize existing equipment as stators, thereby overcoming existing challenges. Our Engineering Department is skilled in designing the ideal EXP-bearing isolator for various industries, from paper roll machines to conveyor systems. At SEPCO, we pride ourselves on the success and satisfaction of our customers, which are backed by solid performance data.

CONCLUSION:
Contact SEPCO—the industry’s most experienced and successful provider, if you’re considering enhancing your team’s operational capabilities. Every product we manufacture is proudly made in Alabama. Remember, when it comes to fluid sealing equipment, Wisdom Wins. For more information or to discuss your needs, contact us at (205)403-7500. Let SEPCO help you achieve unparalleled reliability and efficiency in your operations.