Reliable Rotating Equipment: The Complete Guide to Bearing Isolators

Introduction to Bearing Isolators
Bearing isolators are an advanced development in sealing technology, crafted to protect bearings within rotating equipment. As equipment requirements have evolved to meet harsher environmental demands, so has the need for more robust protective measures for bearings. This progression has spurred the innovation of bearing isolators.

Understanding Bearings
Bearings are fundamental to the functioning of the rotating equipment industry. They support rotating shafts across various machinery, enabling motion in pumps, motors, and more. Bearing failure can halt machine operations entirely, often due to contaminated bearing housings or improper lubrication. Bearing isolators are crucial in mitigating these issues by shielding bearings from external contaminants.

Functionality of Bearing Isolators
Bearing isolators are specialized lubrication seals designed to protect bearings from contaminants like process fluids while keeping lubricants inside the bearing cavity. They prevent external contaminants from damaging the bearings and ensure that lubricants do not escape, significantly extending the life of both the bearings and the machinery they support.

Types of Bearing Isolators

• Contacting, Compound Labyrinth Isolators: These are traditional isolators featuring a dynamic O-ring that expands during operation to vent the housing and contracts upon shutdown. However, they can struggle with heavy contaminants and wear down due to continuous contact with the housing’s lip seal.
• Non-Contact Compound Labyrinth Isolators: These isolators operate without touching the lip seal, reducing wear and tear. They use precise clearances and directional changes to expel contaminants through gravity and centrifugal force. While effective during operation, they can still draw in contaminants when the machinery is shut down.
• Vertical Non-Contact Isolators: Specifically designed for vertical applications, these isolators manage air intake during shutdowns by using their unique structure to control what enters the bearing housing, ensuring contaminants are kept out while allowing necessary air intake.

Applications and Flexibility
The robust yet compact design of modern bearing isolators makes them incredibly versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications, including electric motors, gearboxes, pillow blocks, turbines, and more.

SEPCO’s Commitment
Sealing Equipment Products Company, Inc. (SEPCO) has a long-standing history of pioneering new sealing technologies. We continue to innovate and provide solutions that ensure optimal performance of your equipment across various industries. For top-quality sealing solutions, explore our offerings on our website.