PumpBlogs 
Green Technology in Industry – Pump Bearings
Manufacturers are being driven by evolving legislation and a global conscience for eco-friendly products. By coordinating economy and ecology in their manufacturing operations, manufacturers can minimize their carbon footprint, which might be a vital component for survival in the 21st century.
Manufacturers now select materials, coatings, lubricants, etc. that are recyclable or have a low environmental load. Manufacturers also design manufacturing and assembly processes to minimize scrap and maximize yield, which is needed to be lean and reduce waste. End users must properly size and operate pumps in an efficient manner to reduce energy consumption and maximize service life. Performing valuable predictive and preventative maintenance is also important, especially for the bearing system. It is better to replace a pump bearing or seal than having to replace an entire pump assembly prematurely or risk allowing harmful matter into the environment.
In Pumps & System’s October issue, “The Submersible Pumps Market in North America” states a few compelling factors that support growth, one of which is that aging and existing treatment plants will need to be upgraded in the near future. Now is a good time to review pump designs with bearing engineers, who can suggest new, innovative technologies to considerably extend life and markedly reduce maintenance events. Reduced maintenance can significantly diminish oils and other environmentally unfavorable byproducts to disburse into the environment. Upgrading also ensures that the pump bearings have no carcinogenic compounds, coatings, and use biodegradable greases that easily decompose.
Pump manufacturers can take advantage of sophisticated design and material technologies when designing the bearing system. Bearing technologies exist to reduce friction and can dramatically extend pump bearing life by using specialty steels, heat treatments, and surface finish textures developed from advanced bearing tribology research. Advanced bearing technology equates to less energy consumption for the equivalent work. Pump engineers working closely with bearing engineers can maximize efficiencies and minimize noise, vibration, and mechanical losses. Dramatic pump bearing advances continue to be made for performance, reliability, extended life for ecology, and economy.
This does take extra effort, but apart from making your competition green with envy, one can be proud of efforts made to contribute to your pump being green.
Next time I will describe bearings associated with the growing global need for pumps in the water industry. Feel free to visit the NSK North American website for more company and technical information at http://www.us.nsk.com/.
*In September, the 2008 list of The 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World was unveiled. See the list here. NSK Corporation’s parent company, NSK Limited, made the list. Read the article here.
Tags: Bearings
