Marine Bearings Keep Lock Gates Turning

Advantages gained by the choice of Trelleborg Orkot TLMM for heel-post and head bearings by Ravestein for Port of Tilbury London dock gates include cost savings from the bearings being premachined to allow for immediate fitting to the gates and thereby reduce site time. The bearing material was also shown to be stable and unaffected by seawater while not corroding or swelling. Furthermore, their good bearing properties were proven by fully testing against stainless steel and granite. The heel-post bearings are screwed and bonded to the heel-post, which supports the gate vertically and acts as a hinge to allow the gates to open and close, meeting as a mitre to seal against the water pressure. The head bearing supports the top of the heel-post to retain it against the quoin or fixed bearing counter-face which is set in the sides of the lock. Orkot TLMM bearings were chosen to replace the existing units largely because they were site proven in a previous fitting at the Bristol Port docks complex where they are still working well. The customer also quoted Orkot Marine Bearings good delivery record and technical support as further reasons for their continued specification. Incorporating solid lubricants, Orkot nonasbestos advanced reinforced polymer bearing material provides exceptional wear resistance and great dimensional stability. The bearings also tolerate edge-facing and misalignment even with the heaviest loads, maintaining good sealing capabilities and long life.