Maintenance-free SKF rope sheave units for papermaking machines

SKF has developed a rope sheave unit for paper machines incorporating a new bearing unit that does not need to be relubricated or otherwise maintained during its time in operation. According to the project leader, Rein Wisur, the unit can be used on existing as well as new rope sheaves. Many paper machines use these sheaves in rope threading systems that draws paper through the machine during start up or after paper breaks. The sheaves often cause problems related to: ¡¤ Function (unreliable bearing performance) ¡¤ Contamination of the paper and environment from grease leakage ¡¤ Sheaves breaking and falling off the machine SKF's rope sheave unit is a new, reliable and maintenance-free concept that eliminates the risk of grease leakage. It also features an efficient security locking system that prevents the sheave working loose and falling off its shaft. When sheaves fall off the shaft the usually fall into the machine, causing damage and additional cost for repairs, and they can be a safety threat because they could fall outside the machine where operators are working. The SKF sheave unit has been field tested with customers for more than a year with excellent results.