Sulzer increases capacity for Babbitt bearing manufacturing

White metal or Babbitt bearings are used in a wide variety of rotating machinery and, just like conventional roller or ball bearings, they need to be replaced when they reach the end of their service life. Replacements can be manufactured by specialists such as Sulzer’s Southampton Service Centre, which has recently upgraded its facilities. For some of the largest industrial machines, roller or ball bearings are not suitable and here white metal bearings play an important role. Without them, generators and turbines would cease to turn, stopping the production of power that is vital to industry and everyday life. White metal bearings are designed to operate with a film of oil in between the bearing surface and the rotating shaft. The most common failure mode is caused by a lack of lubrication and this will normally be highlighted during regular inspections. Once the issue has been identified, it is important to plan for a maintenance intervention at the earliest opportunity....