Garlock launches Guardian XL bearing isolator

Garlock, a New York-based manufacturer of high-performance fluid sealing and pipeline protection products, has launched the Guardian XL bearing isolator, available in 12” to 24” sizes.

Based on the existing design of the standard-sized Guardian bearing isolator, the Guardian XL is meant specifically for heavy-duty applications with large, high-speed rotating shafts.

Well-suited for pulp and paper mills, printing presses, mining operations, steel mill rollers, overhead cranes, and power generation, it can be installed in pumps, motors and other bearing-supported industrial equipment.

Guardian XL is available in both flanged and flangeless designs.

Garlock recently acquired the specialised manufacturing equipment for in-house production capabilities that allows the company to achieve fast turnaround times.

Due to their size and custom design specifications, bearing isolators of this type previously typically required lead times up to two months.

"We're excited to be able to provide our customers with this highly-specialised equipment in just seven days," said Chris Fink, value stream leader at Garlock. "Bringing the production capability in-house allows us to significantly reduce unplanned downtime for our customers."

The Guardian XL features an engineered labyrinth design that excludes liquid and solid contamination while successfully retaining bearing lubrication.

Its unitising ring eliminates unwanted metal-to-metal wear on the shaft and housing, improving efficiency by reducing drag, extending equipment life, and lowering maintenance costs.

Further, its patented Cam-Lock design allows it to be installed without an arbour press for faster mean time to repair (MTTR) during rebuilds.

The Guardian XL is compliant with or surpasses all industry safety and manufacturing standards, including IEEE 841-2001, NEMA MG 1-2003, and API 610.