Having proven their superior mechanical and physical properties, and maintenance-free reliability in a harsh sea environment, Orkot TXMM bearings were selected for use on a deep ocean submarine installation.
Tests carried out by consultants on behalf of the customer, demonstrated the bearing material's ability to operate smoothly without stick-slip in an abrasive application. Unlike many other non-metallic bearing materials, Orkot TXMM bearings exhibits negligible swell in water and therefore maintains the correct installed operating clearances needed to retain dimensional stability and deliver a long wear life at submarine operating depths
The TXMM bearing material incorporates a low-friction wear surface and solid lubricants that greatly reduces the coefficient of friction. Its elastic properties allow for bearing deformation under heavy loads or misalignment, which distributes the load over a larger contact area thus reducing the bearing contact stress.
Sleeve and stave bearings used in submarine systems are permanently immersed in seawater and inaccessible for regular maintenance. The Orkot Marine bearings proved ideal for the application, plus the ability to handle extreme bearing loading.
Having exhibited excellent bearing properties as a water lubricated stern tube bracket bearing for other applications, TXMM is capable of operating at low velocities with minimal water flow on both bronze and Inconel liner surfaces.
TXMM can be used for special spherical bearing applications and is maintenance-free. It has approval for hatch cover slide pads operating dry at pressures up to 35N/mm². It also has Classification approvals from all major societies for totally dry operation, such as neck bearings for ships' rudders.
ENDS
Orkot Marine Bearings is one of the Trelleborg Sealing Solutions companies
Further information on Trelleborg is available from www.trelleborg.com
Trelleborg is a global industrial group. Operations are based on spearhead competence within polymer materials and a high level of industrial know.
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