Niro Atomizer Failures 2

[Fzob]

Hi

I have a couple of Niro atomizers (F-35?) that have very high failure rates. Typically the input shaft wipes out due to a bearing failure. They are belt driven, balanced during rebuilds, belt tension is monitored, and machine is maintained per the manufactures recommendations. Input speed is controlled with a vari speed drive to maintain output speed of approx 10,000 rpm.

Anyone out there have experience with this type of equipment?

My two theories at this point are feed surging creating a shock to the gear box or poor mechanical design. I wonder about the quality of design going into the gear box as everyone I have ever spoken to that has this equipment has two units. One for production and one for the shop.

Any input would be appreciated

Fred

 

[HEC]

Fred,
I have had experience with the Niro wheel atomisers. Not sure what size they were. The specific problem we had with them was the steady bush at the end of the output shaft. As this wore we had large vibration problems. One of the recommendations we had in relation to the bearings on this shaft was to only use the Niro supplied bearings. This was due to the high speeds and loads, after market bearings were not up to the duty. Perhaps the input shaft bearings have a similar problem. Feed surging may cause vibration problems but I would be surprised if it causes bearing failure.
Good Luck
Mark Hutton
hutton4eng@picknowl.com.au

 

[Latexman]

Fzob,

I have some experience with Bowen atomizers, but I have a question to be sure I understand your problem? What do you mean by "input shaft"? Is this the shaft the atomizer is on? Which bearing fails? The outboard bearings or the inboard (process side) bearings? Is there any sign of product in the failed inboard bearing? What kind of lubrication system is used?



Good luck,
Latexman

 

[tcchandran]

Dear FZOB,
I have some experience with Niiro atomisers.
I suggest that you take a close look at the following points:

1) Quality and specifications of the high speed bearing.Monitor closely the number of hours the bearing has run. Did it run the number of hours it is designed to run? If not,contact the bearing manufacturer and bring this to his attention and ask for his advice.I was using SKF bearings for my atomisers. Please make sure you have the original bearing straight from the manufacturer or from very reliable authorised dealer. There are many spurious reconditioned bearings available in the market which look exactly like the originals but obviously worthless!!

2) The type of lubricating oil used is very important particularly when elevated temperatures are involved in the spray chamber.The lub oil should maintain its properties at operating temperatures of the plant.
It will be a good idea to invite the lub oil supplier to study the problem and advice you whether you are using the right kind of oil for you operation.

Please feel free to contact me if you neeed any more help.

Best regards

T.C.Chandran