A huge part of history — how Arvis bearing units continue to power the Channel Tunnel’s ventilation system three decades on from completion.
The Channel Tunnel, a 50-kilometre undersea railway tunnel connecting Folkstone in the UK, to Coquelles in France, was opened 30 years ago on 6th May, 1994. This was a significant build, with the tunnel being the only fixed link between the island of Great Britain and the European mainland.
Arvis played a huge part in the construction of the Channel Tunnel, providing the bearing units for the tunnel ventilation system, with self-aligning plain bearing units that do not require oiling. This made them more suitable than rolling contact bearings and allowed them to work better in the environment.
When travelling on the London Underground, the air is pushed and pulled by the movement of the trains and can escape at each station. However, with the Channel Tunnel there is only one opening at each end, so extra ventilation is required.
The spherical seating allows constant re-alignment of up to 15° during operation, eliminating the need for precise positioning and alignment during installation. The working clearance of the bearings on the shaft means no press fitting is needed as with some rolling element bearings.
Excellent load carrying capacity prevents edge loading thus allowing full use to be made of bearing performance.
Arvis bearings are proven to be long life with minimum maintenance, meaning sealing is unnecessary in most cases.
In June 2024, Criptic Arvis was welcomed into the Bowman International Group following an acquisition. Arvis are optimistic about the new chapter as a part of Bowman International.
Contact here:
+44 0116 2609700
sales@arvis.co.uk
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