SKF Bearings For Mining and Cement Industries – Reliability in Extreme Environments

SKF bearings are specifically designed to withstand high-temperature applications in the mining and cement industries.

Mining and cement are industries where machines are constantly operating at their limits: conveyor belts, crushers, mills, rotary kilns, and clinker coolers – all combine extreme loads, high temperatures, and abrasive dust. In these applications, the bearing is not just “one of many”, but a safety-critical component that directly affects production stability, maintenance costs and overall plant efficiency. SKF offers targeted bearing and lubrication solutions developed for extreme temperatures, which can drastically reduce downtime and unexpected failures.

Why is bearing selection so important in mining and cement production?

As a purchaser and decision-maker, your task is to choose the solution that offers the lowest risk in terms of operation yet provides the best value for money. Bearing selection is a strategic decision here: it affects operating time utilisation, maintenance capacity utilisation and total cost of ownership (TCO). SKF’s bearings designed for extreme environments provide answers to precisely these pain points.

The challenges of extreme environments

Heat load and lubrication problems

Near rotary kilns and cooling beds, bearings run continuously in an environment of 200 – 350 °C. At such temperatures, conventional greases evaporate and carbonise, the film breaks down, and friction and wear increase. Continuous relubrication is physically impossible in many places.

Effects of contamination and abrasive dust

Cement dust and mine rock dust act as fine abrasives. If they get into the bearing, they cause micro-pitting, raceway wear, and premature fatigue. The selection of seals and lubricants is therefore critical.

Vibration, shock and heavy loads

Vibrating screens, crushers and high-inertia drives generate shock loads. Internal geometry, material quality and correct fitting clearance are key to service life.

Maintenance difficulties and cost implications

With difficult-to-access installation points, heat loads near the furnace and narrow shutdown windows, an unexpected bearing failure can cost millions per hour. The goal is planned maintenance and long, predictable operating times.

SKF bearing solutions for extremely high temperatures

Graphite-lubricated ball bearings designed for high temperatures

The SKF “High Temperature” bearing range uses a graphite-based dry lubrication concept that provides lubrication up to 350 °C without relubrication. Typical applications: clinker cooler rollers, auxiliary drives near kilns, and slow-speed roller tables. Dry lubrication eliminates the need for relubrication, reducing maintenance and the risk of downtime.

SKF Explorer spherical roller bearings in the cement industry

SKF Explorer spherical roller bearings are made of special steel grades and have an optimised internal geometry, with high load and contamination tolerance. They provide longer fatigue life and stable running even in dusty, dynamic environments. Typical areas: grinders, crushers, conveyor drives

VA405 and VA406 bearings for vibrating screens

Special designs for vibrating equipment (e.g. VA405/VA406) feature vibration-resistant internal geometry and surface treatment. The PTFE-coated bushing of the VA406 version reduces fretting corrosion at the shaft-bushing contact, thus ensuring that the mounting fits retain their dimensional stability for longer.

Four-point contact ball bearings for heavy loads

For high axial and mixed loads, dimensionally stable even at high temperatures, with heat-treated raceways. Application: high-performance grinders, auxiliary drives for furnaces, heavy industrial gearboxes.

Lubrication solutions: the role of SKF industrial greases

LGHB 2 high-temperature grease

Calcium sulfonate complex thickener, mineral oil base, long service life up to 200°C, high load capacity, excellent water and corrosion resistance. Proven in cement and mining industry bearings.

LGHC 2 water- and heat-resistant lubricant

Specially designed for harsh, wet and heat-stressed environments. Reliable lubricating film for sealed bearings in pumps, fans and conveyor drives.

Designation suffixes for SKF bearings designed for high-temperature applications

Case studies and operational experience

An SKF VA208 bearing mounted on fire truck wheels operated without problems for more than 7 years, whereas previous conventional solutions lasted only 3-6 months. Dry lubrication eliminated relubrication operations, reduced failures due to grease degradation, and typically only required inspection of the bearing during scheduled shutdowns.

Why choose SKF bearings?

Longer service life = lower total life cycle cost

The higher initial cost of the components is quickly offset by less frequent replacements and reduced downtime. TCO is more favourable, especially at points close to the furnace.

Less downtime = higher production efficiency

Bearings optimised for extreme temperatures provide more stable operation, reducing the chance of unexpected shutdowns and increasing availability.

Safer operation and more predictable maintenance

The risk of sudden bearing failure or raceway damage is reduced, and the maintenance team can work with a more predictable task list.

SKF bearings and lubricants designed for high-temperature applications offer a new level of reliability in the extreme environments of mining and cement production. With dry lubrication solutions, Explorer geometry durability and vibration-resistant designs, downtime can be reduced and bearing life significantly increased. From a purchaser’s perspective, this approach means lower risk and a more favourable TCO.

Source: Bearing Express