Low-Temperature Bearing Core Issues Explained: Comprehensive Coverage for Industrial

In industrial fields such as LNG storage tanks, aerospace equipment, and cold chain machinery, the stable operation of low-temperature bearings directly determines the equipment lifespan and production safety. However, most industrial users often face equipment downtime and increased maintenance costs due to incorrect material selection, improper lubrication plans, or untimely fault troubleshooting.

This article focuses on the 4 core issues of low-temperature bearings in industrial scenarios, combining practical application cases and providing actionable solutions to help enterprises avoid risks and improve equipment reliability.

1. How to select low-temperature bearings? 3 steps to finalize the selection in industrial scenarios

Selection is the first and most crucial step in applying low-temperature bearings. Incorrect selection can lead to frequent failures later. Industrial users need to precisely match the model based on three core factors: temperature, load, and operating conditions.

1.1. Step 1: Lock the temperature range and clarify basic requirements

First, determine the actual working temperature of the equipment (accurate to ±5°C), to avoid "over-selection" or "under-selection." For example, cold chain equipment often operates between -20°C and -40°C, so 9Cr18Mo steel low-temperature bearings can be selected; LNG submersible pumps that need to withstand ultra-low temperatures of -162°C should use silicon nitride ceramic low-temperature bearings.

1.2. Step 2: Choose the right bearing structure based on load type

For equipment primarily subjected to radial loads (such as low-temperature conveyor pumps), choose deep groove ball low-temperature bearings, which are simple in structure and cost-effective; for scenarios with large axial loads (such as air separation turbine expansion machines), choose angular contact ball low-temperature bearings and use "face-to-face" installation to enhance load-bearing capacity.

1.3. Step 3: Address special requirements based on industrial working conditions

If the equipment is in a dusty or humid environment (such as polar machinery), choose low-temperature bearings with double sealing structures (rubber seals + labyrinth rings); for high-speed operation scenarios (such as low-temperature centrifuges with speeds ≥8000 rpm), choose lightweight ceramic ball bearings to reduce the impact of centrifugal force on bearing lifespan.

2. What materials are used for low-temperature bearings? 3 core materials for different temperature ranges

Material is the core factor for low-temperature bearing performance. Ordinary bearing steel becomes brittle and fractures below -20°C. Industrial users need to choose specialized materials according to the temperature range to balance performance and cost.

3. How to choose lubrication for low-temperature bearings? Avoid 2 major pitfalls and select the right lubrication plan

Lubrication failure is the primary cause of low-temperature bearing failures. Industrial users often cause equipment to seize up or experience failure due to improper mixing of lubricants or neglecting sealing requirements. The right lubricant must be chosen based on temperature, and proper sealing and maintenance should be performed.

3.1. Choose lubricant based on temperature, avoid "universal types"

Above -40°C: Choose mineral oil-based lubricants (such as Changcheng 7008), with a penetration of 310~340 and a starting torque ≤0.24 N·m, suitable for cold chain equipment; Below -60°C: Use silicone-based or fluorinated synthetic lubricants (such as Kluber 24 DL, Bostik LT-61) to avoid low-temperature solidification, suitable for LNG and aerospace scenarios; Vacuum environments (such as superconducting equipment): Do not use lubricants with volatile components, prioritize PTFE solid lubricants with an outgassing rate < 1×10^-11 Pa·m3/s.

3.2. Ensure sealing and maintenance to extend lubrication life

In low-temperature environments, moisture easily condenses into ice, which can damage the oil film if it enters the bearing. Choose low-temperature bearings with metal dust covers (Z type) or contact rubber seals (2RS type), and check the lubricant condition every 3 months. If the grease hardens or changes color, replace it immediately. When replacing, thoroughly clean the bearing of any residual grease.

4. How to repair low-temperature bearing failures? 3 common failures + solutions

In industrial scenarios, low-temperature bearings often experience seizing, wear, or noise due to "material mismatch, improper installation, or lack of maintenance." Targeted troubleshooting solutions are required.

4.1. Failure 1: Bearing seizes up and cannot start

Core cause: The large difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the shaft and the bearing causes gaps to shrink or even seize at low temperatures.

Solution: Re-select the appropriate "shaft-bearing" material match (e.g., steel shaft with cast steel bearing seat), and leave a 0.1~0.3mm axial gap during installation to compensate for low-temperature shrinkage.

4.2. Failure 2: Increased wear and shortened lifespan

Core cause: Lubricant failure or retainer material embrittlement (e.g., ordinary nylon retainers may break at -40°C).

Solution: Replace with low-temperature special lubricants, and use carbon fiber-reinforced nylon or PTFE retainers.

4.3. Failure 3: Excessive running noise (>75dB)

Core cause: Insufficient precision of the raceways or uneven force during installation, which magnifies vibrations at low temperatures.

Solution: Choose low-temperature bearings with P5 precision or higher, use a dial indicator to check the coaxiality during installation (error ≤0.01mm), and place elastic pads between the bearing seat and the equipment frame to reduce vibration transmission.

5. Conclusion

The performance of low-temperature bearings depends on the "full-process control" of selection, materials, lubrication, and maintenance. Industrial users should abandon the misconception that "ordinary bearings + low-temperature lubricants can work universally" and choose specialized products and solutions based on the actual temperature, load, and operating conditions of the equipment. If you encounter questions during selection or fault troubleshooting, you can contact professional manufacturers for technical parameters to ensure that the bearings and equipment match precisely, minimizing downtime risks.