Bearing Selection Guide for Hydrofluoric Acid Service Conditions

In mechanical equipment maintenance, the amount of bearing grease applied is a key factor affecting bearing life, operating efficiency, and equipment stability. Both excessive and insufficient grease can lead to abnormal temperature rise, increased wear, and higher energy consumption.

I. Impact of Hydrofluoric Acid Conditions on Bearings

Hydrofluoric acid is highly corrosive. Common stainless steel materials such as 304 and 316L cannot resist HF corrosion. When using conventional metal bearings in such media, the following issues are likely to occur:

Rapid pitting and intergranular corrosion; erosion of the bearing surface causing clearance changes; destruction of grease and drastically shortened service life; increased operating resistance, eventually leading to seizure or failure.

Therefore, corrosion resistance of the material is the core factor in selecting bearings for hydrofluoric acid applications.

II. Suitable Bearing Materials for Hydrofluoric Acid Conditions

III. Key Points for Bearing Selection in Hydrofluoric Acid Applications

3.1 Confirm HF concentration, temperature, and flow rate

Higher concentrations require higher-grade ceramic bearings; higher temperatures accelerate material aging; flow rate affects corrosion rate.

3.2 Prioritize all-ceramic bearing structures

Ensure the entire bearing assembly contains no metal.

3.3 Sealing structure

For HF conditions, PTFE seals and fully enclosed structures are recommended; avoid NBR or FKM seals (they are easily corroded).

To ensure long-term stable operation of equipment, selecting suitable hydrofluoric-acid-resistant bearings, corrosion-resistant materials, and structures is extremely important.