Figure 1: Paper roll machines
Installing bearing isolators on paper roll machines, a crucial component to the paper making process (see Figure1), can prove troublesome if proper precautions are not taken. Typically, these types of machines take spherical bearings, which allow for angular shaft movement, which means angular shaft misalignment during the installation and roll transportation procedure. When the shaft of the rolls is angularly misaligned, the bearing isolator takes the brunt end of the force from the displaced weight of the shaft. In fact, misalignment can occur to such a degree, that the shafts have been known to literally crush the bearing isolators installed on the housings. For obvious reasons this needs to be prevented. Figure 2 below, shows one method of preventing such mishap.
The key here is to prevent angular movement of the shaft in relation to the housing during the installation/transportation process. Typically the roll is assembled with the housing in shop and then transported to its operating position by use of a crane. During this transportation process, it is critical to stabilize the shaft, maintaining alignment with the housing bore. This can be done by attaching wooden blocks that keep the shaft in line with the housing as shown in Figure 1. While it’s a crude solution, it works. If the wooden blocks are configured correctly (as shown in the figure) they will ensure the shaft stays in line with the housing, and therefore preventing the impact on the bearing isolators.