New SKF Taconite Seal for Bearings

A new SKF Taconite Seal for bearings in split block housings protects against contaminated or wet operating conditions. According to the manufacturer, benefits of this multi-stage labyrinth cartridge seal include exclusion of contaminants, improved prevention of water ingress (even during high-pressure washing), maximized bearing and seal service life, reduced grease consumption, reduced environmental impact and optimized machine performance and uptime. The seal provides an especially practical barrier solution for demanding applications such as conveyor pulleys, hoists and winches, pulverizers, fans and similar equipment in the mining, cement, pulp and paper, steel and marine industries, among others.

The SKF Taconite seal (machined cast iron or steel) consists of two rings (one stationary and one rotating), which form a narrow labyrinth between them. The rotating labyrinth ring carries an internal, low-friction V-ring seal that seals against the stationary labyrinth ring, blocks contaminants from entering the bearing housing, and contributes to effective purging of grease. The rotating labyrinth ring, facing the bearing housing, serves to deflect and fling away water.

This compact seal features a shorter axial width compared with conventional types to offer space-saving advantages. Seals can be supplied to easily fit bearing housings in a range of shaft sizes from 50 mm (1-15/16 in.) to 450 mm (18 in.) as standard. A circumferential groove on the outer diameter surface of the seal’s stationary labyrinth ring promotes simplified alignment and installation. Smaller seal types will firmly secure to a shaft using three grub/set screws, and versions with larger diameters have been engineered for “bolt-on” mounting. Built-in grease fittings enable easy re-greasing when necessary.

The SKF Taconite Seal is compatible with new or existing housings and custom products can be developed to satisfy particular application requirements.