Split spherical bearings comprehensive guide | NYZ

In various industrial applications, choosing and applying the right bearing is critical to ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of machinery. Split spherical bearings are a specialized type of bearing that effectively addresses the maintenance challenges of traditional spherical bearings. However, many buyers are still unfamiliar with the differences between split spherical bearings and conventional bearings, or how much value they can actually deliver. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of split spherical bearings—their advantages, applications, installation practices, and how NYZ meets your procurement needs with direct-from-factory solutions.

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Split spherical bearings are spherical roller bearings designed in two halves, allowing for quick installation and replacement without disassembling surrounding machinery. They are ideal for heavy-duty applications such as mining, cement production, and wind power, where minimizing downtime is critical. These bearings reduce maintenance time, improve efficiency, and are easy to service.

Let’s explore the design, performance, and benefits of split spherical bearings, and how they help enhance operational efficiency across industries.

What are split spherical bearings?

Split spherical bearings are a type of self-aligning roller bearing composed of two separable halves. The inner ring, outer ring, cage, and rolling elements are all split horizontally. This design allows the bearing to be mounted or removed directly on the shaft without having to dismantle surrounding components.

Despite their split design, these bearings accommodate misalignment and shaft bending while delivering high rotational accuracy and load capacity. They are well-suited for heavy-duty and impact load applications in areas such as paper machinery, wind turbines, offshore platforms, mining equipment, and heavy industrial machines—especially where maintenance space is limited and bearing replacement is costly.

What are the advantages of split bearings?

Compared to traditional bearings, split spherical bearings offer a range of advantages, particularly in hard-to-maintain and space-constrained environments. Key benefits include:

Easy installation and maintenance

Split bearings can be installed or replaced without moving or dismantling adjacent equipment, significantly reducing maintenance and installation time—especially important for large machines located in tight or hard-to-access spaces.

Reduced downtime

In industrial operations, machinery often runs continuously. If a bearing failure causes downtime, even a few hours can lead to major production losses. Split bearings help shorten repair intervals and enable faster repairs.

Self-aligning capability

Split spherical bearings are self-aligning, allowing for shaft misalignment and installation errors. This improves operational efficiency and reduces wear.

Handles heavy and shock loads

Split bearings are built to withstand heavy and shock loads, making them ideal for industries like mining, cement production, and metal processing.

Extends machinery life

When properly maintained, split bearings reduce stress on other components and help ensure long-term reliability of the equipment.

How do split bearings differ from solid self-aligning roller bearings?

The main differences lie in construction and installation requirements:

Although both types are designed for heavy-duty use, split bearings offer greater ease when retrofitting or servicing critical equipment.

How to install split spherical bearings

Compared to traditional bearings, split spherical bearings are relatively easy to install. However, precise and careful handling is required. Here are the basic steps:

Preparation

Before installation, inspect and clean the bearing, shaft, and mounting surfaces. Ensure all surfaces are clean, smooth, and free of contaminants. Check that all bearing components are intact.

Install inner ring

Place each half of the inner ring onto the shaft. These components usually have semi-circular grooves to help align and secure them. Fasten the inner ring using clamping bolts or rings as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Install outer ring

Place one half of the outer ring into the bearing housing and align it. Connect the two outer ring halves and secure them using the locking system.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Rimao.

Assemble rollers and cage

Place the roller and cage assembly onto the inner ring, ensuring all components are correctly aligned.

Lubrication and inspection

Apply the appropriate lubricant based on usage. Rotate the shaft to verify smooth operation and correct assembly.

Manufacturers typically provide detailed installation instructions. For example, SKF and Cooper offer downloadable guides, and NYZ includes technical support and manuals with every shipment.

Which industries commonly use split spherical bearings?

Industries with heavy loads, continuous operations, and difficult maintenance conditions are the main users of split spherical bearings. These include:

Mining and mineral processing

Mining equipment often operates in extremely harsh environments, handling heavy loads and high impacts. In rotating mills and crushers, split spherical bearings are used in housings to support heavily loaded rotating shafts crushing ore.

Cement manufacturing and construction materials

In cement plants, equipment like mills and rotary kilns run continuously, and downtime due to bearing failure is extremely costly. The quick-replacement feature of split bearings helps reduce downtime and boost production efficiency.

Steel and metallurgy plants

Bearings in steel production are exposed to high temperatures and dusty environments. Bearings need to be highly stable and durable. Split spherical bearings are easier to maintain and can be replaced quickly without interrupting production.

Energy sector: wind and hydropower plants

Split spherical bearings are commonly used in wind turbine towers and rotor shafts, helping reduce maintenance time—especially critical for safety and convenience during high-altitude work.

Shipbuilding and marine engineering

In ships and offshore platforms, equipment is often exposed to corrosion and moisture. The design and material choices of split bearings allow them to resist harsh conditions while being easily replaceable in tight spaces.

How to maintain split spherical bearings for longer service life

Proper maintenance extends the service life of split spherical bearings and ensures stable machine performance. Key maintenance steps include:

• Regular Lubrication: Use the correct type and amount of grease or oil based on operating conditions and temperature. Re-lubricate at prescribed intervals.
• Visual Inspection: Regularly check seals, mounting bolts, and surfaces for signs of wear, corrosion, or contamination.
• Torque Checks: Ensure all bolts are tightened to the specified torque, especially after the initial break-in period.
• Clean Environment: Keep the bearing area free from dust, moisture, and chemicals. Use protective covers when necessary.
• Training and Documentation: Provide proper documentation and training to maintenance personnel to avoid installation errors.

NYZ offers documentation, manuals, and customer support to assist with bearing maintenance and preventive care programs.

Summary

For industries where downtime is costly and maintenance environments are challenging, split spherical bearings offer a practical solution. By simplifying installation and reducing repair time, these bearings help improve productivity, safety, and machinery lifespan.

What are the different types of self aligning roller bearings?

This product group is available with both cylindrical and tapered bores, as well as open and sealed. Bearings with a tapered bore are identified by a "K" in the order number. For example: -EK-SKF. These products are fitted with an adapter sleeve to facilitate installation by locking the bearing to the shaft.

The sealed bearings, with integrated seals, are lubricated with grease. The lubrication is "guaranteed for life" and requires no maintenance. The seals are made of NBR and can withstand temperatures of up to 80°C.

Unsealed bearings are mainly composed of a cage (holding the rollers) made of steel, but it can also be made of polyamide. Steel cages have a low carbon content. This material provides high strength by reducing friction and wear. Polyamide cages combine strength and elasticity.

How to choose a self aligning roller bearing?

When buying a spherical roller bearing for the first time, there are many factors to consider. The first factor is the dimensions. As with other bearings, it is necessary to know its inner diameter, outer diameter and thickness. The second factor to consider is the environment in which it will be used. If your bearing is immersed in oil, it is best to choose a non-sealed bearing. On the other hand, if this is not the case, you should opt for a sealed bearing. The last factor to consider is the technical characteristics of the product. This means determining the type of bore and the radial internal clearance of the bearing. These products are available with a normal clearance, a lower clearance (C2), a higher clearance (C3) or a higher clearance (C4).

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Spherical Roller Bearings.

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