SKF introduced the axial excluder seal designed for the wind market to address harsh conditions that wind turbine main shafts face. Previously, the wind industry relied on standard rubber excluder seals which are not equipped to handle the rough conditions.
The axial excluder seal can deliver significantly extended service life and contaminant protection for increased wind turbine reliability and reduced maintenance costs. Ultimately, the seal can help wind farm operators reduce the risks of contaminant-related bearing failures and the high unplanned downtime, repair and lost productivity costs that follow. The seal is manufactured from a special H-ECOPUR, an SKF-developed polyurethane material with excellent abrasion resistance and tear strength. Available in solid and split executions, this seal also features a steel band clamp with a fast-lock mechanism for easy up-tower installations.
Working closely with a prominent wind turbine manufacturer, SKF subjected the HRC1 axial excluder seal to an extended field trial. Following installation on 40 separate 2.5 MW turbines, the seal operated continuously under real-world conditions. After three months, an initial inspection revealed some normal running-in wear of the seals. Six months later, only minimal additional wear could be detected.
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