In the world of marine/offshore engineering, there is little to no room for error. Component failure can lead to a full logistical nightmare.
At SBS, we have spent over two decades gaining access to shipyards and conducting thorough inspections of old equipment due for overhaul. As the marine/offshore industry grows rapidly, we strive to enhance our knowledge and experience to deliver bearing materials that stand the test of time.
Let’s explore some SBS maintenance-free solutions, conquering corrosion today!
How It Started
The decision to choose Singapore as the foundation for SBS’s growth was strategic and intentional.
In 2005, Singapore stood alongside Aberdeen and Houston as one of three major hubs worldwide. Today, the Lion City maintains its reputation through serving as the global centre of know-how and fabrication for Jack Up Rigs (massive mobile offshore drilling units), FPSO conversions, Semi Subs, Pipe Laying vessels and more. Thus, it is no surprise that many globally leading offshore machinery companies have and continue to establish presences in Singapore.
Why Maintenance-Free?
In harsh environments, maintenance-free bearings offer increased reliability and durability. Self-lubricating materials make maintenance-free bearings very well-suited to deal with contaminants, extreme temperatures and/or inaccessible locations. By reducing need for regular lubrication and maintenance, significant improvements in costs and time arise. Hence, decreasing financial risks and minimising equipment downtime.
Corrosion resistance is an integral consideration when engineering marine/offshore bearings. This is essential for material longevity, reducing needs for frequent repairs and/or replacements.
Furthermore, maintenance-free bearings favour green initiatives. Its environmentally friendly benefits are explained further in a previous article, read here: https://sbs-bearings.com/going-green-maintenance-free !
COM-KU®/D and LUB-MET®
SBS offers an extensive range of products for the marine/offshore Industry.
Our COM-KU®/D and LUB-MET® are two of the most widely used materials in marine/offshore applications.
In addition to being maintenance-free and having great chemical resistance, a feature of SBS’s COM-KU®/D is fibre-reinforced plastic composite, boasting a long lifespan and upstanding damping features! Its outstanding sliding properties also make it suitable for high load capacities, and impact and edge loads.
As our COM-KU®/D is non-metallic, it can NEVER run the risk of cold-welding (a common problem in all seawater-related applications). It is also more forgiving when it comes to edge loads as the material will compress and give way to slight misalignments of the shaft without producing costly damages. Unlike many other non-metallic bearing materials, our COM-KU®/D will not be permanently deformed by the edge load and will return to its original dimensions, providing smooth stable performance.
SBS’s LUB-MET®, on the other hand, is a solid bronze sliding bearing with solid lubricant inserts. It is also a maintenance-free option, suitable for high operational demands and impact load. This material is wear-resistant, unsusceptible to dirt and corrosion resistant.
LUB-MET® is better when handling higher to extreme loads such as leg guide plates on Jack Up Rigs. This is especially true when considering substantial loads combined with higher continuous rotational speeds, for instance an anker drop on a Semi-Submersible.
A case study, featured below, shows SBS components for a Jack Up rig. Driven by the goal to optimise operations, our team customised a COM-KU®/D sliding plate for the drilling tower cantilever, enabling more flexible movement. In addition, LUB-MET® sliding plates were added to the lower and upper leg guide plates. Our custom process involves evaluating your operations and identifying room for improvement, employing specific approaches to material and technical design for optimal results.
Why Choose SBS?
Selecting the right bearings for marine/offshore applications is no simple task.
SBS understands the need for thorough knowledge of corrosion resistance, submersion capabilities and effective partnership. We provide a technical partnership that goes beyond the basics, offering assistance through thorough evaluation in an incredibly demanding industry that is ever-growing.
Our work is rooted in over 50 years of experience, trusted by both marine engineers and customers across the globe. With strong attention to detail, we hold ourselves to the high standards with quality management supported by the ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Contact SBS Today
Experience the SBS difference today, experience reliability.
Email today at info@sbs-bearings.com.sg or call +65-6316 3850!
We look forward to collaborating with you.
