1) Description

Cryogenic ball bearings are critical components in pumps that transport Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Bearings used within these pumps must support high axial loads in ultra-low temperature environments around -162°C, and operate at high speeds without external lubrication. HIB has developed LNG pump bearings that deliver peak performance even under these extreme operating conditions.

2) Applications

LNG Storage & Terminal Facilities

         - LNG Booster Pumps

         - LNG Primary Pumps  / Secondary Pumps / Drain Pumps

LNG Carriers

         - Main/Submerged Cargo Pumps

         - Emergency Pumps

         - Spray Pumps / Stripping Pumps

LNG Fuel Gas Supply Systems

         - LNG Fuel Gas Supply Pumps

3) Features

Cryogenic Operation

         : Stable performance in LNG environments as cold as -162°C.

Self-Lubrication

         : Operates without external lubricants, using  LNG or special cage

            materials for self-lubrication.

Special Materials

        : Utilizes corrosion-resistant stainless steel, ceramic balls, and

           fluororesin cages.

High Speed/Long Life

        : Maintains performance and ensures long service life even at high

           speeds of up to 3,600 rpm.

Key Applied Technologies

Material Technology

         - Advanced Cryogenic Alloy Steels  (Excellent hardness, strength, corrosion

           resistance and toughness at cryogenic temperatures)

         - Advanced Polymer/Composite Cages (Self-lubricating properties)

Precision Design & Geometry Optimization

         - Internal Clearance Optimization 

         - Optimization of ball-raceway contact geometry

         - Cage design optimization

Surface Treatment & Precision Machining Technology

         - Super finishing technology (Realizing low friction and long life)

         - High precision machining

Lubrication Mechanism & Test Evaluation

         - Understanding and optimizing cryogenic fluid lubrication

         - Construction of a cryogenic bearing testing rigs

         - Cryogenic bearing performance testing (Durability, lifespan, friction torque,

            vibration characteristics, etc. in cryogenic environments)

General Specification

Type

       : Deep Groove Ball Bearings / Angular Contact Ball Bearings

Size

        : ID. 10mm ~ ID.100mm

Materials

       - Inner & Outer Ring : Martensite Stainless

       - Cage : Fluororesin

       - Ball : Martensite Stainless or Ceramic

       - Lubrication: Self-lubrication by LNG

Precision Class : P0, P6, P5

Radial Clearance : C3, C4, C5

1) Applications

-Industrial Furnaces, Steel Production

-Heat treatment

-Glass Manufacturing, Power Plants

-Food Processing, Chemical process

2) Features

-Made from heat-resistant materials like advanced ceramics and special alloys

-Equipped with special lubrication technologies to minimize lubricant evaporation at high temperatures

-Excellent oxidation and wear resistance to ensure long service life

-Designed to compensate thermal expansion and minimize deformation with high-precision machining

3) General Specification

Type

       - Deep Groove Ball Bearings (Cage or Full ball type structure) 

Size

       - ID. 10mm ~ ID.70mm

Rotation Speed

       - ~500 rpm

Materials

       - Inner & Outer Ring : Special Alloy

       - Cage : Steel, Full ball structure

       - Ball : High-precision ceramic 

       - Lubrication: Special Grease, Solid lubrication

Precision Class : P0

Radial Clearance : CN, C3, C4

1) Applications

-High-Speed Rotating Applications

-Precision Machinery and Equipment

-Medical and Clean Environments

-Electrical Insulation and Non-Conductive Applications

2) Features

-Lightweight with low friction, reducing heat and vibration during high-speed rotation.

-High rigidity for minimal deformation, enhancing machine accuracy with superior precision.

-Non-corrosive, chemically resistant, and high wear resistance, leading to extended lifespan.

-Electrically insulating, allowing safe use without electrical damage.

3)General Specification

Type

       - Deep Groove Ball Bearings / Angular Contact Ball Bearings 

Size

       - ID. 4mm ~ ID.100mm

Rotation Speed

       -  ~ 10,000 rpm

Materials

       - Inner & Outer Ring : Special Alloy, Stainless Steel

       - Cage : Special Polymer, Steel

       - Ball : High-precision ceramic 

       - Lubrication: Self-lubrication

Precision Class : P0, P5, P4

Radial Clearance : C2, CN, C3

1) Applications

-Marine & Offshore Equipment Heat treatment

-Chemical Processing Industries

-Food, Beverage & Pharmaceutical Production

-Semiconductor & Display Industry(Clean Room)

2)Features

-Manufactured from special corrosion-resistant materials such as various stainless steels (e.g., AISI 304, AISI 316) and specific ceramics.

-Maintains structural integrity and performance longevity even in harsh conditions like saltwater or acidic chemicals.

-Minimizes the need for frequent inspection or replacement, reducing maintenance costs and equipment downtime.

-Ensures consistent and highly reliable machine operation by preventing performance degradation due to corrosion.

3)General Specification

Type

       - Deep Groove Ball Bearings / Angular Contact Ball Bearings  / Special Designed

Size

       - ID. 4mm ~ ID.100mm

Rotation Speed

       - ~ 10.000 rpm

Materials

       - Inner & Outer Ring : Stainless Steel

       - Cage : Special Polymer, Steel

       - Ball : Stainless Steel

       - Lubrication: Grease

Precision Class : P0

Radial Clearance : CN

1) Applications

-Highly Corrosive Environments

-Extreme High-Temperature Applications

-Non-Magnetic and Electrical Insulation Needs

-Vacuum and Ultra-Clean Environments

2) Features

-Containing no metal, they remain free from rust and damage in any corrosive environment, including acids and alkalis.

-They maintain strength and form at very high temperatures, operating stably even in extreme thermal environments.

-Without metal, they are non-magnetic and completely block electrical current, preventing electrical issues.

-They operate without lubrication and have low outgassing, preventing contamination in vacuum and ultra-clean environments.

3)General Specification

Type

       : Deep Groove Ball Bearings / Angular Contact Ball Bearings

Size

        : ID. 4mm ~ ID.100mm

Materials

       - Inner & Outer Ring : Ceramic (ZrO2, Si3N4, SiC)

       - Cage : Special Polymer

       - Ball : Ceramic (ZrO2, Si3N4, SiC)

       - Lubrication: Self-lubrication

Precision Class : P0

Radial Clearance : CN

1)Applications

-Corrosive & Wet Environments

-Food, Beverage & Medical Devices

-Lightweight Applications

-Lubricant-Free Operating Environments

-Non-Magnetic & Electrical Insulation Applications

2)Features

-Being free from metal components, they do not rust and exhibit strong resistance to various acidic and alkaline chemicals.

-Thanks to their self-lubricating properties, they can operate without additional lubricant, requiring no maintenance and posing less contamination risk.

-Up to 80% lighter than steel bearings, they contribute to reducing equipment weight and enhancing energy efficiency.

-Lacking metal components, they are non-magnetic and electrically insulating, suitable for environments sensitive to magnetic fields or requiring electrical isolation.

-With a low coefficient of friction, they operate smoothly with minimal noise and vibration, benefiting equipment requiring quiet operation.

3)General Specification

Type

       : Deep Groove Ball Bearings / Angular Contact Ball Bearings / Special Designed Type

Size

        : ID. 4mm ~ ID.70mm

Materials

       - Inner & Outer Ring : Special Polymer (PEEK, PVDF, PCTFE, Etc)

       - Cage : Special Polymer 

       - Ball : Ceramic (ZrO2, Si3N4, SiC)

       - Lubrication: Self-lubrication

Precision Class : P0

Radial Clearance : C3