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The Freudenberg Group embraces a natural synergy with the Lube&Seal package, jointly from Simrit and Klüber Lubrication, which combines the features of lubrication and sealing to benefit the greater system in wind turbine applications. The product integrates sealing lip systems and lubricants to create a more reliable tribological system.
“This is the first time we look at the lubrication and seals as an entire system instead of as individual components,” says Tim Lomax, Simrit marketing communications director. “If, as in the past, each is regarded as completely independent of the other, one may be maximized at the expense of the other. For example, additives may be blended with a grease to give it certain lubrication properties with no regard as to how those additives affect the seal material. Certain additives are more aggressive toward rubber compounds, and by looking at the system as a whole, we can match the seal material and lubrication to maximize the life of each, reduce maintenance costs and eliminate costly downtime.”
The Lube & Seal system helps minimize breakdowns in wind turbines due to leaks while preventing wear and reducing damage that can result from thermal instability or other environmental elements of concern to wind turbine manufacturers, such as ozone, salty air and mineral oils. This is well-suited for wind applications because manufacturers and operators look to extend maintenance cycles.
“Repairs on wind turbines can be costly, difficult and dangerous,” says Jesse Dilk, industry group manager–wind, Klüber Lubrication North America L.P. “Therefore, it is vital to use high quality components at every opportunity. Bearings, seals and lubricants are essential design elements when analyzing mechanical systems. Optimization of these elements leads to a more efficient, reliable machine design.”
By looking at the lubrication in an application, the Lube&Seal system matches sealing materials to operate with that specific lubricant. Klüber’s lubrication is designed to minimize the number of different lubes needed in wind turbines, which results in a simpler system Simrit’s low-friction seals provide reliable sealing with minimal energy loss. As an example of this, according to Lomax, “We’ve introduced [an] extremely low-friction labyrinth seal for turbine gearboxes, which combines PTFE and rubber elements for long-life and low drag sealing.”
The Lube&Seal package undergoes extensive testing and certification procedures to ensure chemical compatibility, low friction, temperature resistance, corrosion protection, contamination reduction and extended service life. The technology reduces wear and deterioration of key mechanical components.
Sinrit and Klüber were a natural fit for this product collaboration. “Since Sinrit and Klüber are both part of the Freudenberg and NOK Group of companies, we are uniquely positioned to look at both sealing and lubrication within the same group,” Lonnax says.
“The collaboration began in Europe when we began to study the effects of lubrication on sealing. It has since expanded to collaboration at the customer level to bring this knowledge out into the field where it can be used on a daily basis.”
The Lube&Seal system debuted at Windpower 2010 in Dallas. “We are excited about our partnership with Klüber as it allows us to design, develop and manufacture a complete sealing system using the best possible materials and lubricants,” says Dave Monaco, president of Simrit. “As a result, we can provide our customers with an all-in-one solution of the highest quality and durability, which is critically important in the wind power industry.”
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