Offshore Crane Slew Bearings

Offshore cranes are used to carry heavy loads. They require high efficiency and stability to operate effectively. This is especially important for offshore engineering cranes. It is also essential to ensure the safety of workers and equipment. Failure of these components is a significant risk that may result in downtime, loss of production, or worse, human life.

Slewing bearings are an integral part of a crane. They allow the crane to rotate 360 degrees and support various movement types. The main function of these bearings is to enhance power transmission and load support. Generally, they are made of two or more concentric rings that are geared together. There may also be a geared diameter. In some applications, a slewing ring can include a gear, drive-plate coupling, or external belt.

These bearings are made of double row ball bearings that have a number of advantages. First, they are able to withstand large collapse moments. Second, they are more suitable for the harsh working conditions of a crane. Third, they are able to prevent unevenness on the bottom plate. Finally, they are easy to repair.

Huisman is an engineering company specializing in offshore lifting and rigging. For example, it has completed the world's largest slew bearings for a pair of Heerema Sleipnir 10000-tonne capacity tub-mounted cranes.

One of the most common reasons for failure of a slewing ring is due to a lack of lubrication. If the bearings do not have sufficient grease, then the gears will turn, which can result in premature wear and tear. Additionally, the slewing ring can suffer from spalling, which is the result of friction.

Another reason for failure of slewing ring bearings is the improper installation. Ideally, the bolts should be torqued to 70% of the yield limit of the bolt material. Also, the mounting bolts should be pre-tightened to make sure that the bearing is firmly attached.

Slewing ring bearings are designed to handle an array of different movements. Some of the more common motions they are equipped to handle include axial and radial moment loading and tilting moment loading. While it is possible to manufacture a slewing ring that supports all of these functions, the best bearings are those that have the right combination of features.

As a result of its efforts, Huisman has been able to meet the growing demand for large-diameter slew bearings. Currently, the largest slew bearings produced by Huisman have a diameter of 30 m. Earlier, they averaged 14 m. Now, they have been able to double their slew bearing production capacity at their Schiedam facility.

Aside from slewing ring bearings, Huisman has also been able to develop a number of other important technologies to help its customers in their endeavors. Among these are bogies, tub cranes, and hydraulics. Bogies are an excellent solution for lifting equipment, but they are highly complicated and expensive to maintain. Therefore, Huisman has opted for a more efficient approach, which involves the use of tub cranes.