Sealmaster SF-31 Standard Duty Flange Unit Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The Sealmaster SF-31 Standard Duty Flange Unit is a robust bearing solution featuring a cast iron housing with four bolt holes, felt seals, and a setscrew locking collar. It is engineered for mounting on bearing surfaces perpendicular to the shaft axis, providing rigidity and vibration damping. This unit is equipped with a grease fitting for convenient lubrication and a unique locking pin-and-dimple system to prevent outer-ring rotation.

Key Features:

• Cast iron flanged housing with a solid base for vibration damping and structural rigidity.
• Standard-duty, deep-groove ball bearing insert suitable for moderate radial loads and light to moderate thrust or combination loads.
• Felt labyrinth seals on both sides of the bearing to retain lubricant and prevent contaminant ingress, complemented by flingers for enhanced protection.
• Setscrew lock mechanism providing a three-point contact hold on the shaft, minimizing ring distortion and vibration.
• Integrated grease fitting on the housing for easy reapplication of lubricant.

Figure 1: Sealmaster SF-31 Standard Duty Flange Unit. This image displays the black cast iron housing with four mounting holes and the central bearing assembly, including the visible grease fitting at the top.

2. Installation Guide

Proper installation is crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of your Sealmaster SF-31 Flange Unit. This unit is designed for secure mounting on surfaces perpendicular to the shaft axis.

Installation Steps:

1. Preparation: Ensure the mounting surface is clean, flat, and free from debris. Verify that the shaft diameter matches the bearing's bore size (1-15/16 inches).
2. Positioning: Place the flange unit onto the bearing surface, aligning the four bolt holes with the pre-drilled holes on your equipment.
3. Shaft Insertion: Carefully slide the shaft through the bearing bore.
4. Securing the Unit: Fasten the flange unit to the mounting surface using appropriate bolts (not included) through the four bolt holes. Ensure even tightening to prevent distortion.
5. Locking to Shaft: The bearing locks onto the shaft using two setscrews, spaced 120 degrees apart, for a three-point contact hold. Tighten these setscrews firmly to secure the bearing to the shaft. This minimizes ring distortion and vibration.
6. Final Check: After installation, manually rotate the shaft to ensure smooth movement and proper alignment. The self-aligning feature of the bearing compensates for minor misalignments (up to ±2 degrees).

3. Operation

The Sealmaster SF-31 Flange Unit functions as a mounted bearing, integrating a bearing within a housing unit. This design eliminates the need for custom casting or welding to position the bearing, ensuring secure and reliable operation. The internal deep-groove ball bearing cartridge utilizes rolling elements to maintain separation between moving parts, effectively reducing rotational friction and supporting both radial and axial loads.

The unit's design, including the extended inner ring and the pin and dimple anti-rotation rivet, prevents the outer ring from rotating within the housing, which helps reduce heat buildup and prolong bearing life. It is suitable for low to moderate speed applications where the shaft rotates in a single or reversing direction.

4. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Sealmaster SF-31 Flange Unit.

Maintenance Procedures:

• Lubrication: The unit is equipped with a grease fitting on the outer surface of the housing. Periodically reapply lubricant through this fitting to ensure the bearing remains adequately greased. The locking pin-and-dimple system facilitates the distribution of oil through the bearing.
• Seal Inspection: The bearing features low-friction felt labyrinth seals on both sides. Regularly inspect these seals for any signs of wear, damage, or lubricant leakage. These seals, along with flingers on the inner ring, are critical for retaining lubricant and keeping contaminants out.
• Cleaning: Keep the exterior of the flange unit clean to prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris, which could potentially compromise the seals or interfere with operation.
• Setscrew Check: Periodically check the tightness of the setscrews that secure the bearing to the shaft. Vibrations during operation can sometimes cause them to loosen.

5. Troubleshooting

This section provides general guidance for common issues that may arise with mounted bearing units. For complex problems, consult a qualified technician.

Common Issues and Solutions:

• Excessive Noise:
  • Possible Cause: Insufficient lubrication. Solution: Reapply lubricant through the grease fitting.
  • Possible Cause: Misalignment. Solution: Check shaft and housing alignment. While the unit has some self-aligning capability, severe misalignment can cause issues.
  • Possible Cause: Loose setscrews. Solution: Tighten setscrews securely.
• Overheating:
  • Possible Cause: Lack of lubrication. Solution: Reapply lubricant.
  • Possible Cause: Excessive load. Solution: Ensure the application's load is within the bearing's standard duty rating.
  • Possible Cause: Contamination. Solution: Inspect seals for damage and clean the unit.
• Vibration:
  • Possible Cause: Loose mounting bolts or setscrews. Solution: Tighten all fasteners.
  • Possible Cause: Imbalance in the rotating system. Solution: Check the balance of the shaft and connected components.

6. Technical Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

For specific warranty information regarding the Sealmaster SF-31 Standard Duty Flange Unit, please refer to the documentation provided at the time of purchase or contact Sealmaster directly. Sealmaster, founded in 1938, manufactures bearings and bearing accessories and meets International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 9001.

For technical support, parts, or service inquiries, please reach out to your authorized Sealmaster distributor or the manufacturer's customer service department. Always provide the model number (SF-31) when seeking support.