New GRAPHALLOY® Model 163 Pillow Blocks are Long-Wearing

GRAPHALLOY^® Pillow Blocks are Versatile and Eliminate the Need for Lubrication

Graphite Metallizing Corp., the manufacturer of self-lubricating GRAPHALLOY bushing materials, has developed Pillow Block Assemblies that can handle high temperature and submerged environments that do not permit the use of grease and oil.

GRAPHALLOY Pillow Block Model 163 is a rugged, easy-to-install design for moderate speed applications that will operate successfully under high or low load conditions. This heavy-duty unit is available in cast iron or stainless steel. A cast iron split-angle housing is also available.

Pillow Block Model 163 is suitable for high temperature applications such as ovens, drag-line conveyors and dampers. This pillow block also performs well in wet applications such as wash downs and submerged applications like plating tanks and industrial washers.

All GRAPHALLOY pillow blocks have a low coefficient of friction, can withstand submerged conditions and are chemically resistant and non-galling. Since the self lubricating properties of GRAPHALLOY are constant throughout the material, these pillow block assemblies will provide long life and reliable operation.

Graphite Metallizing has other pillow block models that meet a variety of speed and load conditions. They are available in a wide range of sizes and housing types, in two and four bolt arrangements as well as in solid, split and self-aligning configurations. Flange and custom models are also offered.

You Need GRAPHALLOY® In Your Freezer

A seafood processing plant in the Southeast was running a conveyor in their freezer area to "flash-freeze" fresh seafood. The environment is a difficult one: the temperature is cold (28° F/-2° C) and wet and the system requires frequent wash down. The conveyor bearings were being replaced every other month.

The plant maintenance superintendent contacted GRAPHALLOY about the problem. It was determined that the current bearings were not holding lubrication because of the cold, wet conditions and, as a result, breakdowns were occurring frequently.

GRAPHALLOY 4-bolt flange block assemblies were installed and have been running successfully for more than six years. The plant has since placed orders for additional flange assemblies for their freezer conveyor and fish wash down lines. GRAPHALLOY continues to work with the plant maintenance superintendent to identify other opportunities on their fish processing conveyors.

The self-lubricating qualities of GRAPHALLOY bushings are well-suited to cold, wet applications. Once again, GRAPHALLOY bearings work when others fail.

GRAPHALLOY® Solves a Biodiesel Fuel Development Problem

A machinery design company in Alabama was using steam, high temperature (up to 1000° F/535° C) and an inert atmosphere to convert wood chips and used cooking oils into biodiesel fuel. Because standard bearings were not an option in this environment, GRAPHALLOY^® provided a solution.

The production of biodiesel fuel is important because it is biodegradable, non-toxic, clean-burning and renewable. Additionally, it burns much cleaner than than petroleum-based diesel, creating about 60% less net carbon dioxide emissions. These factors make it an ideal fuel for buses, trucks and farm equipment.

This company's design uses several standard bushings as well as custom-sized bushings for their prototype machines. GRAPHALLOY's diverse mountings and extensive experience proved valuable in developing a solution for this difficult environment.

Alternative fuel manufacturing is a growing field due, in part, to efforts to decrease dependence on petroleum-based fuels. GRAPHALLOY will continue to be a valuable resource for these high-temperature applications.