Successful Bearings for LNG Pumps

GRAPHALLOY® bearings and bushings are used in many low viscosity pump applications to help eliminate operational problems.

Pumping fluids with low lubricity such as LNG and Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) can be difficult for metallic bearings. The hydrodynamic film provided by these low lubricity liquids is unable to provide sufficient lubrication, which can lead to metal-on-metal contact, galling or seizing.  

Graphalloy has unique properties to address these issues.  It is non-galling and does not seize, which allows tighter running clearances.  It is self-lubricating and can protect the pump during periods of flashing or extended run-dry operation.    

Read more from a Modern Pumping Today Article

Visit the Graphalloy site to learn more

What is Silver Graphalloy?

Silver Graphalloy is an alloy of silver impregnated graphite. This material is recommended for many of the most difficult self-lubricating bushing and current carrying applications. It has been widely used due to its low and constant contact drop, extremely low electrical noise, and long life.  Although it is primarily an electrical contact and brush material, it can be used as a bushing material in chemical solutions which attack other lubricants or metallic bushings.

Read more about Silver Graphalloy and its applications here:  https://graphalloy.com/html/silver_graphite.html

Machine Design Article on Graphite/Metal Alloy Bearings

A Machine design article online recently featured an article about the benefits of Graphite/metal alloy bearings, including new grades for FDA, NSF/WRAS and Molten Sulfur applications.

Read more about the capabilities Graphalloy bearings offer here:

https://www.machinedesign.com/mechanical-motion-systems/graphitemetal-alloy-bearings-rescue

Graphalloy in Service for 14 years

Graphalloy received a repeat order from an automotive manufacturer. The customer said they were replacing the Graphalloy copper-grade bushings after 14 years of service! The dryer oven is slow speed, 480°F, and 100 lbs. load.

See more successful high temperature applications here.  

Parts for Pump Survival & Reliability

Case Rings and Wear Rings

Pump wear rings and case rings made from GRAPHALLOY® materials can significantly improve the reliability and efficiency of both horizontal and vertical pumps. The unique properties of the Graphalloy material, a range of self-lubricating graphite-metal alloys, benefit users across a wide variety of pump services.

Read more here.


GRAPHALLOY 'Disaster' Bushings for Improved Safety in Case of Seal Failure
“Disaster Bushings” are used in pumps outside the seal to minimize product leakage to the environment in the event of a seal failure. GRAPHALLOY® materials provide ideal properties for a disaster bushing. 

Read more here.

Graphalloy for 3D Printers

3D printers need uncontaminated environments to create their products.  When lubricating bearings, traditional lubricants can often migrate from their desired location and disturb the printing process.  The answer to this problem can be found in self-lubricating bearings.

Check out a Design World "Bearing Tips" article featuring Graphalloy's success in a 3D printer application here.

Graphalloy for Drinking Water Applications, Food Applications

Potable Water NSF International has certified grades of GRAPHALLOY material for use in municipal well pumps and treatment plant applications. These Graphalloy grades are certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 61-"Drinking Water System Components- Health Effects" and approved in the category for Multiple Water Contact Materials up to 180°F. The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS, UK) has approved a grade of GRAPHALLOY material as suitable for contact with wholesome water for domestic purposes having met the requirements of BS 6920-1:2000 and/or 2014 'Suitability of non-metallic products for use in contact with water intended for human consumption with regard to their effect on the quality of the water'. Where to use NSF and WRAS Certified Grapahalloy Bushings Municipal Well Pumps Pumps- Potable Water Water Treatment Plants Click here to learn more about Graphalloy for drinking water applications Food Applications In 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave GRAPHALLOY a favorable opinion for use in pumps, baking ovens, and equipment for transporting and handling food. That opinion was updated and refreshed in 2018. Click here to learn more about Graphalloy for food applications

Common Reasons Why Oil/Grease Lubricated and Plastic Bearings Fail

Bearings are essential machinery components. Bearings protect the moving shaft from wear and damage, keeping it in place with little friction. They need to be lubricated in order to do so. Oil/grease lubricated bearings and self-lubricating plastic bearings are common but often times not capable of handling extreme situations. Below are the main reasons either option might fail.



Reason #1: High Temperatures

Reason #2: Low Temperatures

Reason #3: Vibration

Reason #4: Corrosives and Washout

Reason #5: Dust, Ash, and other particulates

Reason #6: Dry Run and Low Viscosity Pumpage 

Reason #7: Heavy Loads

Reason #8: Infrequent Operation/Inactivity


Click here to learn more about each reason