SL18 Series Bearings for Wind Turbine Yaw and Pitch Systems
In wind energy a bearing failure means a crane, a climb and lost generation. SL18 series bearings are built for the variable complex loads of yaw and pitch systems, with material cleanliness, heat treatment and sealing all specified around service life rather than unit cost.
- For wind turbine yaw and pitch systems
- Ultra clean high carbon chromium bearing steel
- Carburizing or induction hardening under controlled process
- Full traceability and quality certification
Key Benefits
What the specification buys.
Uptime Protected
Bearings designed for the rigorous duty of turbine operation help maximise turbine uptime, which is where wind farm revenue is made.
Stable Under Variable Loads
Yaw and pitch systems see variable and complex loads rather than steady rotation, and the bearing is engineered for that pattern.
Lower Lifecycle Cost
Extended service life lowers total cost of ownership and improves return on investment across the turbine life.
Where It Is Used
Positions in the turbine.
- Yaw system bearings
- Pitch system bearings
- Drive train auxiliary positions
- Retrofit programmes on operating turbines
Who It Is For
- Wind turbine manufacturers
- Operators managing maintenance programmes
- Service companies performing bearing replacement
- Buyers qualifying a bearing supplier with traceability requirements
Problems It Solves
- Unplanned downtime and lost generation
- Bearing failures under variable complex loads
- Contamination ingress in exposed positions
- Traceability gaps in the supply chain
Technical Features
Material and process.
Ultra Clean Bearing Steel
Forged from ultra clean high carbon chromium bearing steel, where inclusion control directly affects fatigue life.
Controlled Hardening
Carefully controlled carburizing or induction hardening produces the case needed for these load patterns.
Advanced Sealing
Sealing is specified against the harsh environment that nacelle and hub positions experience.
Specifications
Dimensions follow the turbine design or the bearing being replaced.
| Series | SL18 full complement cylindrical roller bearing series |
|---|---|
| Applications | Wind turbine yaw and pitch systems |
| Material | Ultra clean high carbon chromium bearing steel |
| Heat Treatment | Controlled carburizing or induction hardening |
| Sealing | Advanced sealing against harsh environments |
| Documentation | Full traceability and quality certification |
Materials
- High carbon chromium bearing steel
- Case hardened raceways
- Seal package for exposed positions
Manufacturing Process
Specification Review
Position, load pattern, dimensions and documentation requirements are agreed first.
Forging And Turning
Rings are forged from ultra clean steel and turned to size.
Heat Treatment
Carburizing or induction hardening is applied under controlled process parameters.
Grinding, Assembly And Certification
Raceways are ground, the bearing is assembled and sealed, and certification documents are issued.
Quality Control
- Material cleanliness verification
- Hardness and case depth inspection
- Raceway geometry and clearance measurement
- Traceability records issued with each batch
Customization Options
- Boundary dimensions to the turbine design
- Clearance class for the installed fit
- Seal specification per position
- Documentation package to your quality requirements
Use Guide
- Follow the mounting procedure for full complement bearings
- Verify lubrication specification for the position before commissioning
- Keep traceability records with the turbine maintenance file
- Inspect seals at scheduled maintenance intervals
How It Compares
Against general purpose bearings in the same envelope.
| Standard industrial bearings | Material cleanliness, controlled hardening and sealing are specified for wind duty rather than general machinery. |
|---|---|
| Caged bearings in the same size | The SL18 full complement construction raises roller count and load rating in the same envelope. |
| Unqualified low cost supply | Full traceability and quality certification support the documentation a wind programme requires. |
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Read MoreSL18 Series Bearings for Wind Energy FAQ
Which turbine systems are these for?
Yaw and pitch systems, where loads are variable and complex and a failure costs generation as well as repair.
What material are they made from?
Ultra clean high carbon chromium bearing steel, with carefully controlled carburizing or induction hardening.
Do you provide certification?
Yes, full traceability and quality certification are part of the supply.
How do they handle the environment?
Advanced sealing is specified against the harsh conditions in turbine positions, which is a common failure path for exposed bearings.
Can you supply to our drawing?
Yes. Send the boundary dimensions, clearance class and documentation requirements.
What do you need to quote?
Bearing designation or dimensions, turbine position, load data, documentation requirement and annual quantity.
Qualify SL18 Bearings For Your Fleet
Send your bearing designation and documentation requirement and we come back with a quotation.