CONVENTIONAL HEATING METHOD FOR BEARING AND COUPLING INSTALLATION

PURPOSE:
This procedure covers the conventional/traditional method of heating bearing and coupling thermally
to expand the internal diameter to easily fit onto shafts. The purpose is to save time and effort for
installation and avoid damage to the bearing, coupling and shaft caused by excessive force.

I. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

 Blow torch – 2 sets
 Thermometer and Temperature Gun
 Inside and Outside micrometer
 Verner Caliper
 Gloves
 Chain Block
 Apron
 Safety Goggles
 Fire Extinguisher
 Rubber Mallet
 Flat pile
 Oil Stone
 Sandpaper
 Heating Plate – for Hot Plate method
 Oil Tank – for Oil Bath Method

II. HEATING OF COUPLING USING DIRECT HEAT METHOD.

1. Check the shaft outside diameter and coupling hole inside diameter to determine the
value of interference. Once the value is established, start the heating of the coupling.
2. Isolate the area during heating using fire blanket to avoid wind blows.
3. Position the blow torches towards the coupling in opposite position.
4. Move the blow torch around the coupling to evenly balance the applied heat.
5. Monitor the temperature of the coupling using temperature gun. Avoid heating the
coupling above 100 degrees Celsius. Monitor the thermal expansion of the coupling
internal diameter using inside micrometer. Once the required coupling internal diameter
is reach. Install the coupling to the shaft until the coupling properly fit.
6. Let the coupling cool normally.
7. Apply lubricant if required.

III. HEATING OF BEARING USING CONVENTIONAL METHOD.

Check the shaft outside diameter and bearing inside diameter to determine the value of
interference. Once the value is established, start any of the following method.
 A. HEATING BEARING USING HOT PLATE METHOD

1. Prepare a heating square plate at least 40 mm thick. Dimension shall be bigger the
bearing diameter.
2. Place the plate securely in a stand. Stand shall be high enough so that it will allow to
apply heat at the bottom of the plate.
3. Apply heat to the plate using blow torch until temperature reach to 100 degrees Celsius
and stop heat application.
4. Place the bearing on top of the hot plate. From time to time turn the bearing upside down
to evenly heat the bearing.
5. Monitor bearing temperature using temperature gun. Avoid heating the bearing above 80
degrees Celsius. Monitor the thermal expansion of bearing internal diameter using inside
micrometer. Once the required inside diameter is reach. Install the bearing onto the shaft
until it properly fit. Clean the bearing and apply required lubricant.
6. As the bearing absorbed heat the hot plate temperature. If the required bearing diameter
is not yet achieved, reheat the plate at the bottom. Monitor the plate temperature, it shall
not exceed 80 degrees Celsius. Continue the process until the required bearing inside
diameter is achieve.
7. Install the bearing onto the shaft.
8. Let the bearing cool normally.
9. Apply lubricant as required.

B. HEATING BEARING USING OIL BATH METHOD

1. Prepare a container which will be filled with oil and heated to place a bearing in the hot
oil to heat the bearing. Use hook to hold the bearing in place.
2. Using proper protection is essential in using Oil Baths; be certain that the container and
the oil within is clean. If the oil was previously used, then that oil must be filtered to
remove contaminants.
3. Monitoring of the temperature is imperative, not only to make sure not to overheat the
bearing but also not reach the oil’s flash point and create a fire hazard. Do not exceed oil
temperature to 100 degrees Celsius.
4. Ensure that there is enough oil in the container to cover the volume of the bearing. This
will allow the bearing to reach the temperature of the oil and sufficient time needs to be
allotted for this to take place.
5. Once the bearing has reached the desired internal diameter, install the bearing to the
shaft, absolute care needs to be taken with the excess oil that will be on the bearing—
wearing your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential.
6. Let the bearing cool normally.
7. If a pre-lubricated bearing was heated it is important to completely clean the bearing and
new bearing lubrication shall be applied.