Slide Bearings

In a wide range of applications, Fluoroglide^Ž slide bearings are superior to conventional expansion plates, rollers and rocker arms, accommodating expansion, contraction and other reciprocating motions of any structure that moves as a result of thermal, seismic or differential forces.

Such bearings must operate at high loads and low speeds, and it is under these conditions that the self-lubricating properties of Fluorinoid^Ž PTFE are at maximum. This, together with its no stick-slip and anti-weathering characteristics, is the main reason why Fluorinoid^Ž PTFE has proved so successful as a material for slide bearings.

Typical applications for our slide bearings are:-

steam heated pipelines on North Sea oil production modules
oil & water transportation - above ground pipe mains
structural steel fabrications/buildings, flue gas mains, desulphurisation plant, offshore flare stack structures
large, complex concrete buildings - multi-storey car parks, civic centres etc.

Additionally, Fluorocarbon has acquired a worldwide reputation for the design and manufacture of bonded PTFE/metallic Fluoroglide^Ž skidway plates for skidding oil jackets, modules and heavy structures.

The Fluoroglide^Ž range of skidways is based on the well proven and tested Pipe Slide Bearing manufacturing procedures which ensure low coefficient of friction and reliability in varying environments throughout the world.

The Slide Bearing

Normally, a slide bearing consists simply of two pads of PTFE sliding against each other; for very high pressure applications, a single pad may be used to counterface a polished stainless steel plate. The assembly is designed so that one pad (generally the top pad) is larger than the other by an amount in excess of the expected movement, so keeping the contact area constant throughout the cycle of motion.

Fluorocarbon Company produces slide bearings in a range of configurations, though each bearing is designed specifically to suit the application. The basic element is usually a 2.5mm Fluorinoid^Ž PTFE sheet, factory bonded o a 3mm steel backing plate for straightforward field installation by welding or bolting. Alternative thicknesses and materials for the backing plate can be supplied.

Where operating conditions require them, thermal insulation and vibration dampening pads may be bonded between the backing plate and the structure. To allow operation at high ambient temperature, a high temperature epoxy resin is used for bonding, and the adhesives are cured under strictly controlled conditions, ensuring that the bond is stronger than the PTFE itself.

Either virgin or glass filled Fluorinoid® PTFE is used as the bearing material. Virgin PTFE is recommended for bearing pressures up to about 70kg/cm². The load bearing capacity is increased to 140kg/cm² by using Fluorinoid® FL129. Loads in excess of these can be accommodated by confining the material within a recessed housing and by using a polished stainless steel counterplate - proposed configurations should be discussed with out designers.

FluorinoidŽ and FluoroglideŽ are Registered Trade Marks of The Fluorocarbon Group.