In a statement, SKF said its Cooper sealed split spherical roller bearing garnered a 2020 Manufacturer Excellence Award for Innovation in Product Design from the Bearing Specialists Association.  

The bearing is designed to be easily replaced, eliminating the need to remove attached equipment. As a result, disturbance to the shaft alignment or driveline is minimized, reducing equipment downtime and mean time to repair, it said. Additionally, the sealed version of the bearing has a machined seal within the bearing, offering improved contamination protection.

“We’re proud of the safer working environment this product creates,” said Will Hidell, vice president of sales, aftermarket and channel management for SKF USA. “More than 40% of accidents in the mining and cement industry occur while workers are examining or maintaining conveyors. By eliminating the need to dismount drive couplings or cantilevered drives during maintenance and replacement, our bearings help create even safer conditions for our customers’ personnel.”