Industrial solutions for sugar mills: bearings, chains, housings and couplings for high-demand operations

In a sugar mill, bearings work under severe conditions: high radial and axial loads, vibration, contamination from bagasse and juices, and temperatures that can exceed 80 °C in the mill rollers. Spherical roller bearings are a frequent choice because they tolerate misalignment and support combined loads, which is common in crushers.

Within this category, we supply references such as 22325 and 22361 from SKF, 20222-MB and 20240-MB from FAG, and 6203U and 22318 from LINK-BELT. These bearings have a robust design and, depending on the manufacturer, may include machined brass or steel cages for greater strength.

When selecting a bearing for a sugar mill, it is key to consider internal clearance (for example, C3 for thermal expansion) and the lubrication system. A poorly lubricated bearing or one with inadequate clearance fails prematurely, causing costly downtime during the harvest season.

SAF split housings are widely used in sugar mills because they allow mounting and dismounting the bearing without dismantling the entire shaft, which is valuable when downtime is critical. They are used on mill shafts, conveyors and fans.

We supply housings such as SAF 322 and SAF 520 from SKF, which adapt to spherical roller bearings with adapter sleeves. These housings often include seals to protect the bearing from contamination by bagasse and liquids.

Proper alignment and fixation of the housing is essential to avoid additional loads. A poorly mounted housing reduces bearing life and can cause shaft failures.

The transport of cane from the yard to the milling tandem, and the handling of bagasse, is done with roller chains that must withstand abrasion, impact loads and humid environments. Long-pitch chains with reinforced plates are common in these conveyors.

We work with chains such as PHC 81X-O/L and PHC 40-2C/L from SKF, RS60 and RS25 from TSUBAKI, and 12-C1 and 10-C2 from EMMAR. These chains are designed for heavy industrial applications and may include surface treatments to resist corrosion.

Preventive maintenance includes checking elongation due to wear and lubricating the links. A worn chain can jump on the sprocket and cause jams in the conveyor.

Sprockets and gears work together with chains to transmit power in conveyors, elevators and other equipment. They must have a precise tooth profile for smooth and durable engagement.

We supply sprockets such as PHS 41-1B6 and PHS 50-1B8 from SKF, 31E20 and 41E15 from DODGE, and our own manufactured discs such as Disco 1/2" Z9 and Disco 1/2" Z8 from MR. Sprockets can be made of carbon or alloy steel, with heat treatments to increase wear resistance.

It is important to verify the chain pitch and the number of teeth to ensure compatibility. A worn sprocket accelerates chain wear, so it is recommended to replace them together.

Couplings connect shafts of motors, reducers and mills, transmitting torque and compensating for misalignment. In sugar mills, elastic or gear couplings are common for their ability to absorb vibrations and shocks.

We work with a wide range of couplings for different powers and speeds. The selection depends on torque, speed, available space and the expected degree of misalignment.

A poorly selected coupling can generate excessive vibrations and damage the bearings and seals of the connected equipment. Therefore, it is key to size it correctly according to the application.

Manual lubrication in a sugar mill is inefficient and risky: hard-to-reach points, forgotten points and contamination. Centralized lubrication systems dispense the exact amount of grease or oil at each point, automatically or semi-automatically.

These systems reduce wear on bearings and chains, and allow lubrication while the equipment is running, avoiding downtime. They are especially useful in mills and conveyors with many lubrication points.

We supply centralized lubrication systems for different configurations, from simple manual pumps to progressive systems with timers. Implementation requires an analysis of the points to be lubricated and the type of lubricant.

At MR Accesorios Industriales, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, we work with bearings, chains, housings, sprockets, couplings and lubrication systems for the sugar industry. We supply recognized brands and also manufacture our own parts such as chain discs.

To get a quote, send us via WhatsApp or email the product code, the size or a photo of the part. With that information, we will indicate the appropriate alternative for your application.

Don't let a failure during the harvest season stop your production. Contact us today and ensure the continuity of your operation.