Measuring the tilting clearance

To determine the wear, we recommend carrying out tilting clearance measurements wherever possible. The loading principle for such measurements is shown in figure 1:

Figure 1: Loading principle of the tilting clearance measurement (axial motion)
Figure 1: Loading principle of the tilting clearance measurement (axial motion)

The measurements are taken between the lower companion structure and the bearing ring which is bolted to the superstructure (figure 2). The measurements must be taken as close to the raceway system as possible in order to minimize the impact of elastic deformations in the companion structure.

Figure 2: Basic setup for measuring the tilting clearance
Figure 2: Basic setup for measuring the tilting clearance

The procedure is as follows:

  • Take a reference measurement when the equipment is put into operation.
  • Mark the measuring points around the circumference starting from a defined position.
  • First apply the maximum retrograde moment in order to set the dial gauges to zero (the gauges must have a measuring accuracy of 0.01 mm). Then apply a forward tilting moment, with load uptake if necessary.
  • Swivel the superstructure and repeat the measurements at the marked measuring points (see table 4).