An examination of false brinelling and static corrosion in bearings

When an electric motor is not properly cared for during storage, damage to its bearings may occur. The two main failure modes that occur are false brinelling and static corrosion.

False brinelling occurs when vibration from passing warehouse machinery results in the bearing's rolling elements vibrating against the raceway in a single location. Over time, this vibration can remove small bits of metal. This type of wear appears as evenly spaced marks lining up with the spacing of the rolling elements.

Static corrosion occurs when either vibration or the weight of the rotor shaft resting on the rollers forces out the grease between the rollers and the bearing raceway. The problem is compounded if the grease has little or poor corrosion inhibitors. When the film is no longer present between the metal surfaces, galvanic corrosion occurs leading to rust deposits on the machined surfaces.

Prevention is as simple as ensuring the bearings are properly greased prior to being placed in storage. The type of grease and date should be tagged to the motor. The motor itself should be placed on a vibration absorbing material such as wood. Finally on a routine basis the shaft of the motor should be rotated to ensure the grease is redistributed and maintains a corrosion preventing film.

For more information on electric motors, visit the PdMA Corporation Web site at www.pdma.com.