Nord Drivesystems now offers several variations of its VL heavy-duty, spread-bearing designs for mixers, all which have specific features and advantages based on the specific mixing and agitating application requirements.
The first variation (VL2) offers reinforced output shaft bearings with increased bearing distance. This design accommodates high overhung thrust loads and allows for longer bearing service life. Included with the VL2 design is a grease fitting for the lower bearing and a removable plug to allow excess grease to purge from the bearing cavity. The VL3 dry cavity design adds additional oil leak protective measures to the VL2 spread bearing design. NORD’s Quadralip sealing system prevents oil from leaking from the gearbox into the VL2 flange. If oil does happen to leak past the Quadralip seals, it flows down to an oil slinger mounted onto the shaft. As the shaft rotates, the oil will sling off into the dry cavity. A sight tube is provided in order to monitor the dry cavity.
The VL4 is a heavy-duty drop-bearing model. This version provides the high-capacity bearing design of the VL2/VL3 with the addition of a drywell. While most drywell designs simply have a small oil dam tube inside the gear unit, Nord’s stationary oil dam tube extends vertically above the top of the gear unit housing. This, according to the supplier, provides a much higher degree of leak safety. A sealing O-ring at the top of the oil dam adds maximum protection.
