Product Introduction

The 241 series consists of heavy-duty, double-row Spherical Roller Bearings characterized by large bore diameters and extra-wide cross-sections; it is among the series with the highest load-carrying capacity within the large-bore spherical roller bearing category. Featuring a spherical outer ring raceway paired with double rows of barrel-shaped rollers, these bearings offer a self-aligning angle of 1.0–1.5°, effectively compensating for significant shaft deflection and mounting misalignment. They exhibit excellent radial load capacity, withstand substantial bidirectional axial loads, and offer outstanding shock resistance. With a cross-sectional width exceeding that of the 240 series, their limiting speeds are relatively low compared to other large-bore series. Available with cylindrical bores or 1:12 tapered bores (K-type), almost all specifications come standard with W33 lubrication grooves and holes; precision classes include P0 and P6. They are designed for heavy-duty equipment featuring large shaft diameters, ample axial installation space, and operating conditions involving heavy loads, high shock, and low rotational speeds.

Comparison: Compared to the 232 (widened) and 240 (wide cross-section) series, the 241 series features an extra-wide cross-section; for a given bore diameter, it offers the highest load capacity but the lowest limiting speed. It is ideal for equipment where the housing allows for significant axial width, maximum load capacity is prioritized, and rotational speed requirements are low.

Specifications

Bore diameter range: 200–670 mm; model range: 24140–241/670. Compared to the 240 series with the same bore diameter, load capacity increases by 16–28%, width increases further, and limiting speed decreases by 14–24%.

Typical Model Reference: 24148CA/W33

- Bore diameter (d): 240 mm

- Outer diameter (D): 400 mm

- Width (B): 160 mm

- Basic dynamic load rating (Cr): 1540 kN

- Basic static load rating (Cor): 2020 kN

- Limiting speed (grease lubrication): 750 r/min

- Limiting speed (oil lubrication): 950 r/min

Large bearings with tapered bores are mounted using a withdrawal sleeve; internal clearance must be strictly monitored during assembly, and excessive preload is strictly prohibited. 

Material Specifications and Suffix Definitions

Inner/outer rings and rolling elements are made of electroslag-remelted and vacuum-degassed GCr15 bearing steel, hardened and tempered to HRC 58–62.

Cage:

‑ CA: Solid brass cage; standard configuration for heavy-load and high-impact applications;

‑ CC: Pressed steel cage (not applicable to this series);

‑ E/E1: Optimized roller profile for further increased load ratings.

Suffixes:

‑ K: 1:12 tapered bore;

‑ W33: Outer ring lubrication groove and lubrication holes;

‑ C2/C3/C4: Radial internal clearance; C3 is standard; C4 is selected for high-impact and high-vibration conditions.

Example Model: 24148CAK/W33C4: 241 series, solid brass cage, tapered bore, W33 lubrication groove, C4 large clearance.

Manufacturing Process

1. Ultrasonic flaw detection of raw materials to screen for internal inclusions and porosity in large forgings;

2. Hot die forging to ensure continuous metal grain flow in extra-wide cross-section raceways;

3. Segmented, controlled hardening and tempering process to minimize heat-treatment-induced warping and deformation in extra-large rings;

4. Precision turning to strictly ensure form and position tolerances for ribs and raceways;

5. Super-finishing of rollers and raceways to optimize contact profiles and reduce contact stress;

6. High-precision clearance grouping and matching; thorough deburring of W33 lubrication grooves;

7. Non-destructive testing, dimensional/clearance/vibration inspection of finished products; multi-point support cleaning, rust prevention, and packaging.

Application Scenarios

Large shaft diameters, ample axial space, heavy loads, high-impact loads, and low-speed heavy-duty equipment.

‑ Metallurgy: Large rolling mills, heavy-duty roller tables;

‑ Building Materials: Large ball mills, rotary kilns;

‑ Mining: Large crushers, heavy-duty drums;

‑ Heavy Industry: Low-speed, heavy-load large gearboxes. W33 design supports in-service relubrication; for speed-critical applications, select the 240 or 232 series instead; for heavy-impact conditions, prioritize C4 internal clearance.

Installation

1. For thermal mounting, heat to ≤110°C; ensure uniform heating of large bearings; open flames are prohibited; apply force only to the bearing end face during installation.

2. When mounting bearings with tapered bores using an adapter or withdrawal sleeve, tighten in multiple stages, re-checking radial clearance after each stage.

3. For heavy-load/impact conditions, slightly increase the mounting interference fit to prevent ring slippage and resulting damage.

4. The W33 outer ring lubrication groove must be precisely aligned with the housing's lubrication channel.

5. After assembly, rotate the shaft by hand and perform a no-load break-in run; proceed to full-load operation only after confirming the temperature rise is within normal limits.

Maintenance

1. Lubrication: Use heavy-duty extreme-pressure (EP) lithium-based grease, filling 1/3 to 2/3 of the bearing cavity; replenish grease regularly to purge old grease, but avoid overfilling, which causes overheating.

2. Inspection: Operating temperature rise should not exceed ambient temperature + 40°C; shut down immediately if abnormal noise occurs or temperature rises rapidly.

3. Storage: Store extra-large bearings horizontally with multi-point support; vertical storage is prohibited; ensure adequate moisture and rust protection.

4. Failure modes: Raceway spalling due to overload; rib wear from excessive axial force; abrasive wear caused by seal failure; cage damage due to improper/forceful installation.

Selection Tips

The 241 series achieves maximum load capacity within large-bore ranges via an extra-wide cross-section, though at the cost of speed capability; prioritize the 240 or 232 series for higher speeds; add a thrust bearing if axial loads are high; reinforce sealing for harsh conditions involving dust or moisture.