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Marine Integral Rubber Bearing

Marine Integral Rubber Bearing

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A marine integral rubber bearing is a specialized component used to support rotating shafts, most commonly for rudder stocks and propeller shafts. As a type of plain bearing, it distinguishes itself by utilizing rubber—often a specially formulated nitrile rubber or other elastomer—as the bearing surface. The “integral” design often means the rubber is molded and bonded directly to a rigid outer shell, creating a single, robust unit.1

 

These bearings are a popular choice in marine applications for their unique combination of features, particularly for water-lubricated systems.

 

Key Features and Advantages

 

Integral rubber bearings are designed to address the specific challenges of the marine environment.

  • Water Lubrication: They are primarily designed to be lubricated by seawater. The elasticity of the rubber, combined with a grooved surface, helps create a hydrodynamic film of water between the shaft and the bearing, which significantly reduces friction and wear.2

     

  • Vibration and Noise Reduction: The resilient nature of the rubber material effectively absorbs shock loads and dampens vibrations from the shaft and propeller.3 This results in quieter, smoother operation, which is a major advantage for passenger vessels, luxury yachts, and naval ships.

     

  • Resistance to Abrasives: The elastic rubber surface can temporarily deform to allow sand, silt, and other abrasive particles to pass through the bearing and into the water-filled grooves, where they are flushed out. This protects the shaft from scoring and extends the life of both the bearing and the shaft.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Unlike metallic bearings that can suffer from galvanic corrosion in seawater, the rubber and its non-metallic shell (in some cases) are highly resistant to corrosion, leading to a longer service life.
  • Environmental Compliance: By using seawater for lubrication, these bearings eliminate the risk of oil leakage into the marine environment, making them an excellent choice for meeting stringent environmental regulations like the US EPA’s Vessel General Permit (VGP).

 

Common Applications

 

  • Stern Tube Bearings: For propeller shafts, they are a common alternative to oil-lubricated white metal bearings, especially on vessels operating in environmentally sensitive waters.
  • Rudder Bearings: Used to support the rudder stock, providing durability and vibration dampening.
  • Pump Shafts: Employed in various water pumps and auxiliary machinery.

 

Maintenance and Spares

 

Maintenance for integral rubber bearings is generally straightforward, focusing on monitoring and ensuring proper lubrication.

  • Maintenance: The primary maintenance involves ensuring a consistent flow of water through the bearing for lubrication and cooling. Regular inspections during dry-docking are necessary to check for wear and to measure bearing clearance. Unlike oil-lubricated bearings, there is no need to monitor oil levels.4

     

  • Common Spares:
    • The Bearing Unit: The most crucial spare is a complete replacement bearing. Given their integral design, a full unit is typically replaced, often with a flanged shell for easy bolting.
    • Shaft Liner: A stainless steel or bronze shaft liner is often used to protect the propeller or rudder shaft. These liners can be replaced if they become worn, saving the cost of replacing the entire shaft.
    • Gaskets and Bolts: Spares for the mounting flanges.

 

Key Manufacturers

 

The market for these specialized bearings is led by companies with expertise in polymer and composite materials.

  • Thordon Bearings: A global leader in water-lubricated, non-metallic bearings for both stern tubes and rudders.
  • Duramax Marine: A well-known manufacturer of “Cutlass” rubber-lined bearings for both commercial and recreational vessels.5
  • Wärtsilä: While known for their oil-lubricated systems, Wärtsilä also offers environmentally friendly water-lubricated bearing solutions.

 

 

We offer an extensive range of marine engine brands and their associated spare parts, providing comprehensive solutions for both main propulsion and auxiliary power needs across diverse vessel types. Our supply capability covers various generations and models, ensuring support for a wide array of marine applications.

 

Featured Brands and Engine Series/Models:

 

SULZER:

  • Two-Stroke Engines:
    • RD/RND Series: RD68, RND76, RND76M, RND90, RND90M (Classic large-bore, low-speed engines, still in operation).
    • RLA/RLB Series: RLA(B)56, RLA(B)66, RLA(B)76, RLB90 (Developed two-stroke designs).
    • RTA/RT-Flex Series: RTA38, RTA48(T), RTA52, RTA58, RTA62, RTA72, RTA76, RTA84, RTA84M, RTA84C, RTA96 (Modern, fuel-efficient, electronically controlled two-stroke engines).
  • Four-Stroke Engines:
    • Z Series: ZL40/48, 16ZAV40S (Medium-speed engines).
    • RF Series: RF44, RF56 (Often used for auxiliary power or generator sets).
    • TAD Series: TAD36, TAD48 (For specific applications).

MAN (including pre and post-MAN B&W models):

  • Two-Stroke Engines (KZ, KSZ, K, L, S, MC/MC-C, ME/ME-C): 40/54A, 52/90N, 57/80C, KZ57/80F, KSZ70/125, KSZ78/155, 90/160A, 52/55L, 58/64, 90/190C, L60/105E, 70/120E, 70/125C, L, KSZ78/155A, KSZ70/125B, L52/55A, 40/45 (A broad spectrum covering main propulsion and auxiliary engines).

B&W (Burmeister & Wain – prior to MAN B&W merger):

  • MC/MCE Series: L35MC, L60MC, L80MC, L55GFCA, L80GFCA, L80GB, 74VT2BF, K62EF, K74EF, K84EF, K45GFC, K67GFK, K80GFK, K90GFS, 45HU, L70MC (Various generations of two-stroke diesel engines).
  • MC-C/ME-C Series: L50MC, S60MC, S70MC, K80MC, S80MC, K90MC-C, L67GFCA, L90GB (Electronically controlled and conventional two-stroke engines).
  • VT2BF/EF Series: 50VT2BF, 62VT2BF, K84EF (Older models still in service).

MITSUBISHI:

  • UEC/UET Series: UEC37L/LA/LS, UEC45HA, UEC60L/LA/LS, UEC45L/LA/LS, UET45/75C, UEC52/125H, UEC52L/LA/LS, UET45/80D, UEC52/90D, UEC(T)52/105D, UEC45/115H, UEC37/88H, UEC37H (Mitsubishi’s proprietary two-stroke and some four-stroke engine series).

PIELSTICK:

  • PA Series: PA6, PC3, PC2-2, IHI PC2-5, PC4, PC2-6, PC4-2L, PC4-570, PA5 (High-speed, compact four-stroke engines, commonly used for generator sets or auxiliary propulsion).

AKASAKA:

  • UET/UEC/DM/AH Series: UET45/80D, UEC52/105D, DM51SS, UEC 60/150H, UEC 60H, A31, A34, A37, A41, AH27, AH28, AH30, AH36, AH38, AH40, DM30, DM36, DM38, DM46, DM47 (A prevalent engine brand, particularly in Japanese-built vessels).

DEUTZ:

  • RBV/TBD/BVM Series: RBV8M358, RBV8M540, RBV16M640, TBD620L6, BVM350, BVM540, BF6M716 (Various four-stroke medium- and high-speed diesel engines for auxiliary and smaller main propulsion applications).

HANSHIN:

  • EL/LH/LU/LUN/LUD/LUS Series: EL30, EL32, EL35, EL40, EL44, LH28RG, LH31G, LU28(A,R,G), LU32, LU35, LU38, LU46(A), LU50, LU54, LUN28, LUN30, LUD32, LUD35, LUS38 (Another significant engine brand commonly found in Japanese vessels).

NIIGATA:

  • MG/M Series: MG40X(EX), M34X, 6M28BF, TM31X (Medium-speed diesel engines, typically used in small and medium-sized vessels).

MAK:

  • M/MU/AK/AKM Series: M332, M453AK, MU551AK, MU552AK, M601, MU452AK, 451AK, 6M453AK, 9M453C, 6M601C, 8M601 (Medium-speed four-stroke engines, widely used in various marine applications).

WARTSILA:

  • 20/22/26/32/38/46/GD/TKR Series: 22, 32, 31, 26, 20S, 28, 38, 46, 32GD, 46GD, 14, TKR22, HFR-V32, NOHAB (Wärtsilä’s broad portfolio of medium- and high-speed diesel engines for main propulsion, auxiliary, and generator sets).

DAIHATSU:

  • PS/PKT/DS/DL/DK/PL Series: PS-18, PS-22, PS-20, PS-26, PS-30, PKT-14, PKT-16, PKTD-16, DS-18, DS-22, DS-26, DS-28, DS-32, DL-14, DL-16, DL-19, DL-20, DL-22, DL-24, DL-26, DK-20, PL-24 (Compact and reliable engines primarily used for auxiliary power and generator sets).

CUMMINS:

  • BT/CT/NT/KTA/QSK/QSM Series: 4BT3.9, 6BT(A)5.9, 6CT8.3, NT(A)855, N14, KTA19, KTA38, KTA50, QSK19, QSM11 (Robust and durable engines for marine auxiliary power, generator sets, and some smaller main propulsion applications).

CATERPILLAR:

  • 3000/3100/3300/3400/3500/3600 Series & C Series: 3054, 3056, 3066, 3106, 3126, 3306, 3406, 3408, 3412, 3508, 3512, 3516, 3606, 3608, 3612, 3616, 3618, C1.5, C2.2, C7, C9, C10, C12, C15, C16, C18, C30, C32 (Reliable and widely used engines across a vast range of main propulsion, auxiliary, and generator set applications).

SCANIA:

  • DI Series: DI 09, DI 13, DI 16 (High-performance diesel engines designed for marine applications, typically used as auxiliary and smaller main propulsion engines).

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