Orkot Bearing are an Open and Shut Choice at Tilbury Dock Gates
01 January 2005
The decision to use Trelleborg Orkot® TLMM for heel-post and head bearings by Ravestein BV for Tilbury Dock gates in London has worked out well for all parties involved. One of the major benefits for Ravestein are the cost-savings. The Orkot's bearings are all pre-machined and can be fitted to the gates very quickly and easily, thereby reducing site time.
The bearing material is stable and, unaffected by seawater, it is not prone to corroding or swelling. Furthermore, good bearing properties have been proven in full tests against stainless steel and granite.
The heel-post bearings are screwed and bonded to the heel-post, which supports the gate vertically and acts as a hinge to allow the gates to open and close, meeting as a mitre to seal against the water pressure. The head bearing supports the top of the heel-post to retain it against the quoin or fixed bearing counter-face which is set in the sides of the lock.
Orkot® TLMM bearings were chosen to replace the existing units largely because they were site-proven in a previous fitting at the Bristol Port docks complex where they are still working well. The customer also quoted Orkot® marine bearings' good delivery record and technical support as further reasons for their continued specification.
Incorporating solid lubricants, Orkot® non-asbestos advanced reinforced-polymer bearing material provides exceptional wear resistance and great dimensional stability. The bearings also tolerate edge-facing and misalignment even with the heaviest loads, maintaining good sealing capabilities and long life.
