ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the situations where carbon bearings should be used. Carbon should be considered if the bearing will have to operate above 200°C for more than a few hours during its life. Because of the special properties of carbon, bearings made from it are used in many space applications. Carbon bearings, particularly those made from impervious, nonporous carbon grades, offer significant advantages over grease-or oil-lubricated bearings. There are many uses for carbon bearings in food-handling equipment - such as drink dispensers, mixers and blenders, sanitary hardwear, and food-wrapping devices - where oil contamination must be avoided. Because carbon bearings will not cold-flow to accommodate misalignment or runout of the shaft, localized high loads may lead to hot spots, high bearing wear, and often localized shaft damage. Carbon bearings intended for use in dusty environments or grit laden liquids usually contain grooves on the inner surface of the carbon liner.
