Vortex Series: Vortex
The Vortex seal is a next-generation sealing solution engineered specifically for main bearing applications in wind turbines.
Vortex Series
Originally conceived specifically for oil-lubricated
bearings, the next-generation VORTEX PLUS has
been adapted for grease-lubrication also. It features
pressure-activated seal lips which can accommodate
pressures up to 1 bar. With the lowest seal lip
seal force in the industry, it boasts lower torque,
while service life is extended because it operates
at a lower lip temperature. It also seals flushing
fluids during the bearing production process. Every
VORTEX PLUS seal is designed for a unique bearing
application, either for an OEM application or to
retrofit an existing bearing
Material Ranges
The Vortex seal uses System Seals’ proprietary polyurethane formula with excellent material properties that provide exceptional abrasion resistance 8 times greater than traditional elastomers when tested in accordance with ASTM D5963 / ISO 4649.
Size / Platform
Sizes available up to 5000.00 mm in all diameters to retrofit existing seal
grooves and labyrinth seals.
| SHAFT DIAMETER | B | ØD1 | ØD2 | L +0.25 |
| >200.00 mm | 20.00 | d + 40.00 | d+7.00 | 16.00 |
| >200.00 mm | 20.00 | d + 40.00 | d+7.00 | 20.00 |
Operating Parameters
Above values are guidelines. Please contact our engineering team to review
specific application parameters.
| PARAMETER | Ra | Rt | RMS |
| Sliding surface | ≤0.8 µm | ≤4 µm | 24 RMS |
| Sides of groove | ≤4 µm | ≤16 µm | 160 RMS |
Manufactured in a variety of materials and sizes from 6mm up to 5000 millimeters in standard or custom diameters.
Engineered Performance
Built to Perform
The Vortex seal is a next-generation sealing solution engineered specifically for main bearing applications in wind turbines. The Vortex seal breaks away from the traditional radial lip and labyrinth seals with an innovative approach to rotary sealing. With an internal thread configuration, the seal creates a pumping action that forces grease to migrate towards the bearing, even under shaft deflections, improving service life and preventing catastrophic bearing failure due to grease loss.
- Pumping from the helical lip prevents leakage even under
shaft deflections - Direct retrofit to existing seal pockets/grooves for all diameter
bearing shafts - Custom design available for direct replacement of metallic
labyrinth seals - Available for use in both direct drive and geared turbines
- Consistent seal force across all diameters reduces friction and
heat generation - The seal’s external dust lip prevents contaminates from entering
the bearing - Seal designed for pressurized grease retention up to 0.5 bar
- Pumps grease toward the main bearing to improve service life
and prevent catastrophic bearing failure due to grease loss
Service
- Split design for easy up-tower installation with no bonding required
- Exceptional abrasion resistance to increase service life
- No need for hardened sliding surface
- Compatible with multiple greases
Cost
- Savings in lubrication, clean up and disposal
- Reduces downtime
- Increases output productivity
- Lowers maintenance and labour costs
