SKF
Oil Circulation Lubrication Systems
SKF oil circulation lubrication systems provide a continuous flow of cooled, filtered oil to bearings, gears, and other machine elements, simultaneously lubricating and removing friction-generated heat. The system consists of a tank, pumps, filters, heat exchangers (coolers), and flow control devices that circulate oil in a closed loop. These systems are essential for high-speed, high-temperature equipment such as steam turbine bearings, large gearboxes, paper machine dryer sections, and high-speed spindles where grease or simple oil bath lubrication cannot handle the thermal load. By controlling oil temperature, cleanliness, and flow rate, SKF oil circulation systems maintain the correct oil viscosity at the bearing, ensuring an adequate lubricant film. They also extend oil life through effective filtration and cooling, reducing lubricant consumption and waste. SKF engineers complete circulation systems from component selection to commissioning, integrating sensors for temperature, pressure, and flow monitoring.
Send an Enquiry
We'll get back to you on WhatsApp.
Trusted by Industry Leaders
Continuous Heat Removal
Cooled oil flow keeps bearings within safe temperature limits.
High-Level Filtration
Clean oil extends bearing life and reduces wear-related failures.
Large Oil Volume
Reservoir provides thermal buffer and oxidation stability.
Pressurised or Gravity Return
Flexible system topology to suit machine layout.
Instrumented for Condition Monitoring
Flow meters, pressure transmitters, and temperature sensors integrated.
Oil Life Maximised
Effective cooling and contamination control prolong oil change intervals.
Oil Circulation Systems for Steam Turbine Bearings
A steam turbine’s journal bearings operate at high load and speed with hot steam nearby. The SKF oil circulation system supplies cooled, filtered oil continuously, extracting heat and maintaining bearing babbit temperature within safe limits. Condition monitoring of oil quality and bearing temperature provides early warning of impending issues, protecting multi-million-pound assets.
Designing an Oil Circulation System: Key Engineering Considerations
System design starts with the heat to be dissipated from the bearings/gears. This determines the required oil flow rate and cooler capacity. Pipe sizing, filtration grade (typically 10-25 µm), and reservoir sizing follow. SKF provides hydraulic design software and engineering consultation to ensure the system meets thermal, cleanliness, and reliability requirements.