iglidur plain bearings in ice melting probe withstand glacier conditions

概要

• What was needed: a reliable storing of the ice screw in inhospitable surroundings
• Manufacturing process: Machined from bar stock
• Requirements: Resistant to water and dirt, thermally insulating
• Material: iglidur A180
• Industry: Research and Development
• Success for the customer: Reliable and resilient bearing for use in extreme conditions

Problem

In this application, plain bearings must function under extreme conditions. In addition to dust and dirt, there are also low temperatures. Furthermore, the installation space is limited and the components come into contact with water during the melting process.

Solution

With a specially manufactured plain bearing made of iglidur A180 a media-resistant and robust solution was found. The maintenance-free and lubrication-free operation makes it completely insensitive to dust and dirt. The abrasion-resistant properties also ensure a long service life.  The plain bearing was manufactured from iglidur bar stock to perfectly match the application.  

igus components meet all requirements

The "IceMole" is a melting probe, with which the polar regions, glaciers and as a long-term objective, extraterrestrial regions are to be explored. The probe essentially consists of a heating head with an ice screw and an aluminium housing, in which measuring instruments can be accommodated. The bearing of the ice screw must be insensitive to water and dirt, and should also be thermally insulating. Here, a component machined from an iglidur A180 bar stock has been used.
 
Due to the partial control system of the heaters on the melting head and on the walls of the IceMole, this can melt a path through the ice. Even cornering is possible. During melting, an ice core passes through the hollow ice screw into the interior of the probe, where it can be analysed. With the aid of the ice screw, the probe's melt head is pressed firmly onto the ice, ensuring optimum heat transfer between heating head and ice. In addition, the IceMole can make its way through "dirty" ice and sediment layers with the ice screw.
 

 

小さな設置空間向けの耐薬品性ベアリング

アイススクリューは融解ヘッドの中央に位置し、融解している間回転します。 その結果引張力が生まれ、これがIceMoleにとっての推進力として働きます。
 
カーブの際は、軸方向に対して垂直に大きな回転力が発生します。これをサポートするため、アイススクリューのベアリングは融解ヘッドの前面にあります。 そのため、ベアリングは水分や汚れへの耐性が求められます。
 
効率的に氷を溶かすには、アイススクリューと融解ヘッドの間のすき間は小さくなければなりません。このため、ベアリングの設置スペースが限られます。
また、融解途中にプローブ内部の氷の芯が溶けないよう、アイススクリューは融解ヘッドの熱の影響を受けないことも重要です。