Focus on: Pumps & Valves Process, Controls & Plant February/March 2026 www.pwemag.co.uk Plant & Works Engineering | 25 1 Pumps & Pumping Equipment • Cleaning Equipment • Hose & Hose Reels Fluid Handling Components • Fittings, Connectors & Filters Spraying & Watering • Engines, Motors & Generators www.dualpumps.co.uk UK Official Distributor Since 1983 Follow / Like / Subscribe Dependable Under Pressure Tel: 01664 567226 • Email: info@dualpumps.co.uk ITALY 100% MADE IN All our Engine Driven Machines are hand built in the UK Dual Pumps 178x124 Feb.indd 1 04/02/2026 11:43:11 blower uses a miniature bearing set to keep the rotor moving with minimal friction. If the bearing lubricant thickens in cold conditions or begins to break down under load, the blower may slow down. This can lead to rising temperatures in the stack, reduced performance or early shutdown. Again, the issue originates in a small component rather than the larger assembly. Cryogenic pumps take this further. Hydrogen cools to below minus 150 degrees Celsius when converted to a liquid. At these temperatures, metals contract and lubricants behave differently. A miniature bearing that performs well at ambient conditions can struggle under these extreme shifts. If friction increases, wear can accelerate and the pump may lose stability. In systems where even minor leaks can create risks, the correct bearing choice becomes a central part of safe operation. Careful bearing selection Miniature bearings appear throughout hydrogen technology. In high-speed compressors, they support auxiliary drives and small control stages. In fuel cell systems, they keep blowers and pumps running smoothly. Aerospace propulsion research uses miniature bearings in sensors, actuation units and pumps, where low weight and precision are key. Hydrogen liquefaction plants rely on them in expanders, valves and cryogenic pumps, all of which operate under cooling regimes that test the limits of bearing materials. Selecting suitable bearings for these environments require careful attention to materials, seals and lubrication. Because these applications expose components to moisture, high speeds and extreme temperatures, material choice becomes particularly important. Stainless steel bearings, often made from 440C or 316 grades, offer resistance to moisture and corrosion. When more durability or lower wear is needed, hybrid bearings, which combine ceramic balls with steel rings, reduce wear and are less affected by embrittlement. Hybrid bearings with high nitrogen stainless steel rings offer greater resistance to embrittlement. For the most challenging conditions, especially in cryogenic systems, full ceramic bearings provide corrosion resistance, temperature stability and low friction, making them a strong choice. Seal design also plays an important role. Contact seals offer strong protection against contamination, though they may introduce slight drag. Non-contact seals balance protection with low friction. In hydrogen environments, where leakage paths must be kept to a minimum, the correct seal can help maintain lubrication and protect the bearing from debris. Bearing lubrication must also be considered carefully. At low temperatures, some oils and greases can thicken, creating drag and raising friction. Solid lubrication or dry film coatings can reduce wear where access for maintenance is limited. Choosing a lubricant that remains stable under both ambient and cryogenic conditions helps maintain consistent bearing performance. Hydrogen systems are defined by large compressors, storage vessels and pipelines, but the early signs of instability often begin in smaller places. Bearings influence how valves move, how pumps circulate hydrogen and how blowers maintain airflow in fuel cell stacks. A failure in one of these areas may cause shutdowns, rising temperatures or pressure fluctuations that interrupt normal operation. For further information please visit: http://www.smbbearings.com/
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