Dodge SLEEVOIL RTL 3-7/16

The DODGE® SLEEVOIL®RTL PILLOW BLOCKS are industrial bearings designed for applications requiring high thrust load capacities. They are available in sizes ranging from 3-7/16" through 12" and come in both expansion and non-expansion types. This manual is specifically for RTL Pillow Blocks; for "RTL SPHERICAL HOUSING" models, refer to manual MN3085. Dodge began manufacturing RTL SPHERICAL PILLOW BLOCKS in 2014.

Function Description:

The SLEEVOIL RTL pillow blocks provide robust support for rotating shafts, accommodating significant thrust loads. Their design incorporates split housings and liners, which are match-marked for precise assembly and to ensure critical orientation of components. The bearing's satisfactory operation relies heavily on maintaining an oil film between the shaft and the liner surface.

Important Technical Specifications:

Sizes: 3-7/16" through 12".
Shaft Tolerance: Nominal +.000/-.002" (unless otherwise specified).
Shaft Smoothness: 32 micro-inch RMS or better.
Axial Clearance: Total axial clearance between thrust plates and thrust collar is .015 - .030 inches.
Coolant Pressure: Water pressure should never exceed 120 P.S.I.
Liner Interior Pressure: Should never exceed 120 psi.
Operating Temperature: Normal operating temperature should not exceed 180°F. Alarm temperature is set at 15°F above normal operating temperature, and shut-down temperature at 30°F above normal operating temperature.
Oil Inlet Temperature: Maximum water inlet temperature for bearing rating is generally 90°F.
Oil Viscosity: Determined by equipment manufacturer and specified on construction drawing.
Oil Type: High-grade straight mineral oil with rust and oxidation (R & O) inhibitors and anti-foam agents.
Oil Filtration: A 25 micron filter or better is recommended for circulating oil systems.
Materials:
- Housing: Class 30 Gray Cast Iron
- Liner: Class 30 Gray Cast Iron
- Babbitt: Lead or Tin Based Babbitt
- Oil Rings: Bronze
- Aluminum Seal: Sand Cast Aluminum
- O-ring: Elastomer Compound
- Aux. Seal: HNBR with Stainless Steel Retainer
- Grommet: Synthetic Rubber
- Grommet Plate: Carbon Steel
- Pipe Nipple: Carbon Steel
- Oil Gauge: Stainless Steel, Polypropylene
- Hardware: Carbon Steel
- Plunger Screw: Carbon Steel
- Gasket Eliminator: LOCTITE 515 Sealant
- Note: This Sleevoil pillow block may contain lead in the bearing Babbitt material, requiring proper precautions in use, installation, dismantling, and recycling.

Usage Features:

Expansion and Non-Expansion Types: Caters to different application needs regarding shaft movement.
Match-Marked Components: Housings and liners are split and match-marked to ensure correct assembly and maintain critical orientation.
Thrust Collar: For non-expansion bearings, a clamp-on type thrust collar is used, tightened alternately and evenly to specified torque values.
Oil Rings: Designed to rotate freely on the shaft, ensuring proper oil delivery to the bearing surfaces.
Oil Gauge: Allows for monitoring of oil level. For circulating oil systems, the oil level is controlled by the drain system, and the gauge is not needed.
Coolant Pipes: Can be connected for water or air cooling, with specific instructions for pipe lengths, unions, and flow regulation to prevent preloading of the bearing.
Optional Accessories:
- Thermocouple/RTD Holes: Two designated holes in the housing base align with holes in the liner for monitoring bearing bore temperature. Probe diameters should be a maximum of 1/4".
- Circulating Oil Kit: Includes flow control valve and oil flow indicator for precise oil delivery.
- Heater and Thermostat: Ensures proper oil sump temperature (70°F MINIMUM at start-up) in cold operating environments, turning on at 70°F and off at 100°F.
- Vibration Detector Kit: For monitoring bearing vibration.
- Auxiliary Seal Kit and End Closure: Provides additional sealing options.
- OLF-2 (Oil Level and Filtration 2) System: Increases bearing longevity and reliability by supplying continuous flow of filtered oil to two bearings.
- Cool Lube 2: Offers all OLF-2 features plus a built-in heat exchanger for continuous oil cooling and adjustable oil flow controls, suitable for high-temperature/speed applications.
- DODGE SLEEVOIL BEARING ISOLATOR: Fully split multi-labyrinth sealing system, providing IP56 rated protection in harsh and dirty environments.
- RTD Kit: Accurately measures bearing temperature with a field-cuttable stainless steel probe, platinum sensing element, and spring-loaded fitting.
- Thermometer: Dial thermometer for convenient monitoring of oil sump temperature, all stainless steel construction with glass face.
- Coolant Hose Kit: Easy-to-install flexible hoses for connecting coolant lines, made of synthetic rubber inner tube reinforced with fiber and steel braids.

Maintenance Features:

Pre-Assembly Cleaning: All parts must be thoroughly cleaned before assembly, and care must be taken to avoid contaminating internal surfaces.
Rust Preventatives: Rust preventatives and solvents can be toxic and/or flammable, requiring adherence to manufacturer's directions and safety procedures.
Shaft Inspection: Shaft must be smooth and free of burrs and rough spots.
Thrust Plate Handling: Thrust plates are shipped in protective wax; care must be taken not to damage babbitted faces. Scratches on babbitted faces should be smoothed with crocus cloth (not emery).
Alignment Check: Check alignment of pillow block by noting clearance between housing and shaft. Shims should be used if necessary to ensure uniform clearance.
Seal Installation: O-rings should be lubricated with oil or grease, and seal halves should be placed with the flinger facing the liner.
Plunger Screw Adjustment: Specific procedures for tightening the plunger screw for base-loaded and cap-loaded bearings, including marking and locknut tightening.
Grommet and Oil Gauge Installation: Apply RTV or non-hardening sealant to the housing grommet area and around coolant pipes.
Plumbing Cleaning: All plumbing (oil and water) should be cleaned and flushed before connecting to the pillow block and tested before operation.
Oil Maintenance Schedule:
- Drain, flush, and refill with oil after 2-3 weeks of initial break-in.
- Perform oil analysis every 3 months for 24-hour/day service or every 6 months for 8-hour/day service.
- Visually check oil for contamination between analyses.
- Change oil at least once per year for unfiltered static applications.
- Circulating oil systems or OLF-2 units can extend oil service life.
Periodic Checks: Check and re-torque plunger screw after 24 hours or initial start-up, then periodically as required. Inspect oil rings for proper oil delivery.
Oil Level Maintenance: Maintain oil level between the top and midpoint of the oil level gauge. Overfilling can cause oil to leak from shaft seals.
Corrosion Protection: Bearings and shafts left idle for extended periods must be protected against corrosion. If the unit cannot be run for several minutes at least once a week, consult the equipment manufacturer for special lubrication instructions.
Vibration Correction: Any significant vibration or imbalance must be corrected.
Storage: Bearings should not be stored outdoors before installation. For extended or outdoor storage, consult the equipment manufacturer for special instructions.