Cryogenic Bearings

Carter Bearings has decades of experience within the cryogenic industry and are the premier supplier for cryogenic bearings. Our experience extends to fully submergible pumps within the energy sector to liquid oxygen turbo pumps within the space sector.

The development of a bearing that can thrive while fully submerged in Liquid Hydrogen ( -253 °C / -423.4 °F) or Liquid Nitrogen (-196 °C / -320.8 °F) is even more challenging than it seems. First, the material choices of the rings, cages, and balls/rollers need to be painstakingly analyzed for conformance along with the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of each component in the bearing to ensure optimum clearance at operating temperature.  The lubrication method must be defined and given the specialization of this industry, working with experts may save your from having to do internal testing.

Carter has developed internal quality control measures to test every cryogenic bearing that we ship out. Learn more while exploring this website page.

How do you know if your bearing is going to be suitable in your cryogenic applications? Carter bearings has developed proprietary cryogenic testing procedures to minimize your risk before your cryogenic bearings even arrive. All of our cryogenic bearings under a strict testing procedure where they are fully submerged in Liquid Nitrogen (-196 °C / -320.8 °F) and perform torque and dimensional analysis. This ensures optimal performance in your application.  

The bearings used in cryogenic applications are of paramount importance. Not only is material compatible critical for use with applications such as Liquid Oxygen, but also the material quality and heat treatment procedures. Common bearing stainless steel such as 440C is suitable but standard heat treatment processes will not yield optimal results as they can warp throughout the temperature differential. Carter Bearings has developed proprietary heat treatment procedures to guarantee every bearing performs its best at cryogenic temperatures.

Just like bearing ring materials, choosing the best cage material for your cryogenic application is critical. Many common engineering plastics become too brittle at cryogenic temperatures. Carter understands when cost saving methods can be utilized depending on the bearing cage geometry or when top-of-the-line materials are necessary. PEEK can be a great option while in other circumstances PTFE with custom additives or even Durafilm or PCTFE are necessary.  Partnering with a company with technical expertise will give you the competitive advantage.

Bearing lubrication becomes a challenge in cryogenic temperatures when liquid greases cannot operate. Therefore, using non-ferrous materials such as silicon nitride ceramic for rolling elements can add significant benefits. Ceramics are prone to quality issues so having faith in your supply chain with Carter Bearings will ease your mind.

When introducing a dissimilar material, the differential of coefficient of thermal expansion becomes an area of focus. The rings and cage will expand at a different rate as the balls or rollers. Developing a bearing solution that can operate within a range of temperatures or at a specific temperature requires engineering excellence. Carter’s experience will speak for itself after a brief technical consultation call.

Not all dry lubrications are created equally. Common cryogenic dry lubrications are molybdenum disulfide and tungsten disulfide. The application of these coatings is critical to the success of the bearing. Were they applied before or after assembly? What solvents were used before and after coating? Carter not only understands when to use each type of coating but has developed the best supply chain of coating facilities after decades of testing and development.