In order to extend the seal's service life, it is made out of an SKF-developed polyurethane, H-ECOPUR, which the company claims offers improved abrasion resistance and tear strength.
SKF said in a statement: "Ultimately, the seal can help wind farm operators reduce the risks of contaminant-related bearing failures and the high unplanned downtime, repair and lost productivity costs that follow."
Currently-available seals are not designed specifically for the industry, but rather for general industrial applications.
SKF said the product is designed to be capable of handling the rough surfaces that come into contact with each other during rotation and the limited lubrication conditions that are specific to the wind industry.
In order to allow quick, up-tower installation, the seal also features a steel band clamp with a fast-lock mechanism. SKF has carried out a field trial of the product on 40 2.5MW turbines.
