14.10. 2025
ZKL split bearing saves time and costs at the Port of Açu
Case Study:
Once again, ZKL demonstrates that the right bearing choice can save not only time but also money. By reducing downtime of key equipment, ZKL contributes to lower operating costs and improved overall efficiency.
In September 2025, a ZKL split bearing PLC_62-14-06.R with an inner diameter of 500 mm was successfully installed on the drive axle of the iron ore handling equipment at the Ferroport terminal in the Brazilian Port of Açu. The installation took approximately 12 hours, significantly less than for a conventional bearing – requiring only 25 % of the standard downtime.
Due to the complexity of the application, replacing a standard bearing is usually both time-consuming and logistically demanding, often requiring special equipment that is not readily available on site. This can lead to downtimes lasting weeks and significantly affect production. The ZKL split bearing, however, enabled a considerable reduction in installation time and minimized equipment downtime.
The installation was carried out by Ferroport’s maintenance team with technical support from Edson Almeida of ZKL Rodamientos S.A., ZKL’s regional technical representative. The correctly chosen installation procedure confirmed that the split bearing is the most efficient technical solution for this application.
About the Equipment
The iron ore reclaimer was designed and manufactured by BARDELLA S.A. for the Porto Açu terminal – today Ferroport, a joint venture between Anglo American and Prumo Logística Global. With a rated capacity of 13,000 tons per hour, the equipment ranks among the largest of its kind in Brazil.
Equipment specifications:
• Type: Bucket wheel reclaimer with boom
• Capacity: 13,000 t/h
• Operating reach: 785 m
• Boom length: 50 m with lifting winch
• Original bearing: 230/530K (Ø530 × Ø780 × 185 mm)
• New ZKL split bearing: PLC_62-14-06.R (Ø500 × Ø780 × 185/270 mm)
Reliability Proven Over Time
The bearing had been purchased some time ago and stored in a port warehouse under challenging climatic conditions. Despite this, upon unpacking it was completely undamaged, confirming the high quality of ZKL’s protective packaging and technological standards.
ZKL Split Bearings – Efficient Solutions for Demanding Operations
This project highlights ZKL’s long-standing expertise in the design and production of special bearings, as well as in providing technical support for demanding applications worldwide.
ZKL split bearings represent a practical, reliable, and time-saving solution that reduces downtime and delivers significant savings in operating costs.
Due to the complexity of the application, replacing a standard bearing is usually both time-consuming and logistically demanding, often requiring special equipment that is not readily available on site. This can lead to downtimes lasting weeks and significantly affect production. The ZKL split bearing, however, enabled a considerable reduction in installation time and minimized equipment downtime.
The installation was carried out by Ferroport’s maintenance team with technical support from Edson Almeida of ZKL Rodamientos S.A., ZKL’s regional technical representative. The correctly chosen installation procedure confirmed that the split bearing is the most efficient technical solution for this application.
About the Equipment
The iron ore reclaimer was designed and manufactured by BARDELLA S.A. for the Porto Açu terminal – today Ferroport, a joint venture between Anglo American and Prumo Logística Global. With a rated capacity of 13,000 tons per hour, the equipment ranks among the largest of its kind in Brazil.
Equipment specifications:
• Type: Bucket wheel reclaimer with boom
• Capacity: 13,000 t/h
• Operating reach: 785 m
• Boom length: 50 m with lifting winch
• Original bearing: 230/530K (Ø530 × Ø780 × 185 mm)
• New ZKL split bearing: PLC_62-14-06.R (Ø500 × Ø780 × 185/270 mm)
Reliability Proven Over Time
The bearing had been purchased some time ago and stored in a port warehouse under challenging climatic conditions. Despite this, upon unpacking it was completely undamaged, confirming the high quality of ZKL’s protective packaging and technological standards.
ZKL Split Bearings – Efficient Solutions for Demanding Operations
This project highlights ZKL’s long-standing expertise in the design and production of special bearings, as well as in providing technical support for demanding applications worldwide.
ZKL split bearings represent a practical, reliable, and time-saving solution that reduces downtime and delivers significant savings in operating costs.
