A large wastewater treatment plant in the northeastern US uses 96 RBCs to remove organic material from the water, ensuring the water is safe to be released back into the environment.

RBCs are biological wastewater treatment system in which multiple media discs are shaft mounted and partially submerged in influent water. As the shaft turns at approximately 1.5 revolutions per minute, microorganisms on the discs are alternately exposed to water and air –providing them with the organic matter in the water as a food source and oxygen for proper digestion, resulting in the removal of unwanted material.

Running around-the-clock, RBCs carry heavy loads and are supported by a 25-foot shaft with a mounted bearing on each side. The bearings are located just inches from the water and exposed to constant splashing and corrosive elements. SAF-style bearings are commonly used in this application, but their ineffective sealing systems and grease path design fail to prevent contamination and clean grease from accessing the rolling elements, leading to premature failure. Their replacement requires specialized maintenance procedures, a crane and up to 26 hours of labor for the replacement of a single bearing – creating a significant pain point for operational maintenance.