KPRM Infrastructure

Pot bearings

The KPRM pot bearings are spatial joints that enable rotation around any horizontal axis by deforming the elastomeric cushion in a cylindrical steel casing (the so-called pot), closed with a plate acting as a piston. The elastomeric cushion keeps the volume under triaxial compression so that the bearing does not settle under load. The bearing is made in a rolling process from one block or by welding a ring to the bottom of the pot. The elastomer cushion in the pot is additionally protected against compression by a vulcanized pressure gasket.

In the sliding pot bearings, the upper surface of the piston is covered with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) on which the top bearing plate (with a polished austenitic sliding sheet at the bottom) moves. Sandblasting and spray metallization as well as sealing with paint sets are the means of anti- corrosion protection used for the KPRM pot bearings.

The bearings are manufactured in accordance with the PN-EN 1337-5 Standard, Construction bearings. Part 5: Pot bearings.