During a planned shutdown at a German steel plant, HSOS applied controlled resistance heating to a multi-tonne pinion bearing housing to soften an adhesive bond to the concrete foundation – a demanding 3.5-day, round-the-clock operation in a confined, industrial environment.
Background
Heat treatment in industrial maintenance is most commonly associated with post-weld heat treatment of pipework or pressure vessels. This project at a steel production facility in Germany demonstrates the broader potential of controlled thermal processes in plant maintenance.
A heavy pinion bearing housing – a critical component within the production line – was bonded to the concrete floor with an industrial adhesive. To remove the component during a scheduled plant turnaround, the adhesive had to be softened through targeted heat application without damaging the surrounding structure.
Key Challenges
The component weighed several tonnes and was installed in a location with restricted access, leaving limited space for heater placement, thermocouple installation, and cable routing. The critical requirement: the component had to reach and maintain sufficient temperature to render the adhesive pliable – and had to be lifted while still hot, before heat dissipation caused the adhesive to re-harden.
This demanded precise coordination between the heat treatment team and the crane operator, with timing planned to the minute.
Execution
- Duration: 3.5 days, continuous day and night shifts
- Heating method: Electrical resistance heating with custom-fitted elements applied around the component profile
- Temperature monitoring: Multi-point thermocouple array for uniform heat distribution and full documentation
- Cable management: All supply lines systematically routed and secured under confined conditions – disciplined housekeeping as a non-negotiable safety requirement
- Coordination: Close interface with the shutdown team to execute the hot lift at the right moment
Once the target temperature was reached and confirmed uniform across the component, the bearing housing was lifted immediately in its hot state. The adhesive had softened sufficiently to release the bond cleanly.
Conclusion
This project illustrates that heat treatment engineering extends well beyond post-weld applications. With the right equipment, methodical planning, and an experienced crew, unconventional thermal challenges can be solved reliably – in confined spaces, harsh conditions, and continuous shift operations.