Complex Challenges, Simple Solutions

Posted on Thursday, March 24th, 2022 and is filed under Uncategorized

Complex Challenges, Simple Solutions: How an ancient tree is solving today’s most complex engineering challenges

In 1975, Bob Shortridge was a successful builder with a timber frame housing construction business. His business was understanding timber, lumber, and the power of engineering with the simplest of materials – wood. Inspired by Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse, Shortridge became intrigued by an opportunity to purchase 2.5 tons of lignum vitae material – wood – 17 years ago. Since then, he has been on a quest to bring this material back to the forefront in marine, hydroelectric and industrial settings because of its superior performance in extreme settings.

Since 2005, Lignum Vitae North America has worked tirelessly to showcase the benefits of this old school material because of its unique capabilities and track record of outlasting and outperforming newer, and more theoretically advanced, composite materials. Business is growing and the opportunities are virtually limitless. Customers are among the biggest advocates and cite millions of dollars in cost savings and efficiencies by eliminating parts failures, unplanned/unscheduled emergency maintenance and improved uptime since switching to lignum vitae.

Why does this matter? Because hydro plants, ships, wind turbines and more need bearings. And the composite materials dominating today’s bearing marketplace aren’t getting the job done. Hydro plant operators frequently struggle with inoperable turbines and unplanned outages because of vibration issues that require constant adjustments and bearing replacements. Logistics companies grapple with delayed shipments because of ships that can’t leave port due to unreliable bearings and tubes that could leave expensive cargo stranded at sea. And every company faces fines and reputational damage from potential environmental non-compliance from spills and leaks from oil-lubricated bearings. Lignum vitae exceeds all EPA requirements. Only one material solves for all these issues: lignum vitae. Globally, operators and organizations have taken notice and are insisting on better, more cost-effective, and operationally sound solutions.

The company has been on a solidly upward trajectory, gaining credibility, recognition, industrial and environmental certifications, and an impressive global customer roster that belies its humble beginnings and relative size.

Originally specified, continuous use

Bearings fabricated with lignum vitae material have been in use for hundreds of years. The oldest continuous operating hydro plant in The United States – Mechanicville, 1894 the first experimental 3 phase – still operates using lignum vitae bearings. The oldest continuous operating hydro plant in Canada – Chaudiere, 1891 – still operates using lignum vitae bearings. More than 500 hydro plants use bearings fabricated from lignum vitae material. Over the last decade, energy giant Ameren returned its Osage powerplant to 100% lignum vitae. In the marine industry, lignum vitae material was the first bearing to make a transatlantic voyage in 1856. It was specified and used in the largest non-nuclear icebreakers Polar Star and Polar Sea. The first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus, used lignum vitae in shaft strut bearings.

Early successes in the marine market

The Lignum Vitae team pursued the marine market early on, as there are numerous case studies and examples of the success and performance of lignum vitae in this market dating back to the mid-1800’s. Success in the marine market fueled the development of relationships and successes with international governments to retrofit naval aircraft carriers and coast guard cutters as well as manufacturers and shipping companies to provide lignum vitae fabricated bearings and tubes for luxury yachts, commercial fishing trawlers, Great Lakes freighters, WWII liberty ships and more. Lignum Vitae North America currently supplies the Indian Navy’s INS Vikramaditya Aircraft Carrier.

Certifications and recognition

LVNA submitted lignum vitae material for environmental certifications because of its water-lubricated properties, which improve sustainability compliance for industrial customers. The material received ABS/DNV certification as an approved material for propulsion shaft and rudder stock bearings in 2018. The material also achieved NSF/ANSI61 certification by NSF International in 2015 and ranked number one in the world for water treatment. NSF International is an independent organization that develops rigorous standards and tests to ensure regulatory compliance. This certification affirms that lignum vitae material is safe for use in drinking water and complies with U.S. and Canada regulatory requirements for many components used in water systems. 

Partnerships and opportunities

In 2021, Lignum Vitae N.A. established a working partnership with engineering consultancy Hydro Tech to run testing on lignum vitae material. Today, Lignum Vitae is Hydro Tech’s exclusive supplier for lignum vitae material for the company’s oil-to-water conversions for medium to large hydropower generation plants because of the materials durability, proven performance, and environmental superiority. Lignum Vitae also has an ongoing partnership with Yeoman Marine Services to engineer sustainable, durable bearing and tube solutions for the Indian Navy.

Research and development

Currently, Shortridge holds four patents for bearings and tubes engineered using lignum vitae material; Thrust Bearing, Coating, Wind Turbine and Hone in Place. The company expanded its operations in 2019 when it opened a 13,000 square foot, state-of-the-art research and development facility that houses four stations for fabricating water-lubricated industrial-strength bearings and researching new and innovative uses and solutions for the industrial sector. Most recently, the team spent months developing a new seal solution for use in the Marine and Hydro market. The company also recently installed a pressure vessel, providing additional confidence for customers that the material and fabricated components successfully passed trials and leave the shop in the same condition it will operate in. Lignum Vitae N.A. also extracts LV resin and is exploring additional uses for the resin. The three-year old facility more than tripled production capacity by adding the ability to bore stern tubes and shell bearings in-house to accommodate growing global demand.

Sustainability

Lignum vitae as a bearing material is the only truly renewable industrial bearing in the world. It is non-polluting, non-toxic and has the lowest carbon footprint. It’s durability and longevity reduce waste generated by frequent replacements. As EPA and global environmental regulations continue to evolve, lignum vitae is well-positioned for increased use across a variety of industrial applications. It is important to note that the material was overharvested in the 1940’s leading to its classification on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) appendix II list of endangered species. Lignum Vitae N.A. holds the appropriate licenses and permits and is the only company with proper CITES clearance to harvest lignum vitae. Our team understands the imperative of preserving the viability of this precious natural resource and complies with all international regulations for sustainable harvesting techniques, use and repopulation to ensure continued viability as a bearing material.