Method and apparatus for extending the campaign life of stabilizers for a coating line

A roller assembly, wherein the roller assembly is configured for submersion in molten metal, wherein the roller assembly comprises:

• (a) a roller comprising a roll portion and two journals protruding from opposite ends of the roll portion, wherein each journal comprises a substantially continuous smooth outer surface;
• (b) a pair of roller sleeves, wherein each roller sleeve comprises a bore extending through the roller sleeve configured to receive a corresponding journal therein, wherein the bore of each roller sleeve comprises a substantially continuous smooth inner surface;
• and
• (c) a pair of bearing blocks, wherein each bearing block defines an opening therein, wherein the opening of each bearing block is configured to receive a corresponding roller sleeve with a corresponding journal disposed within the roller sleeve.

A method of operating a roller assembly in a steel coating line comprising the steps of:

• positioning a journal of a roller within a bore of a ceramic roller sleeve, wherein an outer surface of the journal is substantially smooth, wherein an inner surface of the bore of the roller sleeve is substantially smooth;
• positioning the roller sleeve within an opening of a ceramic bearing block;
• and
• rotating the journal and roller sleeve together within the bearing block.