Development And Experience With A New Thrust Bearing System For Centrifugal Pumps

Abstract

The general use of rolling element bearings in centrifugal pumps comes as a result of their low power consumption, high stiffness and high load support capabilities. Although these bearings are popular in the light to medium duty pump applications, they are sometimes cause for concern in certain pump applications. Thrust load application of rolling element bearings has the attention of bearing specialists and machinery engineers, because less than ten percent of the bearing population ever reach their theoretical expected life. This has motivated improvements in manufacturing tolerances and processes, material selection and lubrication. The result of which has been an improved service factor for rolling element thrust bearings over the years. However, further development should concentrate on areas, other than rolling contact fatigue, that might get us c loser to the theoretical life.