A Flexible Pad Bearing System For A High Speed Centrifugal Compressor
Abstract
The application of a new radial and thrust bearing for use in high speed integrally geared centrifugal compressors is presented. The bearing design is of the flexible pad type. Bearing design analyses were conducted to assure a stable rotor bearing system, along with possible improvement in bearing performance relative to the five shoe tilting pad journal bearing and taperland thrust bearing system. Performance characteristics of both the radial and thrust bearings were measured at different bearing loads, and compared with the predicted results. Comparison of the bearing performance parameters were also made with the five shoe tilting pad journal and taperland thrust bearing system. Performance parameters included lubricant temperature rise between the oil inlet and discharge, oil flow, frictional power loss, and bearing pad metal temperature. Rotor bearing stability characteristics were evaluated at different loads to assure and verify a stable rotor bearing configuration. Predicted rotor response was also compared with those obtained during the test. The test results showed that the flexible pad bearing system resulted in a lower oil temperature rise, and frictional power loss over the five shoe tilting pad journal and taperland thrust bearing system. The flexible pad rotor bearing system was also found to be stable, and that the observed peak response correlated well with prediction.
Description
LecturePg. 57-64
Subject
TurbomachinesCollections
Citation
Choudhury, Pranabesh De; Hill, M. Raymond; Paquette, Donald J. (1992). A Flexible Pad Bearing System For A High Speed Centrifugal Compressor. Texas A&M University. Turbomachinery Laboratories. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /163522.