METHODS TO EFFECTIVELY EVALUATE MODERN JOURNAL BEARING PERFORMANCE AND ACHIEVE HIGH RELIABILITY

Abstract

Centrifugal compressors and steam turbines commonly use hydrodynamic journal bearings. These bearings can be fixed geometry (sleeve) or tilting pad type. Most end users expect bearings to operate trouble free from major turnaround to major turnaround. Compressor manufactures continue to push the design limits of their equipment, reduce costs and optimize machine performance. However, this can increase the risk of bearing issues in new machines and in operating machines as they age. As discussed in this tutorial, industry standards offer limited guidance on how to design or apply hydrodynamic bearings to prevent wear or damage. So, how can end users evaluate bearing design performance to achieve high reliability? The objective of this tutorial is to answer this question.