MITIGATION OF AXIAL VIBRATION AND THRUST BEARING FAILURES IN ROTATING MACHINERY

Abstract

The objectives of this tutorial are to familiarize rotating machinery engineers involved in detailed engineering and site operation on various aspects of axial vibration in rotating machinery. Among all rotating machines failure modes in various sectors of industries, issues of axial vibrations and thrust bearing failures are puzzling and difficult to solve. There are many factors involved with issue of high axial vibrations and thrust bearings failures which can be addressed right from design / selection (early engineering phase of a project). The prudent knowledge of various failure modes owing to high axial excursion of rotor / high axial loads at various operating points and proper selection of bearing and rotor setting can mitigate this type failures in great extent. The proposed tutorial paper endeavors to provide readers various aspects and issues causing high axial thrust and mitigation actions in combination. This tutorial takes up few salient case studies as well. A sample thrust calculation included in this paper render a good understanding of predicted behavior of machine in terms of axial vibration and subsequent failure modes. Correct methods of sensor mounting, methods of proper setting of thrust bearing end pl n-site work carried out during pre-commissioning activity of mission critical turbomachinery.