bearing for steam turbine

Deep groove ball bearing with seals or shields

Single row deep groove ball bearings with seals or shields are particularly versatile, have low friction and are optimized for low noise and low vibration, which enables high rotational speeds. They accommodate radial and axial loads in both directions, are easy to mount, and require less maintenance than many other bearing types. The integral sealing can significantly prolong bearing service life because it keeps lubricant in the bearings and contaminants out.Integral sea

ling prolongs bearing service life

Simple, versatile and robust design

Low friction and high-speed capability

Accommodate radial and axial loads in both directions

Require little maintenance

Knowledge and introduction of bearings    :                                                                                                 

Steam turbine bearings are critical components in the operation of steam turbines, ensuring the smooth rotation of the turbine shaft and withstanding the high loads and temperatures associated with these powerful machines. Here's a detailed introduction to bearings for steam turbines:

Types of Steam Turbine Bearings

1. Journal Bearings: These are used to support the radial load of the turbine shaft. They can be further classified into:

• Plain Journal Bearings: Which may be sleeve bearings with bronze or Babbitt lining, used in medium-sized turbines.

• Tilting-Pad Journal Bearings: Common in larger turbines, these bearings use a number of individual pads that can tilt to adjust to the load, improving performance under varying conditions .

2. Thrust Bearings: These bearings handle the axial loads, which are the thrust forces generated by the steam flow acting on the turbine blades. They are located at the steam inlet end of the turbine rotor and are crucial for keeping the rotor in the correct position within the casing .

Design and Construction

• Materials: Steam turbine bearings are made from materials that can withstand high temperatures and pressures, such as chrome-nickel steel or 17 Cr’13 Ni steel, which provide strength and corrosion resistance .

• Lubrication: Steam turbine bearings require a reliable lubrication system to reduce friction and control operating temperatures. Flooded lubrication systems are common, but more advanced bearings may use directed lubrication systems like Kingsbury's LEG® (Leading Edge Groove) technology, which improves efficiency and reduces power losses .

Advanced Bearing Technologies

• LEG® Technology: This technology reduces operating temperatures by 5° to 20° C and increases load capacity by 15% - 20%. It also lowers oil flow requirements by 50%, leading to higher turbine efficiency .

• BPG® Journal Bearings: Between Pad Grooves (BPG®) is a more recent development that further improves machine performance by directing lubrication using feed bars between pads, reducing power losses and allowing for bi-directional shaft rotation when required .

Maintenance and Monitoring

• Inspection and Testing: Steam turbine bearings should be regularly inspected and tested to ensure their integrity. This includes ultrasonic and dye penetrant testing on new items and 100% inspection of bond integrity on repaired thrust and journal bearings .

• Performance Monitoring: Instrumentation such as thermocouples, RTDs, bayonet probes, load cells, axial displacement probes, and vibration sensors can be used to monitor bearing performance and detect any issues before they lead to failure .

Applications

Steam turbine bearings are used in a variety of applications, including power generation in steam and gas-turbine power plants, industrial processes, and any system that requires the conversion of thermal energy into mechanical work .

Industry Standards

Steam turbine bearings must meet strict industry standards to ensure reliability and safety. These standards include military specifications (Mil-Spec) and nuclear industry requirements, which demand high-quality manufacturing and rigorous testing .

In summary, steam turbine bearings are engineered to handle the demanding conditions of steam turbine operation, with advanced designs like LEG® and BPG® technologies offering improved performance and efficiency. Proper maintenance and monitoring are essential to ensure the longevity and reliability of these critical components.

For further details on this product please directly contact our sales department under shh@dmsw.com 

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