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Top Bearings Articles
Magnetic bearing systems represent a different approach from rolling bearings to support rotating machinery, and in recent years, their benefits have attracted attention for more applications.
Explore some of the issues associated with vertical pump bearings in general, and nonmetallic bearings specifically. Nonmetallic bearings may not be the best answer in every case but have been an excellent choice for many applications worldwide. In general, these product-lubricated bearings preclude additional contaminants (oils, greases) infiltrating the pumped fluid.
Babbitt bearings, frequently found in large steam turbines and generators in major power plants, can provide years of service if properly maintained. By using state-of-the-art technology and repair practices, aftermarket suppliers who specialize in Babbitt bearings can repair equipment and increase the life of Babbitt bearings.
The benefits of predictive maintenance are becoming readily accepted throughout industry in Europe as well as North America. Guy Mertens, who is responsible for predictive maintenance at the Belgian Refinery Corporation (BRC), added an extra dimension to his predictive maintenance program by using it to identify common machine faults for the maintenance staff to watch for.
For more than 25 years Shock Pulse has proven to be a valuable method for evaluating bearing condition. Shock Pulse is easy to use and understand. With the addition of enveloping to the Shock Pulse signal, a more exact diagnosis is available, allowing end users to identify the damaged component within the bearing.
Given time, every component of the rotating machinery will eventually fail, even when operating in a perfect environment. For instance, rotation of the shaft subjects it to alternating load, changing from tension to compression with each shaft revolution.
When a component of a large circulating water pump fails in a power plant, the power plant must often spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to remove the pump from service, replace the failed component, rebuild the pump and return it to service. In addition, circulating water pumps can require work on a massive scale-they can measure 30 ft or more in length and pump an average of 165,000 gpm. Rotating shafts for these pumps can measure 8 to 10 in. in diameter.
Progressive maintenance practices are vital to maximize pump life, minimize downtime and avoid costly repairs and lost production. It is good practice to plan the detailed groundwork of maintenance programs, along with contingencies for various maintenance events to minimize downtime.
Latest Bearings Articles
Maintenance and repair functions constitute a significant component of pumping system life cycle costs, especially in terms of energy consumption. The proper selection and lubrication of bearings can help bring economies and efficiencies into line.
Rolling element bearings are mechanically complex compared to plain bearings, but are indispensable in a large variety of functions.
Currents are induced on the motor shafts when AC motors are employed with VFDs to drive air pumps, chillwater pumps and compressors in HVAC/R systems. Without a grounding device, these currents typically discharge through the motor bearings, causing frosting, pitting, fusion craters, and fluting.
How to determine the root cause of bearing failure by analyzing telltale signs.
Explore some of the issues associated with vertical pump bearings in general, and nonmetallic bearings specifically. Nonmetallic bearings may not be the best answer in every case but have been an excellent choice for many applications worldwide. In general, these product-lubricated bearings preclude additional contaminants (oils, greases) infiltrating the pumped fluid.
The benefits of predictive maintenance are becoming readily accepted throughout industry in Europe as well as North America. Guy Mertens, who is responsible for predictive maintenance at the Belgian Refinery Corporation (BRC), added an extra dimension to his predictive maintenance program by using it to identify common machine faults for the maintenance staff to watch for.
When a component of a large circulating water pump fails in a power plant, the power plant must often spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to remove the pump from service, replace the failed component, rebuild the pump and return it to service. In addition, circulating water pumps can require work on a massive scale-they can measure 30 ft or more in length and pump an average of 165,000 gpm. Rotating shafts for these pumps can measure 8 to 10 in. in diameter.
Knowing the basics of pump repair can simplify preventive maintenance.
What is the secret to continuously baking or processing cakes, pizza, chicken, beer and thousands of other foods and beverages? Mechanical carbon materials used in the food processing equipment produce these foods safely and cost effectively.
Q. Our pumps take their suction from an open tank. When the liquid level drops, surface vortices are formed that allow air to be drawn into the pumps. What changes can be made to the tank to correct this problem?
Columns and Blogs
In this multi-part series, we will investigate several aspects of centrifugal pump efficiency.
First of Five Parts
Since the original publication of this draft standard in the January 2008 issue of Pumps & Systems, I have received feedback, encouragement, numerous questions and criticism. The draft listed three basic levels of repair.
The McGraw-Hill scientific dictionary [5] states that a volute is "a spiral casing for a centrifugal pump... designed so that speed will be converted to pressure."
