Preventing equalizing thrust bearing misalignment
January 8 2013 -
David M. Casper, Engineering Service Coordinator, Kingsbury, Inc.
There is always some degree of thrust bearing misalignment due to housing and bearing machining tolerances, or misalignment between the shaft and housing. This is considered static misalignment since the bearing is misaligned before a load is applied. This static misalignment is different from dynamic misalignment that may occur when thermal expansion and mechanical deflection causes shifts in the housing and shaft position while in operation.
Preventing electrical pitting damage in bearings
October 7 2011 -
Joe Wilkes
Electrical pitting damage, caused by intermediate arcing between stationary and rotating machine components, erodes the babbitted surface of a bearing, causing it to fail. With the right precautions, however, this type of damage can be prevented.
How to determine end-play in thrust bearings
January 28 2011 -
Joe Wilkes
The purpose of thrust bearing end play is to provide axial clearance between the thrust collar and the thrust bearing assemblies. The end play allows room for the formation of an oil film, misalignment, and thermal expansion of the bearing components. End play is the total distance the shaft can move between the two thrust bearings and is sometimes called float, thrust bearing clearance or axial clearance.
Typical values of end play can be calculated by the following formula:
EP (mils) = 0.9 * Babbitt Outside Dia.
