Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing Tests - Influence of Oil Flow Rate on Power Loss and Temperatures

1998 ◽  
pp. 211-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willis W. Gardner
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Power Loss ◽  
Thrust Bearing ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Oil Flow

On the Effect of Supplied Flow Rate to the Performance of a Tilting-Pad Journal Bearing: Static Load and Dynamic Force Measurements

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis San Andrés ◽  
Hardik Jani ◽  
Hussain Kaizar ◽  
Manish Thorat
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Temperature Rise ◽  
Power Loss ◽  
Static Load ◽  
Dynamic Force ◽  
Shaft Speed ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Oil Flow ◽  
Exit Temperature ◽  
Subsurface Temperatures

Abstract Rotating machinery relies on engineered tilting-pad journal bearings (TPJB) to provide static load support with minimal drag power losses, safe pad temperatures, and ensuring a rotordynamic stable rotor operation. End users focus on reducing the supplied oil flow rate into a bearing to both lower operational costs and to increase drive power efficiency. This paper presents measurements of the steady-state and dynamic forced performance of a TPJB whilst focusing on the influence of supplied oil flow rate, below and above a nominal condition (50% and 150%). The test bearing has five pads, slenderness ratio L/D = 0.4, spherical pivots with pad offset = 50% and a preload ∼ 0.40, with a clearance to radius ratio (Cr/R) ≈ 0.001 at room temperature. The bearing is installed under a load-between-pads (LBP) orientation and has a flooded housing with end seals. The test conditions include operation at various shaft surface speeds (32 m/s-85 m/s) and specific static loads from 0.17 MPa to 2.1 MPa. A turbine oil lubricates the bearing with a speed-dependent flow rate delivered at a constant supply temperature. Measurements obtained at a steady thermal equilibrium include the journal static eccentricity and attitude angle, the oil exit temperature rise, and the pads’ subsurface temperatures at various locations, circumferential and axial. The rig includes measurement of the drive torque and shaft speed to produce the bearing drag power loss. Dynamic force coefficients include stiffness, damping, and virtual-mass coefficients. As expected, the drag power and the lubricant temperature rise depend mainly on shaft speed rather than on applied load. A reduction in oil flow rate to 50% of its nominal magnitude causes a modest increase in journal eccentricity, a 15% reduction in drag power loss, a moderate raise (6°C) in pads’ subsurface temperatures, a slight increase (up to 6%) in the direct stiffnesses, and a decrease (up to 7%) in direct damping coefficients. Conversely, a 1.5 times increase in oil flow rate causes a slight increase (up to 9 %) in drag power loss, a moderate reduction of pads’ temperatures (up to 3°C), a maximum 5% reduction in direct stiffnesses, and a maximum 10% increase in direct damping. The paper also presents comparisons of the test results against predictions from a thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication model. In conclusion, a 50% reduced oil flow rate only causes a slight degradation in the test bearing static and dynamic force performance and does not make the bearing operation unsafe for tests with surface speed up to 74 m/s. As an important corollary, the measured bearing drag power differs from the conventional estimate derived from the product of the supplied flow rate, the lubricant specific heat and the oil exit temperature rise.

Effects of High-Operating Speeds on Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing Performance

1976 ◽  
Vol 98 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Capitao ◽  
R. S. Gregory ◽  
R. P. Whitford
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Power Loss ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Thrust Bearing ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Thrust Bearings ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Speed Performance ◽  
Bearing Loads

A comparison of the high-speed performance characteristics of tilting-pad, self-equalizing type thrust bearings through two independent full-scale programs is reported. This paper presents experimental data on centrally pivoted, 6-pad, 267-mm (10 1/2-in.) and 304-mm (12-in.) O.D. bearings operating at shaft speeds up to 14000 rpm and bearing loads ranging up to 2.76 MPa (400 psi). Data presented demonstrate the effects of speed and loading on bearing power loss and metal temperatures. Included is a discussion of optimum oil supply flow rate based upon considerations of bearing pad temperatures and power loss values.

Influence of Turbulence on Performance Characteristics of the Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing

1974 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Capitao
Keyword(s):  
Turbulent Flow ◽  
Power Loss ◽  
Thrust Bearing ◽  
Load Capacity ◽  
Equal Area ◽  
Thrust Bearings ◽  
Finite Difference Equations ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Oil Flow ◽  
Flow Theories

The influence of fluid film turbulence on the performance of centrally-pivoted tilting pad thrust bearings was analyzed. Major features of the analysis are: (1) today’s two predominant “engineering” turbulent flow theories are delineated and their quantitative predictions compared; (2) a spherical pad profile was assumed, and (3) an equal area technique was used in the finite difference equations. The results confirmed earlier predictions of increases in power loss and load capacity when compared to a laminar solution. Also, no significant differences were found between the results predicted by the two predominant turbulent flow theories. Power loss, load capacity, and hydrodynamic oil flow are given for 13, 15, and 17 in. sizes. Comparisons of laminar and turbulent numerical results are presented.

On the Effect of Supplied Flow Rate to the Performance of a Tilting-Pad Journal Bearing—Static Load and Dynamic Force Measurements

2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis San Andrés ◽  
Hardik Jani ◽  
Hussain Kaizar ◽  
Manish Thorat
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Temperature Rise ◽  
Power Loss ◽  
Static Load ◽  
Dynamic Force ◽  
Shaft Speed ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Oil Flow ◽  
Exit Temperature ◽  
Subsurface Temperatures

Abstract Rotating machinery relies on engineered tilting-pad journal bearings (TPJB) to provide static load support with minimal drag power losses, safe pad temperatures, and ensuring a rotor-dynamic stable rotor operation. End users focus on reducing the supplied oil flow rate into a bearing to both lower operational costs and to increase drive power efficiency. This paper presents measurements of the steady-state and dynamic forced performance of a TPJB whilst focusing on the influence of supplied oil flow rate, below and above a nominal condition (50% and 150%). The test bearing has five pads, slenderness ratio L/D = 0.4, spherical pivots with pad offset = 50%, and a preload –0.40, with a clearance to radius ratio (Cr/R) ≈ 0.001 at room temperature. The bearing is installed under a load-between-pads (LBP) orientation and has a flooded housing with end seals. The test conditions include operation at various shaft surface speeds (32 m/s–85 m/s) and specific static loads from 0.17 MPa to 2.1 MPa. A turbine oil lubricates the bearing with a speed-dependent flow rate delivered at a constant supply temperature. Measurements obtained at a steady thermal equilibrium include the journal static eccentricity and attitude angle, the oil exit temperature rise, and the pads' subsurface temperatures at various locations, circumferential and axial. The rig includes measurement of the drive torque and shaft speed to produce the bearing drag power loss. Dynamic force coefficients include stiffness, damping, and virtual-mass coefficients. As expected, the drag power and the lubricant temperature rise depend mainly on shaft speed rather than on applied load. A reduction in oil flow rate to 50% of its nominal magnitude causes a modest increase in journal eccentricity, a 15% reduction in drag power loss, a moderate raise (6 °C) in pads' subsurface temperatures, a slight increase (up to 6%) in the direct stiffnesses, and a decrease (up to 7%) in direct damping coefficients. Conversely, a 1.5 times increase in oil flow rate causes a slight increase (up to 9%) in drag power loss, a moderate reduction of pads' temperatures (up to 3 °C), a maximum 5% reduction in direct stiffnesses, and a maximum 10% increase in direct damping. The paper also presents comparisons of the test results against predictions from a thermo-elastohydrodynamic (TEHD) lubrication model. In conclusion, a 50% reduced oil flow rate only causes a slight degradation in the test bearing static and dynamic force performance and does not make the bearing operation unsafe for tests with surface speed up to 74 m/s. As an important corollary, the measured bearing drag power differs from the conventional estimate derived from the product of the supplied flow rate, the lubricant-specific heat, and the oil exit temperature rise.

A Comparison of Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing Lubricant Supply Methods

1983 ◽  
Vol 105 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Mikula ◽  
R. S. Gregory
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Power Loss ◽  
Thrust Bearing ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Potential User ◽  
Thrust Bearings ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Edge Distribution

This paper compares three different lubricant supply methods—pressurized supply (flooded), spray feed, and leading edge distribution groove—and analyzes their influence on the performance of tilting pad, equalizing thrust bearings. The paper presents experimental data on 267 mm (10-1/2 in.) o.d. bearings, operating at shaft speeds up to 13,000 rpm with loads ranging up to 3.45 MPa (500 psi). The data presented demonstrate the effect each lubricant supply method has on bearing power loss and temperature. Conclusions are drawn, based upon the effectiveness of each design, to guide the potential user.

Identification of Dynamic Coefficients of a Five-Pad Tilting Pad Journal Bearing up to Highest Surface Speeds

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Zemella ◽  
Thomas Hagemann ◽  
Bastian Pfau ◽  
Hubert Schwarze
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Static Load ◽  
Journal Bearing ◽  
Damping Coefficients ◽  
Dynamic Coefficients ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Oil Flow ◽  
Tilting Pad Journal Bearing ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Tilting-pad journal bearings are widely used in turbomachinery industry due to their positive dynamic properties at high rotor speeds. However, the exact description of this dynamic behavior is still part of current research. This paper presents measurement results for a five-pad tilting-pad journal bearing in load between pivot configuration. The bearing is characterized by a nominal diameter of 100 mm, a length of 90 mm, and a pivot offset of 0.6. Investigations include results for surface speeds between 25 and 120 m/s and specific bearing loads ranging from 0.0 to 3.0 MPa. Results of theoretical predictions are commonly derived from perturbation of stationary operation under static load. Therefore, experimental results for stationary operation including pad deflection under static load are presented first to characterize the investigated bearing. Measured results indicate considerable non-laminar flow in the upper region of the investigated range of rotor speeds. Second, dynamic excitation test are performed with excitation frequencies up to 400 Hz to evaluate dynamic coefficients of a stiffness (K) and damping (C) KC-model, and additionally, a KCM-model using additional virtual mass (M) coefficients. KCM-coefficients are obtained by fitting frequency dependent KC-characteristics to the KCM-model structure using least square approach. The wide range of rotating and excitation frequencies leads to subsynchronous as well as supersynchronous vibrations. Excitation forces are applied with multi-sinus and single-sinus characteristics. The latter one allows evaluation of KC-coefficients at the particular frequency ratio in the time domain. Here, frequency and time domain evaluation algorithms for dynamic coefficients are used in order to assess their special properties and quality. The impact of surface speed, bearing load, and oil flow rate on measured and predicted KCM-coefficients is investigated. Measured and predicted results can be well fitted to a KCM-model and show a significant influence of the ratio between fluid film and pivot support stiffness on the speed dependent characteristic of bearing stiffness coefficients. However, the impact of this ratio on damping coefficients is considerably lower. Further investigations on the impact of oil flow rates indicate that a significant decrease of direct damping coefficients exists below a certain level of starvation. Above this limit, direct damping coefficients are nearly independent of oil flow rate. Results are analyzed in detail and demands on improvements for predictions are derived.

Study on Subsynchronous Vibration With Tilting Pad Journal Bearing Under Starved Lubrication

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rimpei Kawashita ◽  
Tadasuke Nishioka ◽  
Shimpei Yokoyama ◽  
Makoto Iwasaki ◽  
Shuichi Isayama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Journal Bearing ◽  
Damping Ratio ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Rotor System ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Oil Film ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Oil Flow ◽  
Starved Lubrication

Industrial machines such as gas and steam turbines require high efficiency and reliability. Direct lubricated bearings have been developed and installed to reduce mechanical losses. In recent years, it has been reported in the literature that subsynchronous vibration can occur to rotor shafts with direct lubricated tilting pad journal bearings under reduced oil flow rate conditions. In this study, a test rig with a 200 mm diameter and 3.5 meter long rotor supported by a direct lubricated tilting two pad journal bearing was constructed. The primary critical speed is 2100rpm and rotational speed is 3600rpm. The oil-starved area, the non-oil film layer region at the leading edge of the bearing pads, was measured by observing oil film pressure in the bearing clearance with pressure transducers on the rotor surface. A sine sweep excitation test was carried out by using an inertial shaker installed on the bearing housing and the damping ratio of the rotor system was measured. Measured data showed that a larger starved area at the leading edge of the bearing pads due to reduced oil feeding results in a smaller damping ratio, and an increase in the natural frequency of the rotor. Experimental results of two types of oil feeding nozzles were compared with respect to the correlation between starved area and damping ratio of the rotor system, and a relationship between oil flow rate and starved area was discussed. A method for modeling bearing coefficients under starved lubrication has been proposed based on thermo-hydrodynamic lubrication (THL) analysis. A numerical analysis of a finite element-transfer matrix model of the test rotor with the bearing coefficients calculated by the proposed method is carried out, and it is found that the analytical results are in broad agreement with the experimental results.

scholarly journals On the Possibilities of Decreasing Power Loss in Large Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Wasilczuk ◽  
Grzegorz Rotta
Keyword(s):  
Power Loss ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Thrust Bearing ◽  
Fluid Film ◽  
Total Power ◽  
Thrust Bearings ◽  
Oil Supply ◽  
Water Power ◽  
Lubricant Flow ◽  
Tilting Pad

Different systems of direct oil supply have been developed in order to facilitate efficient introduction of fresh lubricant to the oil gap and reduction of churning power loss in tilting pad thrust bearings. Up to now there is no documented application of the supply groove in large thrust bearings used in water power plants. The results of modeling lubricant flow in the lubricating groove of a thrust bearing pad will be presented in the paper. CFD software was used to carry out fluid film calculations. Such analysis makes it possible to modify groove geometry and other parameters and to study their influence on bearing performance. According to the results a remarkable decrease in total power loss due to avoiding churning losses can be observed in the bearing.

Measurements to Quantify the Effect of a Reduced Flow Rate on the Performance of a Tilting Pad Journal Bearing (LBP) With Flooded Ends

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis San Andrés ◽  
Jonathan Toner ◽  
Andy Alcantar
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Lubricating Oil ◽  
Flow Conditions ◽  
Light Load ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Oil Flow ◽  
Nominal Condition ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Reduced Flow

Abstract Operation of tilting pad journal bearings (TPJBs) with a reduced flow decreases pumping costs and oil sump storage. A low supplied oil flow improves system energy efficiency by reducing drag power losses, albeit the temperature rise in both the bearing pads and the lubricating oil become a concern. This paper presents measurements of the static and dynamic load performance of a flooded ends TPJB lubricated with an ISO VG 46 oil supplied at 60 °C, and with flowrate ranging from 150% to just ∼5% of a nominal supply condition. The flow range covers both over-flooded and starved flow conditions. The test bearing is a four-pad, 102 mm diameter, center pivot, with single orifice feeds, and configured with end seals to flood the bearing housing. The experiments include operation at two shaft speeds = 6 krpm and 12 krpm (= 64 m/s surface speed) and under three specific loads = 0.345 MPa, 1.03 MPa and 2.07 MPa applied in between pads (LBP). The measurements show the bearing drag power loss decreases by nearly 20% when the flow rate drops to 50% of nominal. However, halving the flow produces a raise in pad subsurface temperatures, ∼7 °C for operation at 12 krpm. Flow reduction below 50% does result in even more substantial power savings; however, it also produces too hot pad temperatures that approach 130 °C, a known limit for Babbitt material safe operation. The bearing static eccentricity (e) and direct stiffnesses Kxx < Kyy (load direction) do not show a significant dependency on the supplied flow, either above or below the nominal condition. A minor stiffness hardening does occur for very low flow conditions, 5% or so of nominal. Damping coefficients (Cxx ∼ Cyy) decrease by ∼30% as the flow rate decreases from 150% to just a few % of nominal flow. The experimental results are first to quantify operation of a TPJB supplied with minute amounts of lubricant flow. A test with a very low flow rate at ∼2% of nominal and under a light load produced the emergence of a broadband subsynchronous vibration frequency, albeit with very small amplitude.

A Thermoelastohydrodynamic Analysis for the Static Performance of High-Speed Heavy Load Tilting-Pad Journal Bearing Operating in the Turbulent Flow Regime and Comparisons to Test Data

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hirotoshi Arihara ◽  
Yuki Kameyama ◽  
Yoshitaka Baba ◽  
Luis San Andrés
Keyword(s):  
Turbulent Flow ◽  
Flow Regime ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Power Loss ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Hydrodynamic Pressure ◽  
Thermally Induced ◽  
Turbulent Flow Regime ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Static Performance

Tilting-pad journal bearings (TPJBs) ensure rotordynamic stability that could otherwise produce dangerously large amplitude rotor oil-whirl/whip motions in high speed rotating machinery. Currently, highly efficient turbo compressors demand an ever increasing rotor surface speed and specific load on its support bearings. The accurate prediction of bearing performance is vital to guarantee reliable products, specifically with regard to reducing maximum bearing pad temperature and drag power losses, and operating with the least flow rate while still maximizing load capacity. The hydrodynamic pressure and heat generation in an oil film acting on a bearing pad produce significant mechanical and thermal deformations that change the oil film geometry (clearance and preload) to largely affect the bearing performance, static and dynamic. In addition, a high surface speed bearing often operates in the turbulent flow regime that produces a notable increase in power loss and a drop in maximum pad temperature. This paper details a thermoelastohydrodynamic (TEHD) analysis model applied to TPJBs, presents predictions for their steady-load performance, and discusses comparisons with experimental results to validate the model. The test bearing has four pads with a load between pads configuration; its length L = 76.2 mm and shaft diameter D = 101.6 mm (L/D = 0.75). The rotor top speed is 22.6 krpm, i.e. 120 m/s surface speed, and the maximum specific load is 2.94 MPa for an applied load of 23 kN. The test procedure records shaft speed and applied load, oil supply pressure/temperature and flow rate, and also measures the pads’ temperature and shaft temperature, as well as the discharge oil (sump) temperature. The TEHD model couples a generalized Reynolds equation for the hydrodynamic pressure generation with a three-dimensional energy transport equation for the film temperature. The pad mechanical deformation due to pressure utilizes the finite elemental method, whereas an analytical model estimates thermally induced pad crowning deformations. For operation beyond the laminar flow regime, the analysis incorporates the eddy viscosity concept for fully developed turbulent flow operation. Current predictions demonstrate the influence of pressure and temperature fields on the pads mechanical and thermally induced deformation fields, and also show static performance characteristics such as bearing power loss, flow rate, and pad temperatures. The comparisons of test results and analysis results reveal that turbulent flow effects significantly reduce the pads’ maximum temperature while increasing the bearing power loss. Turbulent flow mixing increases the diffusion of thermal energy and makes more uniform the temperature profile across the film.

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