Bearings

Latest Bearings Articles

Gain Insights by Analyzing Top-of-Motor Vibration
First of Two Parts

New Technology Solves Aftermarket Parts Problems

Industrial equipment users are often confronted with pump parts issues. Handling these issues requires
making experience-based decisions and prioritizing. How pump hydraulic and wear components in existing
inventory are treated is an issue that merits consideration.

Custom-Engineered Bearing Isolator Resolves Long-Time Leakage

When a representative from a local distributor noticed a large amount of oil leaking from a semi-autogenous
grinding (SAG) mill gearbox at a copper mill, he decided that a permanent solution to the maintenance
issues caused by inefficient sealing methods was needed.

How to Calculate the EHL Oil Film Parameter

When designing an application, the design engineer must consider proper bearing lubrication. The
lubrication method affects the proper operation of the equipment and the cost of maintaining it. Once the
lubrication method is determined, selection of the proper lubricant oil viscosity is vital for prolonging the life
of the equipments rolling element bearings.

Mitigate Electrical Bearing Damage in Vertical Pump Motors

A Kansas City motor repair shop developed a virtually foolproof process for protecting pump motors from
electrical bearing damage caused by stray shaft currents. For six years, Scott Wilkins, the manager of motor
shop operations, has overseen the reconditioning of hundreds of vertical motors through a process known
as the vertical motor solution. None of them has had repeat bearing failure.

Reducing Thrust and Extending Bearing Life

This article was written in response to the following question from a reader:
Could you explain how an ANSI pump impellers clearance setting (both an open-vane impeller with back
pump-out vane and a reverse-vane impeller with balancing holes) affects pump performance? What are the
advantages and disadvantages of these impeller clearances?

Reduce Thrust Bearing Operating Temperatures

A thrust bearing can run hot for many reasonssuch as excessive load and/or speed, inadequate oil supply
or an axial clearance that is too tight. Typically, the reason a thrust bearing runs hot is because, for whatever
reason, the load has increased.

Troubleshooting Bearings: A Structured Approach

Pumps and Systems, February 2007

When evaluating bearing distress, the babbitted shoe surface is commonly the only area that is examined.
Although a great deal of information can be extracted from the babbitt appearance, additional information
exists elsewhere.

Bearing Failures
New bearing system keeps circulating water pumps running in a nuclear power plant.

Nonmetallic Pump Bearings

Explore some of the issues associated with vertical pump bearings in general, and nonmetallic bearings
specifically.