Adjustable Up Thrust Bearing for Submersible Pump Seal Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art submersible pumping systems face challenges with thrust bearing assemblies that are difficult to test for tolerance and cannot be adjusted after assembly, leading to potential shaft seal failures due to excessive axial movement.
Innovation Solution
A seal section with a thrust bearing assembly that includes an up thrust bearing and an adjustment mechanism, utilizing a worm gear assembly to externally adjust the distance between the up thrust bearing and the thrust runner, allowing for precise positioning even after assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thrust bearing assembly is precisely manufactured and assembled to achieve desired spacing, then the reliability of the shaft seal is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearing incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the spacing between the thrust runner and stationary thrust bearing to be modified after assembly. This dynamic adjustment capability enables precise spacing control to prevent shaft seal failure while maintaining assembly flexibility, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the thrust bearing assembly is assembled with fixed spacing, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ability to test and adjust tolerance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable thrust bearing mechanism allows spacing to be modified after initial assembly, enabling both easy assembly and precise tolerance testing. The adjustment capability provides a solution that satisfies both manufacturing simplicity and precision requirements by decoupling the assembly process from the precision adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust bearing assembly is initially configured with a preliminary spacing during assembly, which can then be fine-tuned through adjustment. This preliminary configuration approach allows for easy initial assembly while preserving the ability to achieve precise tolerance through subsequent adjustment and testing.
3Ease of operation
If the shaft is permitted excessive axial movement, then the device operation is simplified, but the shaft seal may fail due to runner separation
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable thrust bearing mechanism allows control of the axial movement parameter by modifying the spacing between the thrust runner and stationary bearing. This enables optimization of shaft movement freedom while preventing excessive movement that would cause runner separation and seal failure, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and seal reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise adjustment and testing of the thrust bearing assembly, preventing shaft seal failures by allowing for fine-tuned spacing between components, thereby enhancing the reliability of the seal section in submersible pumping systems.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustment mechanism for the adjusting the distance between the up thrust bearing and the thrust runner, utilizing a worm gear assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A pumping system includes a motor, a shaft driven by the motor, a pump driven by shaft, a thrust bearing housing and a thrust bearing assembly contained within the thrust bearing housing. The thrust bearing assembly includes a rotating component connected to the shaft, a first bearing adjacent to the rotating component and an adjustment mechanism for the adjusting the distance between the rotating component and the first bearing. The adjustment mechanism can be externally manipulated from outside the thrust bearing housing.