Combined Bearing With Integrated Impeller for Turbomachine Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of turbomachine structures due to separate radial, axial, and bearing-fluid boosting systems negatively affects the reliability of turbomachines, particularly in configurations where process fluid is unsuitable for use as a bearing fluid, requiring a simpler and more integrated solution for shaft support and fluid circulation.
Innovation Solution
A combined bearing system that integrates radial, thrust, and bearing-fluid impeller functions, providing both radial and axial support while also boosting the bearing fluid pressure, simplifying the structure and operation by eliminating the need for separate components and systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate radial bearing, thrust bearing, and bearing-fluid boosting systems are used, then each function can be optimized independently, but the overall structure becomes complex and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radial bearing, thrust bearing, and bearing-fluid boosting pump into a single integrated bearing assembly. The pump impeller is positioned within the bearing structure to directly boost bearing fluid pressure, eliminating the need for separate boosting systems. This merging reduces the number of components and interconnections, thereby simplifying the overall structure and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated bearing assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: providing radial support, axial (thrust) support, and bearing fluid pressure boosting. By designing a single component that fulfills all these roles, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, reducing complexity while maintaining optimal performance for each function.
2Device complexity
If process fluid is used as bearing fluid, then system simplicity is improved, but the bearing fluid becomes contaminated with particulates affecting performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated bearing fluid as an intermediary substance that circulates between the bearings and the boosting pump. This intermediary fluid is isolated from the process fluid containing particulates, allowing the bearings to receive clean lubricating fluid while the process fluid continues its function. The mechanical seals prevent contamination between the two fluid systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fluid systems into separate circulation loops: one for process fluid and another for bearing fluid. This segmentation prevents particulate contamination from the process fluid from entering the bearing fluid system, while still allowing the bearing fluid to be boosted and circulated effectively through the integrated pump-bearing assembly.
3Reliability
If mechanical seals and separate boosting systems are added to prevent fluid contact, then bearing protection is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical seal system with the integrated bearing-pump assembly, positioning the seals at the interface between the bearing fluid system and the process fluid system. This integration reduces the number of separate sealing locations and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining effective protection against fluid contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical seals in the integrated design serve multiple functions: preventing process fluid from contacting the bearing fluid, containing the bearing fluid within the bearing assembly, and enabling the pressure boosting function to work effectively. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective components.
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
This integrated approach simplifies manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance, enhances reliability, and reduces costs by combining functions within a single component, improving the mean time between failures and overall availability of turbomachines.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing-fluid impeller of a bearing-fluid boosting pump in fluid communication with the thrust bearing member and the radial bearing member
Implementation Method 2
the load is entirely supported by a thin film of a bearing fluid, either liquid or gaseous, between stationary pads and rotary pads or journals
Data Source
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AI summary
A combined bearing (25) for a turbomachine (1) is disclosed. The combined bearing (25) comprises in combination: a radial bearing member (28), a thrust bearing member (26) and a bearing-fluid impeller (49) of a bearing-fluid boosting pump (48) in fluid communication with the thrust bearing member and the radial bearing member.