Hydraulic Thrust Bearing Pads for Pump Axial Thrust Oscillation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal pumps face challenges in dynamically supporting axial thrusts, leading to unbalanced loads and oscillations that existing thrust bearings are unable to efficiently manage, especially at varying operational speeds, resulting in increased frictional losses and potential damage from axial movement of the impeller shaft.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamic thrust bearing systems that adjust fluid pressures on the thrust disc to counteract forward or aft thrusts, utilizing hydraulically actuated systems, spring-loaded assemblies, diaphragm assemblies, tapered thrust discs, and shape-memory alloy deflectors to stabilize the impeller shaft, thereby reducing axial movement and oscillations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing thrust bearings are used to support axial thrust in pumps, then the structure is simple, but the ability to dynamically manage axial thrust at varying operational speeds is insufficient, leading to unbalanced loads and oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearing system incorporates movable thrust pads that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation in response to varying axial thrust loads. This dynamic capability allows the bearing to adapt to different operational speeds and load conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by implementing controlled movement only where needed to handle thrust variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the thrust pads respond to real-time axial load conditions by adjusting their configuration. This feedback loop enables the bearing to automatically optimize its performance across varying operational conditions without requiring complex external control systems, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity.
2Loss of energy
If conventional thrust bearings are used, then the device complexity is low, but frictional losses increase and maintenance intervals decrease due to inability to dynamically support axial loads
Solution Approach 1:
The movable thrust pads dynamically adjust to maintain optimal contact conditions with the thrust disc, ensuring consistent load distribution and minimizing frictional losses. This dynamic adaptation reduces energy loss by preventing sliding friction and ensuring smooth operation across varying load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust bearing system is designed to self-adjust through the inherent mechanical response of the movable pads to applied loads. This self-service mechanism automatically optimizes the bearing performance without external intervention, reducing frictional losses while avoiding the need for complex active control systems.
3Reliability
If fixed thrust bearings are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the impeller shaft experiences axial movement and oscillations that can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The movable thrust pads are designed to automatically follow the impeller shaft's axial movements and oscillations, maintaining continuous and stable support. This dynamic tracking capability enhances reliability by preventing shaft damage while the manufacturing remains relatively simple as it involves creating movable but not actively controlled components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameters of the thrust pads dynamically in response to shaft movement. This parameter adjustment allows the bearing to adapt to varying operational conditions and maintain shaft stability without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as the adjustment is achieved through mechanical design rather than active control.
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
These systems effectively reduce axial movement and oscillations of the impeller shaft, minimizing frictional losses and extending maintenance intervals by dynamically adjusting to support axial loads, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and lifespan of the pump.
Implementation Method 1
dynamically supporting axial thrusts by adjusting fluid pressures on the thrust disc to counteract forward or aft thrusts
Implementation Method 2
spring-loaded assemblies
Implementation Method 3
shape-memory alloy deflectors
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed to dynamically support axial thrust in pumps. Examples disclosed herein include a thrust bearing system including a thrust disc coupled to an impeller shaft; a first thrust pad coupled to a body of the pump, the first thrust pad positioned on a forward side of the thrust disc; a second thrust pad coupled to the body of the pump, the second thrust pad positioned on an aft side of the thrust disc; and a spring-loaded assembly integrated into the first and second thrust pads, the spring-loaded assembly connected to a pump outlet via a first flowline, the first flowline to transmit a working fluid from the pump outlet to the forward side of the thrust disc or the aft side of the thrust disc based on a position of the spring-loaded assembly.