Runner Impeller Pump for Thrust Bearing Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thrust bearing assemblies face issues with delays in forming an oil film between contact surfaces during start-up, leading to potential damage due to sticking and lack of lubrication, which can result in catastrophic failure with repeated starts and stops.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a runner with internal passages and oil pockets, along with an impeller-type pump in a lock ring assembly to pressurize lubricating fluid and ensure immediate lubrication at start-up, creating a hydrodynamic wedge between contact surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the runner and thrust bearing pads are left static without active lubrication delivery, then the structure remains simple, but delays in forming an oil film occur leading to sticking and potential catastrophic failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates oil pockets within the runner that are pre-filled with lubricating oil before start-up. These pockets are strategically positioned to immediately supply oil to the contact surfaces between the runner and thrust bearing pads when rotation begins, eliminating the delay in oil film formation that occurs in conventional designs without active delivery mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an impeller-type pump integrated into the lock ring assembly to actively circulate and pressurize the lubricating oil. This hydraulic mechanism forces oil through internal passages in the runner and into the contact surfaces, ensuring immediate and reliable lubrication even with heavy or viscous oils, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and structural complexity
2Reliability
If conventional drag-based oil circulation is used, then the device structure remains simple, but heavy or viscous oils cannot be effectively circulated to maintain proper lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates an impeller-type pump into the lock ring assembly that actively circulates lubricating oil through internal passages in the runner. This positive displacement pumping mechanism is specifically effective at moving heavy or viscous oils, ensuring adequate oil delivery to the thrust bearing contact surfaces regardless of oil viscosity, thus maintaining reliable lubrication without relying on insufficient drag-based circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the pump function with the existing lock ring assembly that secures the runner to the drive shaft. By integrating the impeller-type pump into this existing structural element, the patent adds lubrication effectiveness while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity, as the pump shares space and structural support with the lock ring components
3Reliability
If no active oil delivery system is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but oil film formation is delayed causing contact surface damage during start-up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates oil pockets within the runner that are pre-filled with lubricating oil before start-up. These pockets are strategically positioned to immediately supply oil to the contact surfaces between the runner and thrust bearing pads when rotation begins, eliminating the delay in oil film formation that occurs in conventional designs without active delivery mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the oil delivery function into separate components: oil pockets for storage, internal passages for transport, and an impeller pump for pressurization. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide immediate and effective lubrication, resolving the contradiction between contact surface protection and device complexity
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 solution ensures immediate lubrication and minimizes the risk of damage by maintaining a hydrodynamic wedge and efficient oil circulation, even with heavy or viscous oils, enhancing the reliability of thrust bearing assemblies in adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller-type pump incorporated into a lock ring assembly that secures the runner to a drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
This lubricating fluid may be pressurized using an impeller-type pump
Implementation Method 3
creating a hydrodynamic wedge between contact surfaces
Implementation Method 4
These features enable immediate coating of contact surfaces and development of a hydrodynamic wedge between these contact surfaces
Implementation Method 5
the contact surface of the runner may include one or more cavities or pockets that act as reservoirs for the lubricating fluid
Data Source
AI summary
In aspects, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for handling axial thrust in rotating equipment. The apparatus may include a thrust bearing and a runner having a contact surface engaging the thrust bearing. The runner may include passages extending between the contact surface and an opposing surface of the runner. The apparatus may further include a lock ring assembly that has channels in communication with the passages of the runner. In certain embodiments, one or more cavities may be formed on the contact surface of the runner. The cavities may be in communication with the internal passages of the runner. In aspects, the present disclosure provides a method for handling axial thrust in a pump assembly. The pump assembly may include a thrust bearing assembly that may include a runner having a contact surface engaging a thrust bearing pad. The method may include flowing a lubricating fluid to the contact surface using at least one internal passage formed in runner.