Increased temperature of the shaft bearings at stages 3 and 4 of the Sanden centrifugal compressor in the United States
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Dear fellow sailors, one of our Stardyne centrifugal compressors, after being repaired and running for some time, began to show an increasing temperature in the bearing shells of its third-stage impeller, which rose to 93°C. Upon disassembling it again, no significant wear was found in either the bearing shells or the shaft. After cleaning them and reinstalling them, the temperatures of the third and fourth stages started to rise again after 4 days of operation. Vibration levels and shaft displacement were normal, and the lubricating oil had just been replaced. What could be the possible cause of this issue? From which aspects should the investigation be carried out?
The compressor model is LF-2440; the first and second stages share one drive shaft, while the third and fourth stages share another drive shaft
Is it a radial bearing? Check whether the throttle valve or throttle orifice is blocked; it would be best to take a look at the flow process
What is the temperature trend of the primary and secondary bearing shells?
It is a radial bearing; none of the four shaft bearings have separate throttle valves or orifices. There is a pressure regulating valve at the front end, and the pressure is within normal limits. The temperatures of the other two stages are also normal
The temperatures at levels 1 and 2 are normal, with no obvious upward trend.
It is recommended to send the bearing component whose temperature has increased, so as to check whether it has thrust washers, as well as the requirements for gap measurement, the alignment requirements for the coupling, and the location of the bearing with the elevated temperature. Also, it’s important to know what modifications have been made during maintenance. For easy discussion and reference.
Okay, thank you. I’ll organize it
Check the surface finish of the shaft at the points where it comes into contact with the bearing shells, and have the instrument technician inspect the probe as well.
Has the problem been solved? Has the cause been found?
Check whether there are any areas along the measurement line where it comes into light contact with the driving components