I would like to ask about the lubricating oil pressure for the sliding bearings and thrust bearings in turbines or compressors
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I have a question for everyone: which has a higher lubricating oil supply pressure, the sliding bearings or the thrust bearings of a turbine or compressor? What’s the difference? The oil supply pressure for the thrust bearings of the large units in our facility is 0.02 MPa, while the oil supply pressure for the sliding bearings is 0.12 MPa. What are the regulations and standards in this regard?
According to the operating procedures: Support bearing: 0.08~0.13 MPa; Thrust bearing: 0.02~0.05 MPa
It is generally adjusted according to the manufacturer’s requirements. However, regarding the specific range for setting the oil pressure, I believe it depends on factors such as: 1) the structural design of the bearing, 2) the magnitude of the forces exerted on the bearing during operation, 3) the grade of the lubricating oil, and 4) the operating conditions (such as temperature)
First, adjust the bearing oil pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions; after operation, make further adjustments based on the bearing temperature and vibration.
The oil supply pressure for centrifugal compressors is the same for both thrust and support bearings; it is adjusted to the appropriate level using throttle orifice plates or valves. The pressure for the support bearings is 0.08–0.13 MPA, while that for the thrust bearings is 0.02–0.05 MPA. The actual pressure will fall within this range; it may occasionally exceed it slightly, but that’s not a problem.