At what temperature do the shaft bearings of large multi-stage centrifugal pumps reach a level that causes bearing burnout?
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The shaft bearing of our company’s hydrogenation feed pump burned out yesterday; the DCS showed that the temperature rose rapidly to 95 degrees within a few minutes. Upon inspection, signs of damage to the shaft bearing were evident. What is the maximum temperature that a shaft bearing can withstand under normal conditions? Additionally, if there is no issue with the lubricating oil, what other possible causes could lead to the burning of the bearing?
If it’s not due to the lubricating oil issue, then bearing burnout is caused by a problem with the shaft diameter and the clearance between the shaft and the bearings.
Regarding your question about the temperature tolerance of bearing bushings, you should consider at what temperature babbitt alloy loses its properties; therefore, the temperature generally should not exceed 100°C.
The alloy layer of the bearing bush is only 0.1 to 0.3 mm thick, so please don’t ask me how the bush can burn out when the temperature isn’t above 100°C.
We called the police at 65 degrees; it shouldn’t exceed 70 degrees
The temperature of the bearing shells should ideally not exceed 70 degrees; if it does, it’s necessary to conduct a check. In your case, it seems that the elevation of the bearing shells hasn’t been measured properly.