Paper 13: Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings: Factors Affecting Performance and Improvements with Directed Lubrication

The effect on flooded tilting pad thrust bearing performance of a number of external variables is examined. At sliding speeds between 10 and 100 m/s, and for specific pressure between 15 bar and 55 bar, measurements were made of oil film thickness, bearing temperature, and power loss for various oil inlet systems, oil quantities, housing pressures, and degrees of misalignment. Power consumption in high-speed thrust bearings can be safely reduced by the use of directed lubrication with a drained casing, bearing temperature being reduced and oil film thickness increased.