Experience with use of S-1-U synthetic antifriction metal-ceramic material in thrust bearings of hydraulic generators

Conclusions

• 1. The use of S-1-U antifriction material, instead of B83 babbitt, for coating metal pads improves substantially the reliability of the thrust bearings of hydraulic generators, while maintaining a high (over 90 kg/cm²) mean specific pressure in order to reduce the friction losses, the overall dimensions, and the quantity of metal in the thrust bearings.

• 2. The physicochemical, antifriction, and breaking-in properties of the S-1-U material permit improving the constructional and erection-operation parameters of thrust bearings and make it possible: a) to reduce the torque by a factor of about 4 and thus to facilitate the starting conditions as well as the rotation of the rotor in the shutdown unit; b) to eliminate the scraping of the pad bearing surfaces during erection and maintenance; c) to allow the temperature of the oil in the bearing bath to increase to 65°C; d) to start the units under low oil temperatures (5°C), and also after extended shutdowns without raising the rotor on the brakes; e) to avoid the use of a special installation for supplying oil under pressure to the friction surfaces, taking into account the fact that such an installation complicates the construction and operation of the thrust bearings.

• 3. Prospects have been opened for the manufacture of thrust bearings intended to operate under large axial loads (to 5000 tons).