Thrust bearing for large hydraulic turbine - has thrust pads mounted on elastomeric supports to allow self alignment

摘要

The shaft (7) of a large hydraulic turbine is provided with a collar (8) to carry the bearing thrust ring (9), supported by the bearing pads (10) which run on the stationary ring (11), fixed to the structure (13). A layer of elastomer (12) such as buna rubber is installed between the pads (10) and stationary ring (11). The elastomeric layer (12) allows the pad (10) to align itself at the correct angle w.r.t. the surface of the thrust ring so that the necessary hydro dynamic pressure is generated when the shaft rotates at its operating speed. Ten such thrust pads (10) are arranged around the stationary ring (11). The use of elastomeric support layers reduces the need for close tolerances on the bearing dimensions.