Bearings

A bearing is a machine element which support another moving machine element (known as
journal). It permits a relative motion between the contact surfaces of the members, while
carrying the load. A little consideration will show that due to the relative motion between the
contact surfaces, a certain amount of power is wasted in overcoming frictional resistance and if
the rubbing surfaces are in direct contact, there will be rapid wear.
In our power plant the bearing of the vertical turbine generator unit includes the thrust bearing
and the guide bearing, and the guide bearing includes the turbine guide bearing and the generator
guide bearing. The generator guide bearings are upper guide bearing ad lower guide bearing
according to different locations.
The upper and lower guide bearings located in the oil sump of the center body of the upper and
lower brackets individually. The thrust bearing is located above the rotor, in the oil sump with
upper guide bearing.
Functions of upper bracket with upper thrust and guide bearing
The axial force of the unit is supported by thrust bearings which are mounted on the
generator/spider. In addition, the thrust bearing and the guide bearing can be assembled to form a
radial thrust bearing. The upper bracket serves to take up the vertical load produced by the
weight of the rotating parts of the units, the axial thrust of the turbine and the weight of the built
on auxiliary machines and transmit it to the foundation via the stator frame. In addition to this, it
takes up the low radial force caused by magnetic pull on one side and any slight unbalance which
may remain after the rotor has been balanced. These forces are taken up directly by the combined
trust and guide bearing arranged in the bracket.
The effect of turbine guide bearings is to with stand the radial force on the turbine shaft and to
transmit to the foundation. During the operation of turbine unit, the rotating part will produce
radial and axial forces. The bearings that withstand the radial force of the unit are called radial
bearings, usually known as the guide bearings (TGB, LGB and UGB).
Structure of bearing
The TGB consists of bushing, liner and bearing support. The Babbitt material bushing liner is a
thin layer of Babbitt material that is cast together with bushing. The bushing is fastened to the
support by bolts. It is equipped with by lubrication system. Lubricating oil forms an oil film
between the main shaft and the hub. Babbitt material features: it has a good anti abrasion
performance and with not easy to subject erosion and is reliable in operation.
The upper guide bearing and thrust bearing are located in the same oil sump. The upper guide
bearing adjust by using nut and screw.
Lubrication of bearings
In order to reduce frictional resistance and wear and in some cases to carry away the heat
generated, a layer of fluid Known as lubricant may be provided. The lubricant used to separate
the journal and bearing is usually a mineral oil refined from petroleum, but vegetable oils, silicon
oils, greases etc., may be used.