Their primary function is to support a shaft with the specified stiffness, maintain its position in space, and allow it to rotate freely with minimal resistance.

Plain bearings are widely used in industrial equipment, particularly in applications involving high loads and stringent reliability requirements.

Main Types

• Tilting-pad journal bearings are used in turbines, turbocompressors, and pumps. They operate on the hydrodynamic principle and feature self-aligning pads and forced-feed lubrication.
• Tilting-pad thrust bearings incorporate an equalizing system and are used in applications similar to those of journal bearings. They are distinguished by their ability to accommodate demanding operating conditions.
• Thrust bearings form part of the motor protectors (seal sections) used with submersible electric motors in the oil production industry. They carry axial loads resulting from static loading.

Design Features

• Hydrodynamic operating principle
• Forced-feed lubrication system
• Self-aligning pads
• Adjustable bearing geometry

Materials

• Housings and pad backings: кstructural and alloy steels
• End covers and thrust discs: tin-free bronzes and aluminum alloys
• Nozzles: structural and alloy steels
• Anti-friction materials: tin-based babbitt alloys, grades B83 (Б83) and B88 (Б88); high-temperature babbitt alloys, grade PF-140 (ПФ-140); and polyetheretherketone (PEEK)

Advantages of Plain Bearings

• High operational reliability
• Effective load distribution
• Optimal operating temperature
• Suitability for severe operating conditions
• Long service life when properly operated