High Speed Bearings
"Your Source" for High Speed Bearings
Are you having problems in designing bearings for your high-speed equipment? Are critical speeds interfering with the desired operation of your lightly loaded application? Having vibration issues with your existing motors?
With Wheeler support for your high-speed bearing solutions, you will
- Know you have exactly the right bearing to eliminate the problem and get maximum performance
- Have a partner to make sure your problems "stay solved"
- Be empowered to choose between a range of solutions to find the best fit for your exact operating conditions
- Save money in the long run
- Free your internal engineering to solve other problems or keep working increased efficiency
Lightly loaded, high speed applications are prone to oil whirl, or turbulence in the oil film. We can supply a number of solutions to this problem. From elliptical or multi-lobed bores to our patented NT tilting pad bearing, our industry-leading Rotor Dynamic Modeling Software can design a cost-effective answer to your bearing problems and our multi-axis manufacturing expertise can deliver the highest quality components.
Lobed, Multi-lobed, Elliptical Bearings
Elliptical and lobed bearings inhibit the oil whirl in high speed and light load applications that can cause bearing vibration and damage your equipment.
The stability they provide is ideally suited for vertical applications that encounter zero load conditions. If your vibration issue is more complex, we can machine a 3 or 4-lobed unidirectional or bidirectional bearing. The increased stabilization it provides will extend the life of your equipment.
Tapered, Taper-Land, Step-Land, Compound taper
Thrust bearings are designed to accommodate increasingly heavier loads. The most complex solid thrust bearing is the taper-land type. A wedge is formed between the thrust surface and the runner that rotates in tandem. The runner is lifted to support the load that it induces.
When you want a thrust bearing that does the job, turn to Wheeler.
Tilting Pad Bearings
Tilting pad bearings rock or ‘tilt’ to counteract turbulence. Their effectiveness is due to impressive stiffness and damping coefficients.
Centerline shaft vibration is often reduced by 90% making it the most stable journal bearing you can buy.
The tilting pad design is often associated with loss of horsepower and higher operating temperatures. If this is a concern, consider Wheeler's patented "NT" bearing
Wheeler’s patented NT bearing
Reduces horsepower loss but offers other benefits as well:
- Embedded pocket eliminates the need for pad preload
- Enhanced load carrying capacity
- Runs at a cooler temperature
- Exceeds API standards for equipment reliability
Pressure Dam High Speed Bearings (hydrostatic bearings)
Frequent start-ups and shutdowns? Hydrostatic bearings use a pressurized lift pocket and oil supply to reduce the wear and tear on your equipment. A thin film of oil separates the shaft from the bearing, so start-up contact is avoided.
Wheeler offers years of experience and many applications of these more complex bearings. With the different thermodynamic conditions created at high speed, these bearings require careful engineering to exactly fit the application and provide the high speed performance and long life required.