HYDROSTATIC JOURNAL BEARING WATER TESTS CONDUCTED IN MODIFIED PK-A PUMP

Technical Report · Sun Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1959

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4273831· OSTI ID:4273831

Gilkey, H E; Smith, P G

A hydrostatic journal bearing mounted near the impeller of an overhung vertical shaft centrifugal pump was subjected to water testing as a part of the molten salt lubrication investigation at ORNL. Three tests were performed with bearings having radial clearances of 0.003 in., 0.0075 in., and 0.005 in. The first journal and bearing (0.003 in. radial clearance) were found to be heavily scored after testing. Only faint localized scratches were found on tho second journal (0.0075 in. radial clearance) and these may have been caused by the many test starts and stops. Localized scratches, somewhat deeper than those on the second journal, were observed on the third journal, but no measurable wear had occurred from testing. An apparent inconsistency was noted in that at the same pump operating condition the bearing load as computed from pocket pressure data increased by a factor of 1.2 to 1.7 as bearing radial clearance was increased from 0.005 in. to 0.0075 in. The configuration of the submerged hydrostatic bearing used in these tests appears to be satisfactory for use as a lower journal bearing in this size and type of centrifugal pump, at least insofar as operation in water is concerned. (auth)

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., Tenn.
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• NSA Number: NSA-13-011823
• OSTI ID: 4273831
• Report Number(s): CF-59-2-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BEARINGS
CONFIGURATION
FUSED SALTS
LUBRICATION
METALLURGY AND CERAMICS
PUMPS
TESTING
USES
WATER
WEAR