Picture a 2,000 horsepower motor linked to a gearbox via a grid coupling and operating at 1780 RPM in a horizontal configuration. When considering the optimal bearings for this setup - journal or antifriction - which type would be more effective? Additionally, which bearing would be more capable of handling misalignment, and why is that the case? Thank you.
When it comes to bearing preference, I opt for journal bearings. By consistently monitoring and adjusting the oil level, ensuring the oil remains clean, regularly sampling it, and aligning the bearings to tolerance, you can significantly extend their lifespan. Unlike antifriction bearings, journal bearings are known for their durability. It's crucial to avoid misalignment, as it can lead to issues. Determining the cause and extent of misalignment is key to preventing it from happening.
Don, I would recommend using a journal bearing for this application instead of the currently fitted antifriction bearing. It's unclear why the antifriction bearing was chosen, but aligning the motor should still be possible without any issues. My main concern is whether a journal bearing can handle more misalignment than an antifriction bearing and if it's more tolerant to this condition. Thank you.
When it comes to electric motors, the choice between sleeve and rolling bearings is crucial. Journal bearings are typically less tolerant of misalignment compared to roller bearings, unless the bearing has a spherical seat between the bearing and housing. This feature allows the bearing to swivel, providing self-alignment for angle misalignment of the bearing. Among rolling bearings, cylindrical roller bearings are known to be very intolerant of angle misalignment, while ball bearings offer more tolerance. For the highest level of tolerance to misalignment, consider using spherical roller bearings. Learn more about this topic in Siemens' article on sleeve vs rolling bearings for electric motors.
Thank you, Pete, for sharing the link. I completely overlooked Bill's contribution.
From my experience, antifriction bearings would likely be more effective in this scenario. They are typically better at handling higher speed operations like 1780 RPM, compared to journal bearings. Regarding misalignment, I'd say grid couplings themselves are quite forgiving, but between the two, journal bearings usually handle misalignment a bit better than antifriction types. They can self-compensate under moderate misalignment due to their surface-to-surface contact and lubrication, reducing the focus points for stress.
In my opinion, antifriction bearings would be more suitable for this kind of setup. They handle high-speed operations better and have a high-load capacity which suits the 2,000 horsepower motor you mentioned. Antifriction bearings also have better capabilities of handling misalignment compared to journal bearings. Here's why: antifriction bearings, particularly self-aligning models, can tolerate some misalignment which makes them more flexible when it comes to dealing with unexpected shifts or irregularities in system operations. In contrast, journal bearings have a more rigid relationship with the shaft and any misalignment can end up causing substantial wear and tear over time.
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Answer: 1. Q: What are the considerations when choosing between sleeve bearings and antifriction bearings for a 2,000 HP motor with a grid coupling at 1780 RPM? The choice between sleeve bearings and antifriction bearings for such a setup depends on factors like load capacity, speed, misalignment tolerance, and maintenance requirements.
Answer: Antifriction bearings are generally more effective for high-power motors like the 2,000 HP motor mentioned, due to their ability to handle higher speeds and loads compared to sleeve bearings.
Answer: Antifriction bearings are typically better equipped to handle misalignment compared to sleeve bearings, as they have lower friction and better tolerance for misalignment, resulting in reduced wear and tear.
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