High Axial thrust on front bearing

[steamturbine]

One of the utility power station experiencing damage of non-working side thrust pad. What could be the reason of such damage. This is 67 MW turbine based on KWU technology in which front bearing is thrust bearing and turbine is single rotor type and then condenser is connected at exhaust.

 

[LyleBranagan]

You mention damage to the unloaded thrust bearing. What is the form of the damage? Does it indicate loading or is it oil flow related damage? If loading, then clearly, this thrust bearing has load under certain circumstances. What would those operating conditions be?
-- Lyle

 

[diamondjim]

You may be experiencing false brinelling
or fretting corrosion especially if the
bearing is not loaded but experiencing
vibration. You might want to call for
a slightly preloaded bearing to ensure
that this is not happening.