What is thrust bearing and where it is used?

Thrust bearings are an important type of bearings and are widely used in various machinery and equipment. The main function of thrust bearings is to bear axial loads, such as compressors, pumps, turbines, etc. In these equipment, thrust bearings need to withstand a large amount of axial force to ensure normal operation of the equipment.

Thrust bearings are mainly composed of thrust rings, cages, rolling elements and ferrules. Among them, the rolling element is the core component of the thrust bearing, usually using a spherical, cylindrical or conical design. The rolling elements roll between the thrust ring and the ferrule to transmit axial load. The function of the cage is to maintain the position of the rolling elements and guide the rolling elements to roll between the ferrule and the thrust ring. The ferrule is the fixed part of the thrust bearing, which is connected to the main shaft of the equipment to transmit axial load.

Application range of thrust bearings

1.compressor
Thrust bearings are widely used in compressors. For example, in a centrifugal compressor, the thrust bearing needs to withstand a large amount of axial force to ensure the normal operation of the compressor. Thrust bearings are usually mounted on the shaft end of the compressor to prevent axial movement. During the operation of the compressor, the thrust bearing needs to withstand the axial force generated by the impeller to ensure the stable operation of the compressor.

2.Pump
Thrust bearings are also widely used in pumps. For example, in petrochemical pumps, thrust bearings need to withstand a large amount of axial force to ensure stable operation of the pump. Thrust bearings are usually installed at the end of the pump shaft to prevent axial movement. During the operation of the pump, the thrust bearing needs to withstand the axial force generated by the impeller to ensure stable operation of the pump.

3.Turbine
Thrust bearings are also widely used in turbines. For example, in steam turbines, thrust bearings need to withstand a large amount of axial force to ensure the normal operation of the steam turbine. Thrust bearings are usually installed on the shaft ends of steam turbines to prevent axial movement. During the operation of the steam turbine, the thrust bearing needs to withstand the axial force generated by the blades to ensure the stable operation of the steam turbine.

4.Other application areas
In addition to the above application fields, thrust bearings are also widely used in various mechanical equipment in electric power, metallurgy, chemical industry and other fields. For example, in wind turbines, thrust bearings need to withstand the axial force generated by wind; in rolling mills, thrust bearings need to withstand the axial force generated by rolling. In these equipments, thrust bearings play an important role.