CN115867729A

CN115867729A - Water lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing for submersible pumps and motors

Info

Publication number: CN115867729A
Application number: CN202080102498.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 坎吉拜·伊什瓦尔拜·帕特尔
Original assignee: Shrialka Industries
Current assignee: Shrialka Industries
Priority date: 2020-06-25
Filing date: 2020-08-15
Publication date: 2023-03-28
Also published as: WO2021260713A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a water-lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing (1) comprising a plurality of inclined blocks (2) 5 of silicon carbide arranged on a thrust bearing base (3) comprising cage(s) peripherally formed by L-shaped projections (16) near a central shaft hole (17) and support blocks (18) on the periphery of the thrust bearing base (3) to accommodate the inclined blocks (2). The tilting block (2) has a pivot portion (9) formed on its base and is configured to have gripper grooves (8) 10 on both sides thereof in combination with fastening means (4) and also involves the formation of dimples (11) and water paths (13) formed on the top surface (5) of its tilting block. The entire structure is mounted in a water-filled cage which solves the interruption of contaminated water and the surrounding environment when the fixed block and the rotating 15 thrust plate contact area are both made of silicon carbide.

Description

Water lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing for submersible pumps and motors

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a thrust bearing, and more particularly, to a water lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing for submersible pumps and motors on which a plurality of tilting blocks are arranged.

Background

Submersible pump assemblies are widely used with wells used in irrigation or residential systems or other well applications. Typically, a submersible pump assembly includes an axial discharge pump connected to a discharge pipe and a submersible motor assembly. The motor assembly is carried coaxially below the pump with the rotor shaft coupled to the pump impeller shaft. In such a configuration, the rotor bearings carry substantial axial loads due to the weight of the rotor and hydraulic loads from the internal components of the pump. In addition, the motor assembly typically experiences considerable radial loads due to the torque required to pump the water column through the discharge duct.

The environment in which submersible pump assemblies operate is often quite harsh. The use of thrust bearings to carry loads imposed on a substantially vertical shaft is well known in the art. As the load exerted on the shaft increases, a large thrust bearing needs to be constructed, which requires more space. Therefore, the diameter of the housing in which the shaft is journaled must be larger to accommodate the shaft-thrust bearing assembly.

Patent No. CA3070385 (A1) describes an electric submersible motor thrust bearing system comprising a thrust bearing assembly that carries thrust of an electric submersible motor, the thrust bearing assembly comprising: a split ring secured around the shaft of the electric submersible motor inside a rotatable thrust runner (throst runner) coupled around the outside diameter of the split ring, the rotatable thrust runner fitting over a non-rotatable thrust bearing, the rotatable thrust runner serving as a barrier to radial expansion of the split ring; a locking ring secured to the thrust runner by a threaded connection, at least a portion of the locking ring being above the open ring and at least a portion of the thrust runner being below the open ring, and the threaded connection axially securing the open ring between the locking ring and the thrust runner.

However, during operation, submersible pumps and motors can handle contaminated water, and in spite of mechanical or oil seals, surrounding water with sand, salt, minerals and coal enters the submersible motor or pump, which can cause the motor or pump to fail, resulting in major problems with damage to the relevant parts of the thrust bearing assembly. In addition, high thrust load requirements are also increasing, which results in failure of conventional thrust bearings.

Therefore, there is a need for a water lubricated thrust bearing that can operate effectively in such media without causing pump and thrust assembly failure.

Object of the Invention

The main object of the present invention is to provide a water lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing that avoids the interruption of contaminated water from the surrounding environment to the assembly, wherein the tilting block and the thrust rotating plate contact area are both made of silicon carbide.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a water lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing for submersible pumps and motors that contains water paths and dimples formed on the thrust pads that provide adequate water flow in the assembly and create effective lubrication therein.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a thrust bearing that operates effectively at higher thrust loads even when surrounded by cold, hot, contaminated water that contains abrasive materials such as sand, minerals, coal and sand associated with seawater in addition to the normal clear cold water.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a thrust bearing which is easy to operate, simple in construction and an economical solution which focuses in particular on the loosely connected tilting blocks of the bearing base.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a simple film forming technique for better functioning of a thrust bearing by providing smooth water entry to the bearing block.

It is yet another object of the present invention to contain water pathways and micro-pits to create drag of lubricant water and to create additional lubrication through the silicic acid.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention relates to a water lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing for submersible pumps and motors. More specifically, it comprises two main bearing portions connected to each other, namely an inclination block and a thrust rotation plate made of silicon carbide. The bearing section is mounted in a submersible assembly that will handle abrasive water, hot water, water containing sand, phosphorus, salt, coal and heavy minerals. A plurality of silicon carbide tilt blocks are arranged to form a circular array and mounted on a pivot portion base made of a metallic material. This structure is constructed in a particular manner so that the tilt block remains loosely connected to the base for ease of installation. The thrust plate is in particular mounted on the drive rotor and can be driven by the rotor. The circular array of tilting blocks and thrust plate are mounted on the drive rotor and are located on the same axis. The tilting block is fitted with micro-pits that provide effective lubrication, and the working hill (working hill) provides a water path for additional circulation.

Drawings

It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of like structure or function are generally represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures for illustrative purposes. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the preferred embodiments. The drawings do not show every aspect of the described embodiments and do not limit the scope of the disclosure.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a thrust bearing assembly showing details of the stationary components of the bearing, including in particular the tilt block and the thrust base.

Fig. 2 illustrates a plan view of the tilting block showing the clamping gap therein.

Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the tilting block showing the clamping gap therein.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a thrust bearing assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a thrust bearing having an outer pivot portion formed on a thrust bearing base.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a thrust bearing having a central inner pivot portion that is concave or convex in shape.

Fig. 7 illustrates a plan view showing micro-pits formed on a block.

Fig. 8 illustrates a plan view showing hills and water tunnels for water circulation formed on a block.

Detailed Description

Before the present invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments than those described and illustrated in the various figures and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

It should be noted that the present invention is used as part or subassembly of a submersible pump and motor, and thus when the words "drive rotor" or "drive shaft" are used, it is connected to the thrust rotating plate and the "drive rotor" or "drive shaft" is not shown to be within the scope of the present invention.

The present disclosure presents an overview of a water lubricated thrust bearing for submersible pumps and motors with tilting blocks that avoid the disruption of contaminated water from the surrounding environment by the deliberate arrangement of the tilting block and rotating thrust plate contact areas made of silicon carbide incorporated in a submersible motor, submersible pump or motor boat propulsion system.

Now, as shown in FIG. 1, an isometric view of a water lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing for a submersible pump and motor is illustrated. Now, the thrust bearing (1) shown in fig. 1 comprises a thrust bearing tilting base (3) made of a metal such as stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron or a non-ferrous material, a plurality of silicon carbide tilting blocks (2) arranged on said thrust bearing base (3) and a rotating thrust plate (not shown) containing silicon carbide, which is rigidly compacted by the thrust bearing base (3), which rotates in axial alignment with a plurality of tilting segments (2), which plurality of tilting thrust segments (2) are arranged to form an array with respect to the axis of the rotating thrust plate. The whole structure is installed in a water filling retainer, and when the contact area of the fixed block and the rotary thrust plate is made of silicon carbide, the water filling retainer solves the problem of the interruption of polluted water and the surrounding environment.

Each tilting block (2) is mounted on a thrust bearing base (3), the thrust bearing base (3) comprising a cage(s) formed by L-shaped projections (16) located close to a central shaft hole (17) and support members (18) located on the periphery of the thrust bearing base (3) to properly accommodate the tilting blocks (2).

Furthermore, each tilting block (2) is mounted on a thrust bearing base (3), which thrust bearing base (3) may be organized as a flat or tilted-shaped structure made of metal, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron or non-ferrous materials thereof.

Furthermore, the rotating thrust plate is mounted on and drivable by the drive rotor. The plate has two parts, one of which is silicon carbide and the other of which is made of cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel or a non-ferrous material. The circular array of blocks and the plate mounted on the drive rotor are on the same axis.

Referring now to fig. 2 and 3, each tilt block (2) is configured with a gripper groove (8) on both sides thereof, said gripper grooves (8) facilitating the tilt block (2) to be properly positioned by the locking structure. Further, each tilt block (2) is configured to have a pivot portion (9) formed on the bottom side of the tilt block (2) for generating an appropriate rotation on the thrust bearing base (3). Furthermore, the radius (10) should be considered as a ramp structure, which is more particularly curved from the top, resulting in ensuring a proper water flow suction, further forming a film therein.

Now, fig. 4 illustrates the mounting of the tilting blocks (2) on the thrust bearing base (3), wherein each tilting block (2) is suitably arranged and in particular mounted on said thrust bearing base (3). The fastening means (4) is partially received in a gripper groove (8) formed on the side of each tilting block (2). The tilting block (2) is placed on an integrated soft or hard base support (14) of the thrust bearing base (3). Furthermore, in order to provide a loose grip, fastening means (4) such as screws, bolts, nuts, etc. are placed on the setting holes (15) of the thrust bearing base (3) for locking the structure therein.

According to another embodiment shown in fig. 4 above, the seat (14) over which the tilting block (2) is mounted contains a hardened pin made of a material such as silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, other ceramics, which is essentially hard, thus reducing wear and tear of the thrust bearing base (3).

Furthermore, the tilting block (2) can be loosely held by fastening means (4), said fastening means (4) configuring the structure such that it can be tapered upon application and form a constant film therein.

Furthermore, as shown in fig. 5 and 6, the thrust bearing base (3) is configured to have an outer pivot portion (6) at the bottom, which can be fitted in the machine even if the rotation shaft is extended for another function. Furthermore, the thrust bearing base (3) is also configured to have a central pivot portion (7) at the bottom, which is concave or convex in shape, for blocking-back to fit in the machine even if the rotation shaft is extended for another function.

According to another embodiment, as shown in fig. 7, each inclined block (2) is provided with a plurality of dimples (11) formed on the top surface (5) of its inclined block. This arrangement forms an additional lubrication called silicic acid, which involves the formation of low pressure zones formed by the micro-pits (11) and the reaction of the silicon carbide with water (called tribochemical water), resulting in effective lubrication properties.

According to another embodiment shown in fig. 8, each tilted block (2) contains a representation of the water path (13), the water path (13) leaving a real working hill (12) formed on the top surface (5) of the tilted block, which is more convenient for large bearings where the block size is larger.

The thrust bearing assembly involves the combination of an inclined block (2) made of silicon carbide and a thrust rotating plate also made of silicon carbide, supported by a metallic base (3), rotating in axial alignment with a plurality of inclined blocks (2), the plurality of inclined blocks (2) being arranged to form an array with respect to the axis of the rotating thrust plate, which array avoids the interruption of contaminated water with the surrounding environment of a submersible motor, submersible pump or motor boat propulsion system.

The invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments. It is to be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention and is not intended to limit or restrict the invention thereto. Many other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing disclosure.

All substitutions, alterations and modifications of the present invention falling within the scope of the appended claims are within the scope of the invention as it is readily made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

List of reference numerals

1. Thrust bearing (1)

2. Tilting block (2)

3. Thrust bearing base (3)

4. Fastening device (4)

5. Top surface of the inclined block (5)

6. Outer pivot part (6)

7. Center pivot part (7)

8. Clamp groove (8)

9. Pivot part (9)

10. Radius part (10)

11. Micro pit (11)

12. Working hill (12)

13. Water route (13)

14. Support (14)

15. Hole (15)

16.L shaped projection (16)

17. Central shaft hole (17)

18. Supporting component (18)

Claims

1. A water-lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing for submersible pumps and motors, the water-lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing comprising:

a thrust bearing tilt base (3), a plurality of silicon carbide tilt blocks (2) for forming a circular array on the silicon carbide thrust bearing base (3), and a thrust swivel plate rigidly pressed by the thrust bearing base (3), the thrust swivel plate rotating in axial alignment with the plurality of thrust blocks (2),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the thrust bearing base (3) comprises a cage(s) formed by an L-shaped projection (16) located close to a central shaft hole (17) and a support member (18) located on the periphery of the thrust bearing base (3) to accommodate the tilting block (2);

wherein a pivot portion (9) for generating an appropriate rotation on the thrust bearing base (3) is formed on a bottom side portion of the tilt block (2).

2. Water-lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that each tilting block (2) is loosely held on the thrust bearing base (3) by fastening means (4), the fastening means (4) being placed on a setting hole (15) formed on the thrust bearing base (3) for the arrangement of locking structures.

3. The water-lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing according to claim 2, wherein the fastening means (4) is partially received in a gripper groove (8) formed on a side face of each inclined block (2).

4. The water-lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing according to claim 1, wherein each tilting block (2) is mounted on the thrust bearing base (3), the thrust bearing base (3) being made of its metal, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron or non-ferrous material.

5. The water-lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing according to claim 1, wherein the thrust bearing base (3) is configured at the bottom with an outer pivot portion (6) fitted in the machine, the outer pivot portion (6) extending the axis of rotation for additional functions.

6. The water-lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing according to claim 1, wherein the thrust bearing base (3) is configured to have a central pivot portion (7) at a bottom side that fits in a machine that is concave or convex in shape, the central pivot portion (7) extending a rotational axis for additional functions.

7. The water-lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that the thrust bearing base (3) comprises a hardened pin incorporated in the position of the seat (14) above which the tilting block (2) is mounted.

8. The water-lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing according to claim 1, wherein each inclined block (2) comprises a radius (10), the radius (10) being curved from the top to ensure proper water flow suction to further form a film therein.

9. The water-lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing according to claim 1, wherein each inclined block (2) is provided with a plurality of dimples (11) formed on a top surface (5) of the inclined block thereof.

10. The water-lubricated silicon carbide thrust bearing according to claim 1, wherein each tilted block (2) comprises, on its top surface (5) of the tilted block, a water path (13) forming a working hill (12).