Waukesha Bearings Tilting Pad Radial Bearings - Manual (Page 3)

- 3 -
3.3.2 One piece (Code /0D)
This type of bearing is normally installed by threading the complete bearing over the
end of the shaft, taking care not to damage the whitemetal surfaces of the radial pads
on any shaft abutment etc. The bearing is finally secured by installing the flange
retaining screws.
Note: When either a one piece or a split bearing has a loose end plate, the radial pads
can be removed or installed without removing the complete bearing from its
installation. This can be done by removing the loose end plate which allows the pads
to be removed axially, providing the shaft weight has been removed from the bearing.
3.4 Clearance
It is essential that the clearance of the tilting pad radial bearing on the shaft should be
within the design figures which are stated on the contract drawing. On no account
should the bearing be allowed to operate with the assembled diametral clearance less
than the recommended minimum value which is given on the drawing since damage
could occur if this is done.
If it is wished to check the diametral clearance of the bearing, it is suggested that the
following procedure should be adopted. The thickness of the radial pads at the crown
centreline should be measured and twice the mean value subtracted from the
measured pad housing bore. By subtracting the measured shaft size from the figure
thus obtained, the bearing nominal diametral clearance is ascertained, which should be
within the min/max figures on the relevant contract drawing.
On no account should feeler gauges be inserted between the whitemetal surface and
the periphery of the shaft in order to attempt to measure clearance.
3.5 Lubrication
Unless otherwise indicated on the contract drawing, the oil supply passage to the
bearing should lead into the annulus provided around the bearing periphery. The oil
exit from the bearing is through the end baffles. The contract drawing will specify the
design flow, pressure, temperature and viscosity of the lubricant.
4 Bearing Wear
If the bearing is installed in accordance with these instructions and it is operated
within the design conditions specified on the contract drawing, no measurable wear
should occur during prolonged service. The only change will be a dulling of the
whitemetal surface. It is recommended that, when this dulling has spread to more than
one half of the pad surface, the radial pads should be replaced.
The minimum whitemetal thickness on radial pads is of the order of 1-2 mm
depending on size but it must be emphasised that any measurable increase in shaft
movement (say 0.05 mm or more) indicates that the bearing is not functioning
correctly and an inspection should be made immediately. This is particularly
important if the increase in radial movement occurs over a short period of time.
Ref. TPRB/2000
Waukesha Bearings/2000