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A Guide to Compressor Bearings
The use of air compressors (screw and centrifugal) has continued to grow over the past decade, despite the inherent limitations and high maintenance requirements of reciprocating air compressors. The increasing use of screw and centrifugal compressors has led to an increasing focus on one of the main compressor components – the compressor bearings. The performance and reliability of the bearings have a significant impact on the overall performance and service life of the compressor. This article will explore the role of compressor bearings in detail, as well as Aubearing’s solutions.
A compressor is a driven fluid machine that can raise low-pressure gas to high-pressure gas. It is a key component of the refrigeration system. It sucks low-temperature and low-pressure gas from the suction pipe, compresses it by driving the piston through the motor, and discharges high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas to the exhaust pipe, providing power for the refrigeration cycle, thereby realizing the refrigeration cycle of compression → condensation → expansion → evaporation. Compressors can be divided into many types, such as piston compressors, screw compressors, centrifugal compressors, etc.
The role of bearings in compressors
Rolling ball bearings are used in screw compressors to provide precise positioning of the compressor rotor and support the rotor load. Bearings are installed on both the suction and discharge ends, and the number and configuration of bearings are determined by the load and purpose.
Support and rotation: In a compressor, the main function of the bearing is to support the rotating shaft and ensure its stable rotation. Through precise fit and rotation, the bearing supports the rotating shaft of the compressor, allowing the compressor to operate smoothly.
Reducing friction: The bearing has a low coefficient of friction, which can effectively reduce the friction between the rotating shaft and the inner ring of the bearing, thereby improving the efficiency of the compressor. During the operation of the compressor, the lubrication of the bearing helps to reduce friction and wear, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the compressor.
Cooling performance: Some special types of bearings, such as oil-lubricated bearings, can take away heat through the lubricating oil and play a cooling role. During the operation of the compressor, the cooling performance of the bearing helps to control the temperature rise and prevent overheating from damaging the compressor.
Loading: The bearing can effectively transfer the load from the rotating shaft to the supporting structure, protecting the rotating shaft from damage. Whether it is static or dynamic load, the bearing can bear and disperse these loads to ensure the stable operation of the compressor.
Factors affecting bearing performance
Durability: During the long-term operation of the compressor, the bearing needs to withstand a large amount of mechanical load and friction, so it needs to have excellent durability. Durable bearings can ensure that the compressor can maintain stable performance during long-term operation.
Precision: The precision of the bearing has a direct impact on the performance of the compressor. High-precision bearings can ensure the precise operation of the rotating shaft, thereby improving the efficiency and service life of the compressor.
Lubricity: Good lubrication performance helps reduce friction and wear of the bearing and increase its service life. In addition, proper lubrication helps to remove the heat generated and prevent the bearing from overheating.
Stability: During the operation of the compressor, the bearing needs to remain stable to avoid additional vibration or deviation. Stable bearings help ensure the smooth operation of the compressor and improve the reliability and efficiency of the compressor.
Rigidity: The rigidity of the bearing determines its ability to withstand loads. Rigid bearings can better withstand external loads, prevent deformation, and maintain stable operation of the compressor.
Aubearing compressor bearing solutions
The operating characteristics of compressors are continuous operation, high speed, condensation, easy contamination of lubricating media, etc., and the requirements for noise levels are becoming increasingly stringent. Under such complex working conditions, bearings often face harsh operating conditions such as high temperature, high humidity, and high speed, resulting in frequent bearing failures, which seriously affect the stable operation of the compressor. In order to ensure the normal operation of the compressor and extend its service life, it is crucial to select and apply bearings with excellent performance. Aubearing provides a variety of compressor bearing product solutions for compressors, with better performance, higher reliability, and economic value for customers.
Deep groove ball bearings
Deep groove ball bearings manufactured by Aubearing are usually used to bear radial loads and slight axial loads. Due to their deep raceways and balls, deep groove ball bearings can provide high load capacity and low friction performance. In the main shaft, bearing seat and support structure of the compressor, deep groove ball bearings are used to reduce vibration, reduce noise and improve rotation accuracy. For example, in the rotor bearings of centrifugal compressors, deep groove ball bearings manufactured by Aubearing can effectively reduce friction and energy loss and improve operating efficiency.
Angular contact ball bearings
Angular contact ball bearings are mainly used to withstand high axial loads and high speeds. Angular contact ball bearings manufactured by Aubearing have high rigidity and rotational accuracy, can provide stable support and reduce vibration. In the transmission system and main shaft bearings of the compressor, the application of angular contact ball bearings can improve the performance and life of the compressor. For example, in the crankshaft part of the scroll compressor, the use of angular contact ball bearings manufactured by Aubearing can ensure the stable operation of the crankshaft and reduce vibration and wear during operation.
Spherical roller bearings
In the compressor, the spherical roller bearings manufactured by Aubearing are mainly used to withstand radial loads and axial loads within a certain range. Because its rollers have self-aligning ability, spherical roller bearings can adapt to the requirements of different centricities and compensate for the axis displacement caused by installation errors or thermal deformation during operation. In the rotor bearings of centrifugal compressors and the crankshaft bearings of large reciprocating compressors, the application of spherical roller bearings manufactured by Aubearing can improve the adaptability and life of the bearings.
Tapered roller bearings
The tapered roller bearings manufactured by Aubearing are mainly used in compressors to withstand radial and axial combined loads. Its structural feature is that a group of tapered rollers are installed between the inner and outer rings, and the rollers and raceways are self-positioned through taper fit. Tapered roller bearings can withstand large axial and radial forces and have good rigidity and stability. The application of tapered roller bearings manufactured by Aubearing in the thrust bearings of centrifugal compressors and the connecting rod bearings of reciprocating compressors can improve the load-bearing capacity and stability of the compressor.
Four-point contact ball bearings
Four-point contact ball bearings are high-performance bearings that can withstand radial and axial loads at the same time. The four-point contact ball bearings manufactured by Aubearing are usually used to withstand high load and high temperature conditions. Because the four-point contact ball bearings have high load-bearing capacity and stability. In the rotor bearings of centrifugal compressors, the crankshaft bearings of large reciprocating compressors, and occasions requiring high-precision positioning, the application of four-point contact ball bearings manufactured by Aubearing can improve the performance and life of the compressor.
Conclusion
Bearings manufactured by Aubearing are widely used in the compressor industry for their excellent performance and reliability. Whether in the application of deep groove ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, spherical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, or four-point contact ball bearings, bearings manufactured by Aubearing can provide stable and reliable support and transmission to ensure the normal operation and efficient performance of the compressor. Choosing bearings manufactured by Aubearing can bring higher performance and longer service life to the compressor industry. With the continuous advancement of technology, the emergence of new bearing materials and designs will further improve the performance and efficiency of compressors. In the future, Aubearing’s research and application of bearings will continue to deepen and improve to meet the growing demand for efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly equipment in the compressor industry.
FAQ
1. What are compressor bearings?
Compressor bearings are a type of bearing used in compressors, pumps, and other machinery. They are responsible for transferring rotational energy from the motor/engine to the compressor main shaft.
2. Can compressor bearings be repaired or replaced?
Compressor bearings can be repaired or replaced, but this usually requires a technician to repair them.
3. What should I do if I encounter a bearing failure?
If a compressor bearing fails, the main bearing must be replaced. In addition, check your compressor or motor for other problems that may cause component failure. If so, fix them with the help of a technical expert.
4. How do I know if my bearings need to be replaced?
Bearings begin to wear over time due to expansion and contraction caused by temperature fluctuations in different parts of the machine components, impurities in the lubricating oil, increased temperature in the lubricating oil, which can be due to a variety of reasons (contact Aubearing for accurate analysis and repair).