Thrust bearings to support axial thrust in pumps

A thrust bearing system to dynamically support axial thrust in a pump, the thrust bearing system comprising:

• a thrust disc coupled to an impeller shaft;
• a first thrust pad coupled to a body of the pump, the first thrust pad positioned on a forward side of the thrust disc;
• a second thrust pad coupled to the body of the pump, the second thrust pad positioned on an aft side of the thrust disc, the first and second thrust pads defining a bearing chamber;
• and a spring-loaded assembly integrated into the first thrust pad, the spring-loaded assembly to support a forward axial thrust in the pump, the spring-loaded assembly connected to a pump outlet via a first flowline, the first flowline to transmit a working fluid from the pump outlet to the spring-loaded assembly, the spring-loaded assembly including:
• a plunger disposed in the first flowline;
• and a spring disposed between a wall of the first thrust pad and the plunger.

A thrust bearing comprising:

• a first thrust pad;
• a second thrust pad;
• a thrust disc positioned between the first thrust pad and the second thrust pad;
• and a spring-loaded assembly integrated into the first thrust pad, the spring-loaded assembly including:
• a plunger including a shaft, a first head, and a second head, the first head positioned distal relative to the second head and toward the thrust disc;
• a spring including:
• a first end connected to the second head;
• and a second end connected to the first thrust pad;
• and a stopper coupled to the plunger, the stopper positioned distal relative to the second head and away from the thrust disc.