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US 2018/0119737 A1Published application
Magnetic preloading of bearings in rotating machines
AssigneeOneSubsea IP UK Limited
InventorsHans Fredrik Kjellnes, Erik A. Torbergsen, Åsmund Valland, Audun Magne Askeland
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In rotating machine having a vertically oriented rotating shaft, a static magnetic force is used to simulate rotor weight and create the desired bearing preload. By installing a magnet the gravity based preload on the shaft journal bearings of a horizontal machine can be simulated for a vertical shaft. This can increase rotor stability, reduce the machine's vulnerability to hydraulically induced imbalance forces and give a more smooth transition through various shaft speeds.
Claims15
A rotating machine comprising:
- an elongated rotating shaft having a primary axis of rotation oriented vertically, the shaft comprising a first journal;
- a first hydrodynamic bearing surface shaped and positioned to engage the first journal such that a viscous fluid is pulled between the bearing surface and the first journal by the rotating of the shaft during machine operation thereby providing lubrication;
- and
- a magnet configured to impart a lateral force on the shaft thereby pulling the first journal towards the first bearing surface
1 more element
A method of operating a rotating machine comprising:
- rotating an elongated shaft about a primary axis of rotating that is oriented vertically;
- and
- imparting a static lateral force on the shaft using a magnet such that a first journal on the rotating shaft is pulled towards a first bearing surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.