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Large-diameter hydrodynamic bearings are used in numerous industries. These include turbines for hydroelectric power plants, mills for mining equipment, and generators for a wide range of industrial applications. Here, they must have high load-carrying capacity and a long service life.
This article explains
of the development and production of large-diameter hydrodynamic bearings.
The largest hydrodynamic bearing currently manufactured by Miba in one piece has an outer diameter of 2,600 mm and a length of 1,250 mm and is used in heavy-duty industrial applications.
In addition, Miba manufactures individual bearing segments that are assembled into a hydrodynamic bearing, enabling the production of bearings with virtually any diameter. With this large diameter, Miba sets standards in various industries. It shows how Miba contributes to the further development of high-performance hydrodynamic bearings through continuous innovation and technical excellence.
Miba bearings stand for quality and reliability. With decades of experience in bearing manufacturing, the company offers proven solutions, especially in the field of white metal.
Precise dimensional control, high-quality materials, and modern technology ensure a long service life and high performance. The integration of innovative technologies optimizes efficiency, durability, and adaptability.
Thanks to their large contact area, hydrodynamic bearings with large diameters can accommodate extreme loads. They ensure reliable power transmission, even under shock-laden operating conditions.
Hydrodynamic lubrication minimizes direct contact between moving parts, significantly reducing friction and wear. The result is extended service life and reduced maintenance.
Hydrodynamic bearings can be customized to suit a wide range of applications. Factors such as bearing geometry, material composition, and lubricant selection are specifically tailored to the respective operating requirements.
Optimized design and durable materials reduce both downtime and maintenance costs. At the same time, the robust construction allows use in demanding environmental conditions without the need for frequent replacement.
Hydroelectric power plants: In turbines and generators in hydroelectric power plants, they ensure reliable power transmission and minimize mechanical losses.
Mining equipment: In ball mills in mining equipment, hydrodynamic bearings are exposed to high dynamic loads. Their large diameters enable them to offer high load-carrying capacities, even under shock loads and abrasive conditions.
Industrial plants: In generators, large-diameter plain bearings ensure stable support for rotating components and reduce vibrations and mechanical wear.
Other applications and industries for large-diameter plain bearings:
Depending on customer requirements, Miba can provide support in manufacturing bearings according to drawings (quote-to-print), repairing large-diameter bearings, or completely developing new bearings.
Repairing large-diameter bearings requires trust and partnership-based cooperation with our customers. Miba supports customers every step of the way and adapts flexibly to individual needs. From preparing an initial quote based on drawings or a sample inspection to final acceptance and delivery with complete documentation, we stand by our customers as a reliable partner and ensure that their requirements are met in the best possible way.
If the process starts with an initial idea, then when developing a large-diameter hydrodynamic bearing, care must be taken to ensure that it is precisely tailored to the respective operating conditions. Numerous technical parameters must be taken into account, from the initial feasibility analysis and design to production.
The development of a large-diameter hydrodynamic bearing goes through several phases, ranging from the initial concept idea to final production and delivery. Each phase is crucial to ensure a high-quality hydrodynamic bearing that is ideally matched to the system.
At Miba, this process usually proceeds as follows:
The concept phase involves checking whether a hydrodynamic bearing is suitable for the specific application. Load-speed diagrams and hydrodynamic calculations are used to analyze the basic operating conditions and customer requirements and to perform a feasibility analysis. The following play a key role:
The detailed design of the bearing is based on the concept data. Modern simulation methods are used here:
After a detailed design phase and approval by the customer, the production drawings for the large-diameter hydrodynamic bearing are created.
The production of large-diameter hydrodynamic bearings at Miba is based on precise manufacturing steps and state-of-the-art technology. Each bearing undergoes strict quality controls, including geometric measurements, material tests, and functional tests under realistic conditions. Where possible, the bearing is tested in accordance with current standards, either on an internal test bench or in partnership with our customers on their test benches. This ensures that large-diameter hydrodynamic bearings meet the highest requirements in terms of load capacity, service life, and reliability.
Once approved, the hydrodynamic bearing is prepared for shipment and delivered worldwide. Installation instructions and manuals are also provided to customers.
Miba Industrial Bearings Brasil has proven itself a reliable partner for large-diameter hydrodynamic bearings in hydropower projects. During the retrofit of the São Simão power plant, Miba repaired six generator units and supplied spare parts for a strategic OE customer.
Despite tight deadlines and technical challenges, the project was successfully implemented. A specialized team, precise planning, and flexible adjustments enabled on-time deliveries starting in 2024, with complete completion by 2030.
Large-diameter hydrodynamic bearings are crucial for demanding applications such as hydroelectric power plants, mining equipment, and a wide range of industrial applications. They offer high load-carrying capacity, long service life, and low maintenance.
The development of these bearings is based on precise tribological calculations, numerical simulations, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Targeted adaptation to specific operating parameters—such as load collectives, speeds, and lubrication conditions—results in tailor-made solutions with optimum performance.
Do you have a bearing project that you would like to realize?
Try our bearing calculator:
Or contact us directly and let us develop a flexible solution for your requirements together!
