Successful use of hydrodynamic slide bearings in high-performance compressors

Compressors are used to compress gases and are indispensable in refrigeration and air conditioning technology, in the oil and gas industry as well as for industrial heat pumps. The reliability and longevity of compressors depend heavily on the components used. Modern hydrodynamic slide bearings play a key role here.

 

In this blog article, we show the effects of the successful use of such lubrication-based bearings in high-performance compressors.

What challenges do hydrodynamic slide bearings in compressors have to overcome and what is the solution?

The challenge: Hydrodynamic slide bearings in compressors have to withstand high loads and fast speeds. They must reliably reduce friction and keep maintenance costs low.

 

Solution: Our slide bearings utilise the principle of hydrodynamics. This creates a lubricating film between the bearing surface and the shaft. This film minimises friction and extends the service life of the hydrodynamic slide bearings.

 

  • For piston compressors, we traditionally use a steel backing and bearing metals such as bronze, aluminium or white metal. Our alloys have been carefully developed to ensure excellent wear resistance and low friction. Depending on the requirements, additional polymer layers or coatings such as galvanic or sputter coatings can be used. These further improve durability.

 

  • For turbo compressors that require high rotational speeds and effective damping at the same time, bearings such as multi-surface or tilting pad bearings are used. These bearings must be able to withstand high vibration loads while ensuring precise rotation in order to maximise the performance of the turbo compressors. With the appropriate design and the use of precise manufacturing techniques, these bearings can not only withstand the high speeds, but also allow the rotor to run stably.

What results do hydrodynamic slide bearings deliver in compressors?

Our Miba expert emphasises: ‘The challenge is to produce a bearing that meets our customers’ requirements. It should get the best out of the compressor. Through intensive dialogue and close cooperation with the customer, we can offer flexible solutions. They not only increase the performance of the system, but can also reduce the total cost of ownership.’

 

That is why our lubrication-based bearings are

  • extremely resilient, even under shock loads
  • compact
  • durable
  • ideal for turbo compressors with high speeds of up to 120 m/s
  • ideal for piston compressors with high loads of up to 160 MPa

 

If you would like to find out more about our plain bearings, please visit our axial and radial plain bearings product pages.

Future-proof hydrodynamic slide bearing technology for optimum compressor performance

Our continuous research and development in the field of this bearing technology ensures that we always offer the best solutions for our customers. By investing in new materials, manufacturing processes and innovative designs, we are constantly improving the performance of our bearings. This enables us to fulfil the growing demands of the industry.

Future developments will also focus on the condition monitoring of these bearings. The aim is to utilise real-time data in order to further increase the reliability of the bearings.

In this way, our solutions always remain at the cutting edge of technology and offer you long-term performance and low maintenance costs.

 

We are convinced that our experience and our innovative hydrodynamic  slide bearings can also optimise your system accordingly. Contact our team of experts to develop flexible solutions for your compressors.

Contact us now!