Can operational factors affect bearing life in centrifugal pumps?
” Certainly. There is substantial theoretical and field research that indicates that a variety of operational factors influence pump life. The most sensitive components, and therefore the ones to show damage first, are mechanical shaft sealing devices and rolling element bearings. Operating well off the best efficiency (or design) point of the pump’s curve creates higher-than-normal-thrust loads in the bearing housing. These pumps are designed to cancel out much of these loads at their expected design point. Load is a fundamental parameter in calculating L10 life, and therefore any increase in loading (especially the combined radial-thrust loading found here) has a harmful effect on life. Adam Davis, Technical Consultant, Noria Corporation Submit your question here.
