A method of temperature monitoring in fluid film bearings.pdfVIP

Tribology International 37 (2004) 143–148 /locate/triboint A method of temperature monitoring in fluid film bearings S.B. Glavatskih ∗ ˚ ˚ Lulea University of Technology, Sirius Laboratory, Division of Machine Elements, Lulea 97187 Sweden Abstract In the present paper a method to improve temperature monitoring of fluid film bearings is described. The method is tested in an industrial tilting pad thrust bearing. Test results for steady state and transient operating conditions are reported. Temperatures monitored by a thermocouple through the utilisation of the proposed method are compared to those measured by thermocouples in the pad backing and in the collar. The method is also tested on a PTFE-faced bearing. Test results show that the proposed method improves sensitivity to thermal transients in conventional babbitted bearings and provides adequate means of temperature monitoring in the PTFE-faced bearings.  2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Temperature measurement; Fluid film bearings; PTFE-faced bearings; Oil film temperature 1. Introduction the babbitt surface in a spherical indentation formed by the adhesive. The latter provided thermal insulation to Temperature monitoring is a well-established tech- separate the thermocouple from the babbitt. The thermo- nique to detect overheating and to prevent hydrodynamic couple head was closer to the collar surface than it was