Development of bearings for a small high speed cryogenic turboexpander

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the development of aerodynamic thrust bearings and aerodynamic journal bearings applied to a small high speed cryogenic turboexpander in Indian conditions.Design/methodology/approachAs a part of indigenous programme in the process of development, some input parameter was taken from the available literature and then dimensions were optimized and computed while taking care to minimize fabrication constraints.FindingsA series of tests were conducted to confirm the findings. Detailed study of the effect of stability and vibration of bearings was taken up. The maximum rotational speed obtained was 200,000 rpm.Practical implicationsThe outcome may help the designers, researchers and manufacturers of these components.Originality/valueAlthough manufacturers design and develop the bearings of turboexpanders for their production, no academic literature has been available for this purpose until now.