Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings

Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing Manufacturer for Industrial Rotating Equipment

We manufacture tilting pad thrust bearings for turbines, compressors, pumps, generators, and other rotating machinery. Standard sizes and custom configurations are available, with engineering support for OEM projects, equipment upgrades, and replacement bearing requirements.

Pad Thrust Bearing
Pad Thrust Bearings are sliding bearings designed to support axial loads in large rotating equipment. A lubricating oil film forms between the thrust pads and thrust disc during operation,...
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Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings are fluid-film bearings that support axial loads in rotating machinery through an oil film between independently pivoting pads and the thrust disc. Their self-adjusting...
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Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing Assembly
The Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing Assembly is designed to support axial loads in rotating machinery, including steam turbines, compressors, generators, and pumps. Its tilting pads form a hydrodynamic...
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Pedestal Pad Thrust Bearing
Pedestal Pad Thrust Bearing is a fluid film bearing designed to support axial loads and maintain the axial position of rotating shafts. Its pedestal-mounted structure accommodates...
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Applications

Power Generation

Steam turbines, gas turbines and hydro-generators. Bearing selection depends on rotor thrust, shaft speed, oil supply and axial positioning requirements.

Marine & Propulsion

Marine thrusters and propeller shaft-line systems, subject to the applicable axial load and installation requirements.

Oil & Gas

Centrifugal compressors, turbo-expanders and high-pressure pumps. Operating speed, thrust direction, transient loads and lubrication conditions are key selection factors.

Chemical Processing

Submersible pumps and agitators. Material compatibility, lubricant conditions, temperature and available installation space should be confirmed.

Product Range & Specifications

Product Type	Design / Configuration	Typical Applications
Pad Thrust Bearing	Segmented thrust pads supporting axial loads	Large rotating machinery
Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing	Individually tilting pads forming a hydrodynamic oil film	Turbines and compressors
Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing Assembly	Integrated bearing assembly with supporting components	Steam turbines, compressors and generators
Pedestal Pad Thrust Bearing	Pedestal-supported pad configuration	Axial load support in rotating equipment

Standard Dimensions
The following table lists reference dimensions for selected bearing sizes. Actual dimensions depend on the bearing design and equipment interface.

Nominal Size	Bearing OD (mm)	Bearing ID (mm)	Pad Thickness (mm)	Bearing Height (mm)
6 inch	152.4	82.6	19.0	52.3
8 inch	203.2	109.5	25.4	68.3
9 inch	228.1	124.0	28.6	76.2
10.5 inch	266.7	144.5	31.8	85.9
12 inch	304.8	165.1	35.0	95.3

Additional dimensions include housing OD, key length, and bearing area. Custom dimensions can be manufactured according to approved drawings and operating parameters.

Design Features & Bearing Configurations

Self-Equalizing Design
Leveling links allow the pads to adjust their positions under load, helping distribute axial thrust across the bearing surface. This design is suitable for applications where load distribution is affected by shaft deflection or alignment variations.

Non-Equalizing Design
Pads are supported directly on a solid base ring without a leveling-link mechanism. This configuration can be considered where the bearing layout and operating conditions support direct pad loading.

Configuration Selection

Selection Factor	Engineering Consideration
Axial thrust load	Normal, maximum and transient loads
Shaft speed	Operating and maximum speed
Installation space	Bearing dimensions and housing interfaces
Shaft alignment	Expected deflection and alignment conditions
Rotor dynamics	Required bearing stiffness and damping

Materials & Lubrication Options

Bearing Materials

Material / Combination	Key Considerations
Carbon steel backing with Babbitt lining	Common material combination for hydrodynamic thrust bearings
Copper-chromium backing with Babbitt lining	Higher thermal conductivity than conventional carbon steel backing
PEEK- or PTFE-based materials	May be considered for specific lubrication, start-stop or chemical compatibility requirements

Material selection depends on the bearing design, load conditions and required operating performance.

Lubrication Options
Directed lubrication: Delivers oil toward the leading edge of each pad and removes heated oil from the bearing area.

Flooded lubrication: Supplies oil to the bearing through an oil-filled housing or surrounding oil supply arrangement.

Lubrication selection depends on oil viscosity, inlet temperature, oil flow and heat dissipation requirements. Compatibility with the existing lubrication system should be confirmed during engineering review.

Instrumentation & Engineering Support

Instrumentation Options
The following features are available as project-specific options, subject to bearing design and installation requirements.

Option	Function	Requirements to Confirm
Embedded temperature sensors	Monitor pad operating temperature	Sensor type, location and wiring
Proximity probe provisions	Support shaft displacement or axial position monitoring	Probe dimensions and mounting clearances
Electrical insulation features	Help mitigate shaft-current damage in applicable systems	Insulation arrangement and grounding requirements

Temperature sensors may include Pt100 RTDs or Type J/K thermocouples. Sensor arrangement and installation details should be confirmed against project requirements, including applicable API 670 requirements where specified.

Engineering Support
Hydrodynamic analysis: Evaluate oil-film thickness, temperature distribution and power loss under defined operating conditions.

Rotordynamic verification: Assess bearing stiffness and damping coefficients for rotor-system analysis.

Structural analysis: Use finite element analysis (FEA), where required, to assess bearing components under specified thrust loads.

Manufacturing Process

Babbitt Lining

Apply the specified Babbitt alloy to the backing material using a process appropriate to the bearing design and approved manufacturing requirements.

Precision Machining

Machine bearing components to the specified dimensions, fits and mounting interfaces using CNC machining, boring and other applicable processes.

Surface Finishing

Grind and finish designated surfaces to meet drawing requirements for dimensions and surface condition.

Assembly

Assemble pads, support components and other parts according to the approved drawings and assembly specifications.

Manufacturing Capabilities & Standards

Manufacturing Experience
Established in 2007, ZB Bearings has supplied more than 500 custom bearing designs for industrial rotating equipment.

Quality Management System
Manufacturing and quality control follow an ISO 9001:2015 quality management system, subject to current certification verification.

Production Scope
Depending on the design, manufacturing processes include Babbitt lining, precision machining, surface finishing, assembly, and dimensional inspection.

Quality Control & Inspection

Material Verification

Verify backing materials and Babbitt alloy grades against approved specifications. Material certificates and traceability records are supplied as agreed.

Bond Integrity Inspection

Ultrasonic testing (UT) may be used to evaluate the Babbitt-to-backing bond where component geometry, construction and the agreed inspection procedure permit.

Surface Inspection

Perform visual inspection and applicable examination methods, such as liquid penetrant testing (PT), according to specified surfaces and acceptance criteria.

Dimensional Inspection

Check critical dimensions, fits and mounting interfaces against approved drawings and specified tolerances.

Inspection Records

Provide inspection reports and applicable NDT records according to the agreed quality plan. Inspection coverage and acceptance criteria are confirmed before production.

Custom Manufacturing & Replacement Solutions

Custom Bearing Manufacturing
Custom tilting pad thrust bearings can be manufactured according to confirmed equipment interfaces and operating requirements.

Replacement Components

Supply Option	Typical Scope
Complete bearing assembly	Replacement of the assembled bearing unit
Individual thrust pads	Replacement of worn or damaged pads
Leveling links	Replacement components for applicable self-equalizing designs
Base rings and supporting components	Components manufactured to confirmed interface dimensions

Custom Order Process
Technical review: Review available drawings, dimensions, operating data and replacement requirements.

Design confirmation: Confirm bearing configuration, materials, lubrication arrangement and equipment interfaces.

Drawing approval: Submit manufacturing drawings for customer review and approval before production, where applicable.

Manufacturing and inspection: Manufacture the agreed components and complete the specified inspections.

Replacement compatibility is confirmed through dimensional and technical review rather than assumed from nominal size or brand designation alone.

Packaging & Delivery

Cleaning and preservation:

Remove machining residues and apply suitable corrosion protection to exposed metal surfaces.

Moisture protection:

Use protective wrapping or sealed packaging according to the shipping route and storage requirements.

Export packaging:

Use suitable cushioning and export crates. ISPM 15-compliant wooden packaging can be specified for international shipments where required.

Shipping arrangements:

Confirm the shipping method, destination, export documentation and applicable Incoterms during order processing.

FAQ

Q: What information is required for a quotation?

A: Please provide bearing drawings, part numbers, key dimensions, operating parameters, required quantity and delivery date. Available equipment details or samples can also support quotation review.

Q: What is the typical lead time for tilting pad thrust bearings?

A: Lead time depends on design complexity, material availability and order quantity. The delivery schedule is confirmed during quotation.

Q: Do you accept small-quantity orders?

A: Small-quantity orders can be reviewed based on product type, manufacturing requirements and order scope.

Q: What warranty do you provide for tilting pad thrust bearings?

A: The standard warranty is 18 months from shipment or 12 months from installation, whichever comes first, subject to the applicable warranty terms.

Q: What payment terms do you offer for international orders?

A: Payment terms are agreed during quotation and contract negotiation based on the order and commercial conditions.

Q: Can you arrange third-party inspection?

A: Third-party inspection can be arranged by agreement, subject to the inspection scope, schedule and associated costs.

Q: Can you manufacture bearings based on existing samples?

A: Yes. Existing bearing samples can be evaluated for dimensions, materials and replacement compatibility before quotation.

Q: What technical documents can you provide?

A: Approved drawings, material certificates, inspection reports, applicable NDT reports, and CoC are available as agreed before production.

We are one of the most professional tilting pad thrust bearings manufacturers and suppliers in China. With abundant experience, we warmly welcome you to buy customized tilting pad thrust bearings at competitive price from our factory. If you have any enquiry about free sample, please feel free to email us.