Rotating Equipment Training Curriculum
Module from the Rotating Equipment Training Curriculum curriculum.
BEARINGS & LUBRICATION · Learning Objectives · 1. Select bearing type (journal, tilting pad, rolling element) for application 2. Understand lubrication methods and oil selection 3. Monitor bearing condition through temperature and vibration 4. Diagnose common bearing failures · Bearing Type Comparison
| Bearing Type | Load Type | Speed Range | Temperature Limit | Lubrication | Best Application | Failure Indicator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Journal (sleeve) | Radial | Medium-High | 250°F (babbitt) | Flooded oil film (hydrodynamic) | Large turbines, compressors, generators | Temperature rise, oil debris, vibration sub-synchronous |
| Tilting Pad Journal | Radial | High | 300°F | Flooded oil film | High-speed compressors, turbines (eliminates oil whirl) | Pad temperature, proximity probe vibration |
| Tilting Pad Thrust | Axial | High | 300°F | Flooded oil film | Compressors, turbines (axial thrust control) | Axial position, pad temperature |
| Deep Groove Ball | Radial + Axial | Very High | 250°F (grease) / 300°F (oil) | Grease or oil | Pumps, motors, general machinery | Vibration (high-frequency envelope), temperature |
| Cylindrical Roller | High Radial | High | 250°F | Grease or oil | Gearboxes, heavy radial loads | Vibration, temperature, oil analysis |
| Tapered Roller | Radial + Axial (combined) | Moderate | 250°F | Oil | Gearboxes, heavy combined loads | Wear metals in oil, vibration, preload change |
| Spherical Roller | Heavy Radial + Misalignment | Moderate | 250°F | Oil or grease | Heavy-duty slow-speed, misalignment-tolerant | Vibration, temperature, grease analysis |
| Source: FOS Chief Files — Oil Mist Lubricant Systems.doc, Flinger Type Gear Lubrication.doc, IPE-EP-6-1-1, IPE-EP-6-2-1 |
Source: Rotating_Equipment_Training_Curriculum_v1.xlsx · Sheet: Mod 6 - Bearings & Lube
© 2026 Inflection Point Engineering, LLC. All rights reserved. The content of this page — including calculation methods, reference data, written analysis, interactive tools, and source code — is the intellectual property of Inflection Point Engineering, LLC and is protected under applicable copyright, trademark, and trade secret laws. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, modification, or derivative use in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written consent.
Disclaimer. This material is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Calculations, reference data, and methodologies are based on published standards and accepted engineering practice but are not a substitute for engineering judgment, site-specific analysis, or review by a licensed Professional Engineer. Inflection Point Engineering, LLC makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or fitness for a particular purpose of any content presented here, and shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from its use. Users assume all risk associated with applying this content to real-world design, operations, or decisions.
© 2026 Inflection Point Engineering, LLC. All rights reserved.