Inflection Point Engineering Rotating Equipment Training Curriculum

Mod 6 - Bearings & Lube

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