Tilting pad bearing installation

This is a tilting pad type journal bearing consisting of a number (generally five) of accurate journal pads retained within an annular shell and associated end plates.The bearing will accept radial load in any direction and is particularly useful under high speed, light load conditions where bearing instability may be encountered with other types of journal bearings.
Several basic types are produced, all based around the same journal pads. The differences in these basic types are in the housing seat configuration and whether a thrust face is incorporated.
The journal pads are constructed so they are free to tilt in the bore of the shell. This action assists in the generation of the hydrodynamic oil film at each pad and is basic to the inherent stability characteristics of this type bearing.
These bearings are processed with a rust inhibitor and preservative prior to shipment from the factory. This protection should not be removed until installation. At that time, the bearing should be disassembled and all parts thoroughly cleaned with a lint-free cloth and a solvent such as acetone or mineral spirits. The bearing is then reassembled (in halves, if a split bearing). Oil all parts at reassembly to protect against corrosion. The journal pads are all interchangeable as to circumferential position except as may be dictated by instrumentation, such as pad mounted thermocouples.