18066707. THRUST BEARINGS TO SUPPORT AXIAL THRUST IN PUMPS simplified abstract (GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY)

THRUST BEARINGS TO SUPPORT AXIAL THRUST IN PUMPS

Organization Name

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY

Inventor(s)

Adam Joseph Wangler of Evendale OH (US)

David Raju Yamarthi of Bengaluru (IN)

Ravindra Shankar Ganiger of Bengaluru (IN)

Santosh Kumar Pattnaik of Bengaluru (IN)

THRUST BEARINGS TO SUPPORT AXIAL THRUST IN PUMPS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18066707 titled 'THRUST BEARINGS TO SUPPORT AXIAL THRUST IN PUMPS

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a system for dynamically supporting axial thrust in pumps, including a thrust bearing system with thrust pads and a spring-loaded assembly connected to a pump outlet.

• Thrust bearing system for pumps:

   - Includes a thrust disc coupled to an impeller shaft
   - First thrust pad positioned on the forward side of the thrust disc
   - Second thrust pad positioned on the aft side of the thrust disc
   - Spring-loaded assembly integrated into the thrust pads
   - Spring-loaded assembly connected to a pump outlet via a flowline

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in various pump systems where dynamic support for axial thrust is required, such as industrial pumps, water pumps, and oil pumps.

Problems Solved

- Provides a solution for managing axial thrust in pumps, reducing wear and tear on components - Ensures stable operation of pumps under varying load conditions

Benefits

- Improved pump efficiency and longevity - Reduced maintenance and downtime due to thrust-related issues

Potential Commercial Applications

"Dynamic Axial Thrust Support System for Pumps" - Optimizing pump performance and reliability in industrial applications

Possible Prior Art

There may be existing thrust bearing systems for pumps, but the specific configuration and integration of a spring-loaded assembly connected to a pump outlet as described in this patent application may be novel.

How does this technology compare to traditional thrust bearing systems in terms of performance and cost?

This article does not provide a direct comparison between this innovative thrust bearing system and traditional systems in terms of performance metrics or cost implications.

What are the potential challenges or limitations of implementing this technology in different types of pumps?

The article does not address the potential challenges or limitations that may arise when implementing this dynamic axial thrust support system in various pump designs or operating conditions.

Original Abstract Submitted

Apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed to dynamically support axial thrust in pumps. Examples disclosed herein include a thrust bearing system including a thrust disc coupled to an impeller shaft; a first thrust pad coupled to a body of the pump, the first thrust pad positioned on a forward side of the thrust disc; a second thrust pad coupled to the body of the pump, the second thrust pad positioned on an aft side of the thrust disc; and a spring-loaded assembly integrated into the first and second thrust pads, the spring-loaded assembly connected to a pump outlet via a first flowline, the first flowline to transmit a working fluid from the pump outlet to the forward side of the thrust disc or the aft side of the thrust disc based on a position of the spring-loaded assembly.