Method of equalizing radial load on plurality of pivoted bearing pads

Abstract

A method of equalizing the radial load on the pivoted bearing pads of a journal bearing which comprises in excess of two pivoted bearing pads, say four or five pivoted bearing pads, for example. The method may be used, for example, in an arrangement in which two of the bearing pads located in a generally central region relative to the span of the plurality of bearing pads in a circumferential direction are radially fixed in position, with the remaining bearing pads being mounted on supports which are radially adjustable. The supports for the respective radially adjustble bearing pads are radially adjusted until an equalization is reached between the high pressure oil film pressures at the interfaces between all of the respective bearing pads (including the radially fixed bearing pads) and the rotating journal. This equalization of oil film pressures at the respective bearing pad-journal interfaces is indicative that all of the bearing pads are carrying an equal radial load. Instead of equalizing the oil pressures at the interfaces between all of the bearing pads and the journal, it may be desirable under certain conditions to purposely provide a differential oil pressure setting for certain of the bearing pads at the time of initial adjustment to allow for anticipated operational changes which may occur after operational equilibrium conditions are reached, whereby to obtain substantial equalization of radial load on all the bearing pads after operational equilibrium is reached.