Waukesha Bearings puts new thrust bearing platform in the spotlight

At last month's Pump & Turbomachinery Symposia, held in Houston, Texas, Waukesha Bearings featured its new thrust bearing for high-temperature electric submersible pumps (ESPs).

The Hidrax HT tilt pad thrust bearing can sustain unit loads of 8 MPa (1160 psi) at oil bath temperatures up to 300°C.

Technological advances in steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) are increasing ESP operating temperatures and placing increased demands on the thrust bearings located in the motor seal/protector section of the ESP string.

The Hidrax HT bearing is a drop-in replacement option for equipment requiring increased load capacity at high temperatures. The bearing is available in sizes up to 200mm (8"), with centre or offset pivot designs. Given the hardness of the Hidrax HT bearing surface, the rotating thrust collar surface must be hard as well. Waukesha Bearings can supply an appropriate thrust collar that is designed to work well with the Hidrax HT bearing.

The Hidrax tilt pad thrust bearing platform is well-proven with polymer surfaces, with 200,000 supplied to date.