Justification Of Thrust Bearings Parameters For Increasing The Reliability Of Downhole Pumps

Abstract

This article provides a study of factors affecting the reliability and durability of thrust bearings in
electric centrifugal pumps of the ECW type. For these factors, a number of analytical equations are
presented that can be used in determining the parameters for friction pairs of thrust bearings of
turbine generators of hydroelectric stations. The methodology for testing to determine the operational
roughness of friction pairs established after the end of the running-in process is described in detail.
During of the experiments, values of roughness parameters differing from the initial values were
obtained. The initial production of surfaces of friction pairs with parameters closer to operational
gives a faster transition to equilibrium roughness, a decrease in initial wear and an increase in the
reliability of friction pairs. It is recommended to produce sliding friction pairs of downhole pumps
with roughness parameters Ra=0.31-0.37 μm.