What Are Water-lubricated Bearings And How They Work

What are water-lubricated bearings?

Water-lubricated bearings refer to bearings that are used directly in water without any sealing device. The bearings are lubricated by water and do not require lubricating oil or grease, eliminating the harm of water pollution. Bearings are often used in flowing water, which can effectively control the temperature rise of the bearings, so that they have a long service life and are safe and reliable. The structure is suitable for horizontal, vertical and inclined axes.

Classification of water-lubricated bearings

Water-lubricated bearings are mainly divided into phenol bearings, rubber bearings, ceramic bearings, graphite bearings, PTFE and other polymer bearings, etc.

Working principle of water-lubricated bearings

Bearings that use water as a lubricant are generally sliding bearings. The earliest water-lubricated bearings used Babbitt alloys, which were first used in the field of ships because water can provide a fluid dynamic film under certain conditions. Water-lubricated bearings are based on materials with self-lubricating properties, combined with the lubricity of water under certain conditions, for use in fields such as hydropower stations. Water does not have high viscosity and lubricity like the recognized lubricant petroleum. Water does have limited viscosity and density, and therefore can provide a fluid dynamic film. The research and development of superior water-lubricated bearings will be based on materials and design. The materials should have good self-lubrication and excellent anti-friction properties.

Uses of water-lubricated bearings

Mainly used in large industrial water pumps, power plants, nuclear power plants, ships, turbines, wind power generation, petrochemicals, light chemicals and food machinery, sewage treatment, water plants, water conservancy pumping stations, mining machinery and engineering machinery, valves, mixers and other fluid machinery.