Deposits on Bearing Pad Caused by Particulate Contamination in Turbine Oil

Abstract

Under severe bearing conditions, deposits form on the loaded part of bearing pads and if this happens excessively, it could lead to unacceptable rises in temperature and vibration. Deposits are mainly organic compounds, formed as oxidation by-products, which are insoluble in lubricating oil and can be the precursor to deposits. In this study, the deposit precursor in lubricating oil was investigated in detail and the deposit production mechanism was demonstrated. Furthermore, the difference of oil type effects and the dependence of conditions on deposit formation are also considered.