Development of Special Gas Bearings

Problem:

The client was developing an innovative oil barrier seal and required a bearing for the alignment of a floating housing.

Solution:

C2 Technology worked with the client to build a detailed statement of requirements for the bearing, which included interface speeds of up to 140m/s with load capacities of 50N packaged within a very small design envelope.

The design consisted of a 3-pad bi-directional hydrostatic gas bearing capable of supporting 100N both statically and at the full operating speed.

Following the detailed design, we manufactured a set of 3 prototype units for design proving tests.

Results/Benefits:

The gas bearings were tested with the support of C2 Technology’s engineering team and found to have actual load capacities and seal gas consumptions as designed.

An issue with the supply of a 3rd party's component led the client to investigate an alternative solution to the barrier seal design.