Bearings for Electric Submersible Pumps

Maximize Bearing Life, Performance

Electric submersible pumps (ESPs) operate in small-diameter boreholes at significant depths and high ambient temperatures, placing unusually high demands on the thrust bearings.

Waukesha Bearings offers a range of solutions to maximize bearing life and optimize bearing performance in these harsh conditions – increasing the efficiency, production and operating life of your pump.

Deflection Pad bronze thrust bearing for electric submersible pump (ESP) applications

Bronze Bearings

For ESPs operating under low loads and for upthrust bearings, Waukesha Bearings offers a selection of bronze bearing designs. Fixed geometry designs include cast bronze, taperland and threaded OD thrust bearings, all of which eliminate pad flutter on the upthrust bearing.

The Waukesha Bearings Deflection Pad® thrust bearing (pictured) provides increased load capacity with a bronze bearing. Successful operational experience for the Deflection Pad bearing includes lubricating oil temperatures above 150°C (302°F) with unit loads of 2 MPa (290 psi) and higher.

Polymer tilt pad thrust bearing for ESP applications

Polymer Hidrax® Bearings

Polymer-lined tilt pad thrust bearings like the Hidrax bearing from Waukesha are the standard for ESP operating temperatures up to 200°C (392°F) and loads up to 8 MPa (1160 psi). They are widely used in both the seal/protector section and the motor of ESPs.

The high temperature and load capabilities of the engineered polymer lining are complemented by the tilt pad design’s tolerance for misalignment and ability to accommodate a wide range of loads and speeds.

As an additional benefit in the motor, the polymer provides electrical insulation, protecting the bearings from stray currents without a separate insulating layer between the bearing and housing.

Ceramic Hidrax® HT Bearings

For the higher temperatures in steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) wells, Hidrax HT thrust bearings feature durable ceramic/cermet materials that retain their surface hardness and a load capacity of 8 MPa (1160 psi) at lubricating oil temperatures of 300°C (572°F) and higher.

Hidrax HT bearings use the well-proven Hidrax platform, making them ideal for drop-in replacement of existing polymer bearings as ESPs are updated with SAGD technology.

Electric Submersible Pumps

Maximize Bearing Life, Performance

Bronze Bearings

Polymer Hidrax® Bearings

Ceramic Hidrax® HT Bearings

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