Degradation of a Thrust Bearing in a Lift Pump on an Electromotor Offshore Platform

“ Degradation of a Thrust Bearing in a Lift Pump on an Electromotor Offshore Platform”

A. Koopaee, Aghajani

Materials Performance, June 2017, VOL. 56, NO. 6, page 2-4.

Abbstract :

In offshore platforms, vertical submersible pumps have an important role in petroleum extraction. They inject seawater into the wells to create sufficient pressure to extract oil. At the lower end of the lift pump’s electromotor, there is a water-lubricated thrust bearing that bears the weight of the rotor, pump shaft, and pressure of the water. Proper surface engineering is very important for the durability of the bearing and the electromotor. Surface creep and abrasive wear of the bearing can result in failure of the electromotor and cause a shut-down of offshore operations. This article discusses the causes of bearing failure, its avoidance, and a repair method for damaged thrust bearings.