centrifugal pump bearing types

Centrifugal Pump Bearing Types: Selection Guide

1. Main Bearing Types Used in Centrifugal Pumps

A. Ball Bearings (Most Common)

• Deep Groove Ball Bearings (Type 6000/6200/6300 series)

• Handles both radial and moderate axial loads

• Used in small-to-medium pumps

• Single-row (most common) or double-row designs

• Angular Contact Ball Bearings (Type 7200/7300 series)

• Designed for combined radial and axial loads

• Typically used in pairs (back-to-back or face-to-face)

• Common in high-speed applications

B. Roller Bearings (For Heavy Loads)

• Cylindrical Roller Bearings (NU/NJ/NUP types)

• Excellent radial load capacity

• Allows axial shaft movement (free end bearing)

• Used in large pumps with heavy radial loads

• Tapered Roller Bearings (Type 30000 series)

• Handles combined radial and thrust loads

• Often used in pairs (adjustable preload)

• Common in multistage pumps

• Spherical Roller Bearings (Type 20000/30000 series)

• Self-aligning capability (±3°)

• Handles heavy radial and moderate axial loads

• Used in large, heavy-duty pumps

2. Specialized Bearing Types

A. Thrust Bearings

• Single/Double Direction Thrust Ball Bearings

• For pure axial loads

• Used in vertical pumps

• Tapered Roller Thrust Bearings

• For heavy axial loads

• Common in multistage pumps

B. Hybrid Bearings

• Ceramic balls with steel races

• Used in corrosive or high-temperature applications

• Reduced electrical conductivity (good for VFD applications)

C. Magnetic Bearings

• Contactless operation

• Used in high-speed or seal-less pumps

• Requires sophisticated control system

3. Bearing Selection Criteria

4. Common Bearing Arrangements

A. Fixed/Floating Arrangement

• Fixed Bearing: Absorbs radial and axial loads (usually angular contact)

• Floating Bearing: Handles only radial loads (cylindrical roller), allows thermal expansion

B. Back-to-Back Angular Contact

• For heavy axial loads in both directions

• Provides rigid axial positioning

C. Tandem Arrangement

• For very heavy unidirectional axial loads

• Common in vertical turbine pumps

5. Bearing Life Factors

• L10 Life Calculation: Standard rating life (90% survival rate)

• Influencing Factors:

• Proper lubrication (50% of failures)

• Correct installation (25% of failures)

• Contamination control (20%)

• Load/speed within design limits

6. Industry-Specific Preferences

• API 610 Pumps: Typically use angular contact ball or tapered roller bearings

• ANSI Pumps: Often use deep groove ball bearings

• Vertical Pumps: Require thrust bearings for axial load

Need help selecting bearings for your specific pump model or operating conditions? I can provide recommendations based on:

• Pump size (frame number)

• Operating speed (RPM)

• Fluid characteristics

• Load conditions

The above content is compiled and published by Zhilong Drum Pump supplier, please specify, to buy oil drum pump, electric drum pump, high viscosity electric drum pump, fuel drum pump, food grade drum pump and so on, please contact us.