Hydro Tech Inc has successfully commissioned the first operational reversible PTFE thrust bearing in North America at Ontario Power Generation's Sir Adam Beck Pump Storage Generating Station.
For several years, the thrust bearing at the project had not been achieving full hydraulic thrust due to recurrent failures. OPG contracted Hydro Tech to design and supply an improved two segment split runner plate and new PTFE bearing pads, as well as other design upgrades and a study of the oil film wedge across the bearing.
The upgrade allows the bearing to operate at full load with a properly designed safety factor. Hydro Tech predicts the bearing life to be in excess of 25 years.
