The Design Aspects of Metal-Polymer Bushings in Compressor Applications

摘要

Traditional compressor bearings, such as rolling element, leaded-bronze or bi-metal bushings, are greatly affected by wear in marginally lubricated conditions at bearing locations in compressor applications. Metal-polymers offer a unique advantage because of their self-lubricious nature, making them a more reliable solution in those particular conditions. Additionally, they offer other advantages such as being lead-free, reducing noise levels, and lowering friction in comparison to other journal bearings. The range of assembly clearances compared to traditional bearings is one of the biggest obstacles when designing in metal-polymers because of the effect on efficiency. However, with adjustments to system design and/or sizing operations to control clearances, metal-polymers have been commercially utilized in compressor design. This paper focuses on the differences between metal-polymers and traditional compressor bearings in structure, system design, and performance.