When white metal is used for the thrust bearings of a hydroelectric generator, because of itscharacteristics wear and roughness are liable to occur on the sliding surfaces during startup andstopping of the unit. Moreover, it is difficult to design a thrust bearing of compact size and with ahigher oil-film pressure which could lower bearing loss. As one solution to overcome these problems,a high-pressure oil lifter is often used. However, this solution may increase maintenance work. In response to these circumstances and with the aim of achieving higher efficiency and ease ofmaintenance, we have developed a new thrust bearing material using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).The application of this material has been greatly expandi
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