SERVICE-INDUCED DAMAGES OF THE CERAMIC THRUST BEARING PIVOT IN THE SEAL SECTION OF ELECTRICAL CENTRIFUGAL PUMP SYSTEM

摘要

The paper provides the results of studying the condition of the working pivot of thrust bearings made of reaction-sintered silicon carbide-based ceramics (SiSiC-ceramics) removed from the seal section of the electrical centrifugal pump system. The working surface of the pivot demonstrates numerous service-induced damages of different origin resulting from friction. Based on categorization of these damages, recommendations were made concerning the improvement of the ceramic thrust bearing design.