End support for shafts of large-capacity reactors providing extended trouble-free operation

Abstract

Experience with large-capacity reactors equipped with stirring devices has shown that, when working with abrasive media, the supports of the shafts of the mixing devices break down most frequently due to wear of the journal bearings caused by the abrasive particles. A project was therefore carried out with the objective of designing an end support for shafts of the stirring devices of large-capacity reactors that would provide extended trouble-free operation. The result of the work was a new design of the support for vertical shafts with a journal diameter of up to 180 mm and angular velocities up to 300 rpm. A protecting journal bearing is incorporated in the support, with longitudinal cylindrical inserts made of a Teflon composite. Tests were performed on the plant scale, and a method used to calculate the intensity of wear of the bearings. This procedure can be used to determine the intensity of wear of bearings at the design stage. The new support has a service life exceeding that of any previous bearing, and may be used in smaller reactors in an abrasive working medium.