H Y D R O - T U R B I N E B E A R I N G S

Customer Focused To Support

Your Immediate and Future needs

TBIH 03/03 4000 BC

ISO 9001:2000CGSBRegistration #93649

Supply and Service: Geared to providequick response to customer needs,Thordon Bearings understands theimportance of quick delivery and reduceddown time. Thordon hydro-turbine bearingsystems can be designed, produced to theexact requirements of the customer andshipped quickly.

Distribution: With Thordon bearingsspecified all around the world, an extensivedistribution network has been establishedin over 70 countries. Inventories of commonbearing sizes are stocked by local ThordonDistributors and are backed up by largeregional and head office Thordon stocks.

Application Engineering: ThordonBearing’s engineers work closely withcustomers to provide innovative bearingsystem designs that meet or exceed thetechnical requirements of the application.

Manufacturing: Thordon’s modern polymerprocessing facility is staffed withexperienced and dedicated employees.Bearings up to 2.2 m (86") in diameter havebeen supplied and bearings up to 1.5 m (60")O.D. have been machined in-house.

Quality: Thordon Bearings Inc. is a Canadiancompany manufacturing to ISO 9001:2000Quality System requirements. With over 30years experience in elastomeric bearingdesign, application engineering andmanufacturing, Thordon hydro-turbinebearings are recognized worldwide for bothquality and performance.

Research and Development: Thordonbearings are being continuously tested byour Bearing Test Facility. The Facilityevaluates new designs and applicationsbefore they are put into service. Ongoingtesting not only allows for design

refinements, but ensures quality andperformance after installation. Our polymerlaboratory evaluates new and modifiedpolymers in a continuing quest to improveThordon bearing performance and search fornew polymer bearing solutions.

PRINTED IN CANADA

Your local Thordon Distributor

3225 Mainway, Burlington, Ontario L7M 1A6 Canada

Tel: (905) 335-1440 Fax: (905) 335-4033

E-mail info@thordonbearings.com

www.thordonbearings.com

PIONEERS IN ADVANCEDOIL AND GREASE FREE

HYDRO-TURBINE BEARINGSWith over 25 years experience supplying main shaft guide, pump, wicket gate

and operating mechanism bearings to the hydro power industry, Thordon is theproven choice for performance and value in both rehabilitation and new turbine

projects. Superior technical support and customer service provides customers withbearing solutions that meet, or exceed, their specifications. Depending on the

application, the optimum bearing may be selected from among several Thordongrades and configurations.

Continuing polymer research and development by Thordon resulted in theintroduction several years ago of HPSXL TRAXL, a high pressure elastomer productpolymerized in a metal housing. This configuration is recommended as the optimumchoice for higher pressure bearing applications such as wicket gate and operatinglinkage bearings in hydro-turbines. Other Thordon grades such as full form HPSXL,SXL or GM2401 - where higher levels of abrasives are encountered - are recommendedoptions for main shaft guide, pump and other lower pressure bearing applications.High performance Thorseals are tough, self-lubricating, polymer seals specified forsealing wicket gate and operating mechanism bearings, butterfly valves, Kaplanrunner blade stems and general hydraulic and pneumatic applications includingservo-motor pistons and rams.

Today, with installations ranging from micro-turbines to units with main shaftsup to 3.7 m (94”) diameter, Thordon is a recognized leader in the design,

manufacture, supply and installation of bearing solutions for the hydro-turbine industry. All Thordon bearing systems are designed and

manufactured to ISO 9001:2000 Quality System requirements.

In 1995, the largest hydro-turbine manufacturer in Russia - LMZ, afterexhaustive testing of a number of bearing materials, entered into a

joint venture agreement with Thordon International Inc. A jointventure company, Interplast, was formed to produce and supply

Thordon bearings to LMZ for the Russian and former SovietUnion markets.

For hydro power producers and turbine manufacturerswho demand the best in performance, value and

service; environmentally-friendly Thordonhydro-turbine bearing systems offer

the proven solution.

Thordon Bearings is recognized as a pioneer

in high performance, yet environmentally

friendly, innovative bearing system designs.

Thordon provides reliable, cost effective

bearing solutions to the hydro power, marine,

offshore and pump industries. Originally

developed in 1967 as a high performance

pump bearing, Thordon is an elastomeric

polymer alloy offering excellent wear life and

low operating friction, while providing a

dependable, long-lasting, environmentally-

friendly alternative to grease and oil-

lubricated bearings.

PIONEERS IN ADVANCEDOIL AND GREASE FREE

HYDRO-TURBINE BEARINGSWith over 25 years experience supplying main shaft guide, pump, wicket gate

and operating mechanism bearings to the hydro power industry, Thordon is theproven choice for performance and value in both rehabilitation and new turbine

projects. Superior technical support and customer service provides customers withbearing solutions that meet, or exceed, their specifications. Depending on the

application, the optimum bearing may be selected from among several Thordongrades and configurations.

Continuing polymer research and development by Thordon resulted in theintroduction several years ago of HPSXL TRAXL, a high pressure elastomer productpolymerized in a metal housing. This configuration is recommended as the optimumchoice for higher pressure bearing applications such as wicket gate and operatinglinkage bearings in hydro-turbines. Other Thordon grades such as full form HPSXL,SXL or GM2401 - where higher levels of abrasives are encountered - are recommendedoptions for main shaft guide, pump and other lower pressure bearing applications.High performance Thorseals are tough, self-lubricating, polymer seals specified forsealing wicket gate and operating mechanism bearings, butterfly valves, Kaplanrunner blade stems and general hydraulic and pneumatic applications includingservo-motor pistons and rams.

Today, with installations ranging from micro-turbines to units with main shaftsup to 3.7 m (94”) diameter, Thordon is a recognized leader in the design,

manufacture, supply and installation of bearing solutions for the hydro-turbine industry. All Thordon bearing systems are designed and

manufactured to ISO 9001:2000 Quality System requirements.

In 1995, the largest hydro-turbine manufacturer in Russia - LMZ, afterexhaustive testing of a number of bearing materials, entered into a

joint venture agreement with Thordon International Inc. A jointventure company, Interplast, was formed to produce and supply

Thordon bearings to LMZ for the Russian and former SovietUnion markets.

For hydro power producers and turbine manufacturerswho demand the best in performance, value and

service; environmentally-friendly Thordonhydro-turbine bearing systems offer

the proven solution.

Thordon Bearings is recognized as a pioneer

in high performance, yet environmentally

friendly, innovative bearing system designs.

Thordon provides reliable, cost effective

bearing solutions to the hydro power, marine,

offshore and pump industries. Originally

developed in 1967 as a high performance

pump bearing, Thordon is an elastomeric

polymer alloy offering excellent wear life and

low operating friction, while providing a

dependable, long-lasting, environmentally-

friendly alternative to grease and oil-

lubricated bearings.

Turbine Main Shaft

Guide Bearings

Thordon Bearings recommends twobearing grades for use in water-lubricated turbine main guidebearings. Thordon SXL offers thelowest coefficient of friction,superior adhesive wearperformance and good resistanceto wear resulting from thirdparticle abrasion. ThordonGM2401 is specially formulatedto provide optimal wearresistance in abrasive-laden waterconditions, routinely outwearingrubber bearings by a factor of twoor more, yet, still exhibiting asignificantly lower coefficient offriction compared to rubber.

Thordon bearings can be specifiedas an upgrade for rubber or othernon-metallic bearings in existingwater-lubricated bearing systemsor as a complete conversion from

sealed oil or grease lubricated systemsto pollution-free water lubrication.Although elastomeric in nature,Thordon bearings, particularly SXL, aresignificantly stiffer than rubber. A highdegree of resilience, however, is still

maintained and running clearancessimilar to rubber are possible. Thordonmain shaft guide bearings are usuallysupplied factory-bonded into splitbearing housings, or on largerbearings, on to multiple guide blocks.

If required, bearings can besupplied in stave configurationas well.

A reference list of main shaftguide bearing installationsranging up to the giant 3.7 metre(94”) shaft diameter bearingunits installed in theKranoyarskaya hydro power plantin Russia is available fromThordon Bearings.

Choose water-lubricated ThordonSXL or GM2401 turbine mainshaft guide bearings for reliable,long wearing, environmentally-friendly main guide bearingsystem solutions for your hydro-turbines.

Recommended Thordon Solutions

for Hydro-turbine Applications

Wicket Gate and

Operating Linkage

Bearings

Thordon HPSXL TRAXL bearings arerecommended for use in wicket gate andlinkage bearing system applications.HPSXL, an enhanced elastomer productintroduced by Thordon several yearsago, offers even better friction and wearperformance operating either wet or drythan SXL TRAXL. HPSXL TRAXL achieveda top level overall rating in thePowertech simulation test for wicketgate and operating linkage bearings.

Homogenous Thordon HPSXLincorporates friction and wear reducingadditives throughout its entiremolecular structure ensuring consistentperformance in limited motionapplications. The cost, maintenance and

pollution risks associated with greasedbearings are eliminated. Stiffer than SXLbut still elastomeric in nature, HPSXLperforms well under edge loadingconditions created by minormisalignment or wicket gate deflection.HPSXL deflects slightly, effectivelyspreading the load, reducing the unitpressure and eliminating the potentialfor galling on the edge.

Easily machined, Thordon HPSXL TRAXLbearings can be sized prior toinstallation, or easily line bored afterinstallation, to correct misalignment and dimensional inconsistenciesencountered during turbinerehabilitation. Bearings are oftensupplied with overbuild to facilitatefinish machining on site. Manufacturedin Canada, Thordon bearings can besupplied quickly to meet tightrehabilitation project schedules.

Thordon HPSXL TRAXL is the provenchoice for long wearing, low frictionwicket gate and operating mechanismbearings.

Operating Ring Wear Pads

Offering smooth, grease-free operationand high abrasion resistance, Thordon

SXL is recommendedfor vertical andhorizontal operatingring wear pads.Usually suppliedmolded to size completewith stainless steel inserts formechanical fastening, SXL wearpads can also be bonded in positionusing a Thordon adhesive.

Servo-Motor and

Servo-Link Bearings

Thordon HPSXL TRAXL bearings arerecommended for the servo-motor andservo-link positions. ElastomericHPSXL is able to accommodate theminor misalignment that often occursat these bearing locations and greaselubrication is eliminated.

4 5

Turbine Main Shaft

Guide Bearings

Thordon Bearings recommends twobearing grades for use in water-lubricated turbine main guidebearings. Thordon SXL offers thelowest coefficient of friction,superior adhesive wearperformance and good resistanceto wear resulting from thirdparticle abrasion. ThordonGM2401 is specially formulatedto provide optimal wearresistance in abrasive-laden waterconditions, routinely outwearingrubber bearings by a factor of twoor more, yet, still exhibiting asignificantly lower coefficient offriction compared to rubber.

Thordon bearings can be specifiedas an upgrade for rubber or othernon-metallic bearings in existingwater-lubricated bearing systemsor as a complete conversion from

sealed oil or grease lubricated systemsto pollution-free water lubrication.Although elastomeric in nature,Thordon bearings, particularly SXL, aresignificantly stiffer than rubber. A highdegree of resilience, however, is still

maintained and running clearancessimilar to rubber are possible. Thordonmain shaft guide bearings are usuallysupplied factory-bonded into splitbearing housings, or on largerbearings, on to multiple guide blocks.

If required, bearings can besupplied in stave configurationas well.

A reference list of main shaftguide bearing installationsranging up to the giant 3.7 metre(94”) shaft diameter bearingunits installed in theKranoyarskaya hydro power plantin Russia is available fromThordon Bearings.

Choose water-lubricated ThordonSXL or GM2401 turbine mainshaft guide bearings for reliable,long wearing, environmentally-friendly main guide bearingsystem solutions for your hydro-turbines.

Recommended Thordon Solutions

for Hydro-turbine Applications

Wicket Gate and

Operating Linkage

Bearings

Thordon HPSXL TRAXL bearings arerecommended for use in wicket gate andlinkage bearing system applications.HPSXL, an enhanced elastomer productintroduced by Thordon several yearsago, offers even better friction and wearperformance operating either wet or drythan SXL TRAXL. HPSXL TRAXL achieveda top level overall rating in thePowertech simulation test for wicketgate and operating linkage bearings.

Homogenous Thordon HPSXLincorporates friction and wear reducingadditives throughout its entiremolecular structure ensuring consistentperformance in limited motionapplications. The cost, maintenance and

pollution risks associated with greasedbearings are eliminated. Stiffer than SXLbut still elastomeric in nature, HPSXLperforms well under edge loadingconditions created by minormisalignment or wicket gate deflection.HPSXL deflects slightly, effectivelyspreading the load, reducing the unitpressure and eliminating the potentialfor galling on the edge.

Easily machined, Thordon HPSXL TRAXLbearings can be sized prior toinstallation, or easily line bored afterinstallation, to correct misalignment and dimensional inconsistenciesencountered during turbinerehabilitation. Bearings are oftensupplied with overbuild to facilitatefinish machining on site. Manufacturedin Canada, Thordon bearings can besupplied quickly to meet tightrehabilitation project schedules.

Thordon HPSXL TRAXL is the provenchoice for long wearing, low frictionwicket gate and operating mechanismbearings.

Operating Ring Wear Pads

Offering smooth, grease-free operationand high abrasion resistance, Thordon

SXL is recommendedfor vertical andhorizontal operatingring wear pads.Usually suppliedmolded to size completewith stainless steel inserts formechanical fastening, SXL wearpads can also be bonded in positionusing a Thordon adhesive.

Servo-Motor and

Servo-Link Bearings

Thordon HPSXL TRAXL bearings arerecommended for the servo-motor andservo-link positions. ElastomericHPSXL is able to accommodate theminor misalignment that often occursat these bearing locations and greaselubrication is eliminated.

4 5

Typical Francis Turbine Applications Typical Kaplan Turbine Applications

ThorsealHydraulicSeal andThorwipers

SXL Water LubricatedMain Shaft GuideBearing

HPSXL TRAXLLinkage Bearingsand Thrust Washers

HPSXL TRAXLUpper Wicket GateBearing withThrust Flange

HPSXL TRAXLMiddle WicketGate Bearing

Kaplan TurbineRunner BladeStem Seals

HPSXL TRAXLServomotor Bearingand Thrust Washers

SXL OperatingRing Wear Pad

HPSXL TRAXLLower Wicket GateBearing with Thorseal

GM2401 SegmentedMain Shaft GuideBearing

SXL Segmented Shaft Seals

Thorseal Thorpak

76

Typical Francis Turbine Applications Typical Kaplan Turbine Applications

ThorsealHydraulicSeal andThorwipers

SXL Water LubricatedMain Shaft GuideBearing

HPSXL TRAXLLinkage Bearingsand Thrust Washers

HPSXL TRAXLUpper Wicket GateBearing withThrust Flange

HPSXL TRAXLMiddle WicketGate Bearing

Kaplan TurbineRunner BladeStem Seals

HPSXL TRAXLServomotor Bearingand Thrust Washers

SXL OperatingRing Wear Pad

HPSXL TRAXLLower Wicket GateBearing with Thorseal

GM2401 SegmentedMain Shaft GuideBearing

SXL Segmented Shaft Seals

Thorseal Thorpak

76

Wicket Gate and

Operating Mechanism

Seals

To prevent contamination of hard-to-reach wicket gate bearings by abrasiveladen waters, or operating mechanismbearings by corrosion residue orother contaminants, seals arerecommended. High quality Thorseallip seals are formulated from a tough,high strength polymer impregnatedwith internal lubricants and aresupplied as an integral part of thebearing design.

Hydraulic/Pneumatic

Seals

In servo-motor and otherhydraulic/pneumatic applications, highperformance, tough Thorseal self-lubricating polymer lip seals offerpositive sealing up to 100 MPa (15,000psi). Thorseals provide long wear lifewith no need for periodic adjustments;resist tearing and extrusion; and as aresult of their internal lubricants,operate with less drag and reducedcylinder wear. Available as a single ringU-cup (Thorseal), rod wiper

(Thorwiper), piston cup withreinforcing centre disc (Thorcup) andnested V-ring chevron configuration(Thorpak), Thorseals are not onlyavailable in a wide range of standardsizes, but can also be quickly machinedto custom size requirements up to 1.5m (60”) in diameter.

Kaplan Turbine Runner

Blade Stem Seals

Taking advantage of the tough, longwearing Thorseal polymer lip seals, anenhanced sealing design has beendeveloped for Kaplan runner bladehubs. Essentially, two specially

designed Thorseal single ring U-cupseals are locked together to functionas a monolithic double acting seal andfitted back to back in the blade shaftstuffing box. The outer seal lipprevents ingress of water into the huband the inner seal lip stops oil from

leaking out of the hub into theenvironment. The Thorseal design iseasy to install, resists distortionduring blade positioning and themodified lip design allows for positivesealing under significantly more bladedroop than packing. Shaft wear isreduced due to the friction and wearreducing additives in the polymer andthe seals can be supplied split for easy in-situ replacement.

Segmented Shaft Seals

Tough, abrasion resistant Thordon SXLsegmented shaft seals provideextended wear life and reduced lifecycle costs compared to carbongraphite-based seals. Thordon shaftseals are supplied molded to size.

Wicket Gate

Thrust Bearings

Thordon HPSXL gate thrust collarbearings eliminate the greasingsystem required with conventionaldesigns. Elastomeric HPSXL’s inherentresilience and low coefficient of

friction ensures smooth gateoperation with no stick slip. Thordontypically incorporates the thrustbearing into the upper head coverbearing by polymerizing HPSXL onto aflange on the bearing, but separatethrust bearings can also be supplied.

Butterfly Valve Seals

and Trunnion Bearings

Highly abrasive resistant, tough andcompliant, Thorseal butterfly valveseals offer extended wear life and areresistant to damage resulting fromdebris becoming lodged in the valveduring operation. Thordon HPSXLTRAXL valve trunnion bearings operate

smoothly and easily, without greaselubrication, as a result of HPSXL’s lowcoefficient of friction.

Screen Bearings and

Wear Pads

Resilient, and highly resistant toabrasion, Thordon SXL is an obviouschoice for the shaft bearings and wear

pads used in travelling and stationaryscreens. Non-corroding Thordonbearings offer extended wear life andeliminate the maintenance, cost andpollution risk associated with greaselubrication. In some of the higherpressure locations, such as the uppershaft of travelling screens, HPSXL maybe recommended due to its higherpressure capabilities.

Pump Bearings

Non-polluting Thordon water-lubricated pump bearings offer dry-start capabilities, long wear life, lowfriction and superior resistance toabrasive wear. Available in threegrades, Thordon pump bearings can beselected to optimize specificperformance requirements. FromThordon Composite for highly abrasionresistant bottom bowl bearings,to Thordon SXL for dry-startupper bearings, Thordonpump bearingsoften outperformrubber bearingsby a factor oftwo or morein abrasive

conditions. Not limited to a range ofstandard production sizes or by shelflife, Thordon pump bearings facilitatequick turn-around and reducedmaintenance inventories. Costly sleeveor shaft replacement can often beavoided by machining a pre-groovedThordon tube to the exact non-standard dimensions required.Thordon bearings are the proven choicefor value and performance in water-lubricated pump bearing applications.A separate brochure fully outlining theperformance benefits and applicationof Thordon pump bearings is available.

Control Gate Bearings

Supplied in ball and socket, or bushingand pad configurations for all types ofcontrol gate applications, ThordonHPSXL bearings, with their lowcoefficient of friction, operate smoothly

and easily without grease lubrication.Abrasion resistant and resilient,Thordon bearings provide long wearlife and are not damaged by the impactloading resulting from frequent controlgate operation.

8 9

Wicket Gate and

Operating Mechanism

Seals

To prevent contamination of hard-to-reach wicket gate bearings by abrasiveladen waters, or operating mechanismbearings by corrosion residue orother contaminants, seals arerecommended. High quality Thorseallip seals are formulated from a tough,high strength polymer impregnatedwith internal lubricants and aresupplied as an integral part of thebearing design.

Hydraulic/Pneumatic

Seals

In servo-motor and otherhydraulic/pneumatic applications, highperformance, tough Thorseal self-lubricating polymer lip seals offerpositive sealing up to 100 MPa (15,000psi). Thorseals provide long wear lifewith no need for periodic adjustments;resist tearing and extrusion; and as aresult of their internal lubricants,operate with less drag and reducedcylinder wear. Available as a single ringU-cup (Thorseal), rod wiper

(Thorwiper), piston cup withreinforcing centre disc (Thorcup) andnested V-ring chevron configuration(Thorpak), Thorseals are not onlyavailable in a wide range of standardsizes, but can also be quickly machinedto custom size requirements up to 1.5m (60”) in diameter.

Kaplan Turbine Runner

Blade Stem Seals

Taking advantage of the tough, longwearing Thorseal polymer lip seals, anenhanced sealing design has beendeveloped for Kaplan runner bladehubs. Essentially, two specially

designed Thorseal single ring U-cupseals are locked together to functionas a monolithic double acting seal andfitted back to back in the blade shaftstuffing box. The outer seal lipprevents ingress of water into the huband the inner seal lip stops oil from

leaking out of the hub into theenvironment. The Thorseal design iseasy to install, resists distortionduring blade positioning and themodified lip design allows for positivesealing under significantly more bladedroop than packing. Shaft wear isreduced due to the friction and wearreducing additives in the polymer andthe seals can be supplied split for easy in-situ replacement.

Segmented Shaft Seals

Tough, abrasion resistant Thordon SXLsegmented shaft seals provideextended wear life and reduced lifecycle costs compared to carbongraphite-based seals. Thordon shaftseals are supplied molded to size.

Wicket Gate

Thrust Bearings

Thordon HPSXL gate thrust collarbearings eliminate the greasingsystem required with conventionaldesigns. Elastomeric HPSXL’s inherentresilience and low coefficient of

friction ensures smooth gateoperation with no stick slip. Thordontypically incorporates the thrustbearing into the upper head coverbearing by polymerizing HPSXL onto aflange on the bearing, but separatethrust bearings can also be supplied.

Butterfly Valve Seals

and Trunnion Bearings

Highly abrasive resistant, tough andcompliant, Thorseal butterfly valveseals offer extended wear life and areresistant to damage resulting fromdebris becoming lodged in the valveduring operation. Thordon HPSXLTRAXL valve trunnion bearings operate

smoothly and easily, without greaselubrication, as a result of HPSXL’s lowcoefficient of friction.

Screen Bearings and

Wear Pads

Resilient, and highly resistant toabrasion, Thordon SXL is an obviouschoice for the shaft bearings and wear

pads used in travelling and stationaryscreens. Non-corroding Thordonbearings offer extended wear life andeliminate the maintenance, cost andpollution risk associated with greaselubrication. In some of the higherpressure locations, such as the uppershaft of travelling screens, HPSXL maybe recommended due to its higherpressure capabilities.

Pump Bearings

Non-polluting Thordon water-lubricated pump bearings offer dry-start capabilities, long wear life, lowfriction and superior resistance toabrasive wear. Available in threegrades, Thordon pump bearings can beselected to optimize specificperformance requirements. FromThordon Composite for highly abrasionresistant bottom bowl bearings,to Thordon SXL for dry-startupper bearings, Thordonpump bearingsoften outperformrubber bearingsby a factor oftwo or morein abrasive

conditions. Not limited to a range ofstandard production sizes or by shelflife, Thordon pump bearings facilitatequick turn-around and reducedmaintenance inventories. Costly sleeveor shaft replacement can often beavoided by machining a pre-groovedThordon tube to the exact non-standard dimensions required.Thordon bearings are the proven choicefor value and performance in water-lubricated pump bearing applications.A separate brochure fully outlining theperformance benefits and applicationof Thordon pump bearings is available.

Control Gate Bearings

Supplied in ball and socket, or bushingand pad configurations for all types ofcontrol gate applications, ThordonHPSXL bearings, with their lowcoefficient of friction, operate smoothly

and easily without grease lubrication.Abrasion resistant and resilient,Thordon bearings provide long wearlife and are not damaged by the impactloading resulting from frequent controlgate operation.

8 9

Accommodates Edge

Loading

Elastomeric Thordon bearings performwell under edge loading conditionscreated by minor misalignment orcomponent deflection. Thordondeflects slightly, effectively spreadingthe load, reducing the unit pressureand eliminating the potential forgalling on the loaded edge.

High Resilience/Impact

Resistance

Elastomeric Thordon bearings exhibit aModulus of Resilience over 20 timesgreater than bronze, and several timesgreater than other common non-metallic bearings. As a result, Thordonbearings can absorb impact loadsencountered during operation to amuch greater degree than bronze orother non-metallic bearings. Tensilestrength, although one of the keyindicators in defining a material’sphysical properties, is of lessimportance in selecting an optimumradial bearing.

References

With over 25 years experiencesupplying main shaft guide, pump,wicket gate and operating mechanismbearings to the global hydro-turbineindustry, environmentally-friendlyThordon is the proven choice forperformance and value in bothrehabilitation and new turbine projects.

Extensive reference lists by applicationare available from Thordon Bearings.

Wet or Dry Operation

Thordon bearings perform welloperating either dry, or immersed inwater. Lubrication is not required forThordon bearings operating dry.

Hardened Journals

Not Required

Hard journals are required for hardbearings. With Thordon bearings,standard 304 or 316 grade unhardenedstainless steel journals or pinsmachined to 0.8 µM (32 µinches) orbetter surface roughness are adequate.

Polymer Lip Seals

High quality Thorseal lip seals arerecommended for sealing HPSXL TRAXLbearings in applications where thirdparticle abrasives are encountered,Kaplan runner blade stem seals andservo-motor and other conventionalhydraulic/pneumatic seal applications.Formulated from a tough, high strengthpolymer with internal lubricants,Thorseals provide effective sealing, lowfriction and long life.

Long Wear Life

References from over 25 yearsexperience supplying main guide,pump, wicket gate, operatingmechanism and a variety of bearingsfor other hydro-turbine applicationshave proven that Thordon bearingsprovide long wear life, oftensignificantly longer than the bearingsthey replace.

In the standardized US Army Corps ofEngineers tests simulating over 15years of normal turbine operationconducted by Powertech Labs, ThordonHPSXL TRAXL operating dry showedvirtually zero wear. Bearing journalwear was also very low.

Low Friction

Thordon bearings exhibit very lowcoefficients of friction. The in-usecoefficient of friction of HPSXLoperating dry or wet is typically in arange from 0.06 to 0.12 while SXLranges from 0.08 to 0.15. Moreimportantly, the difference between thestatic and dynamic coefficients offriction is low, ensuring that “stick-slip”will not be a problem. A low bearing

coefficient of friction is essential for thesmooth and reliable operation ofhydro-turbine and related power plantoperating mechanisms.

High Abrasion Resistance

Superior wear life, when operating inthird party abrasives, is a consequenceof Thordon’s elastomeric nature.Thordon tends to deflect, and thenreject, abrasive particles allowing themto pass through the bearings. Typically,other non-metallic bearings tend todeform plastically, allowing theabrasive particles to bed into thebearing surface, creating a permanentabrasive against the shaft.

Sizing Flexibility –

Easily Machined

Thordon bearings are typicallysupplied finish machined to thecustomer’s specifications, however,due to dimensional uncertainties, theycan also be supplied with ID and ODoverbuild and easily machined on siteto the exact sizes required.Dimensional inconsistencies, or issueswith misalignment, that can causeproblems for standard-sized bearings,

are easily resolved by supplyingThordon bearings in a semi-finishedform and machining on site. Optimumalignment and clearances for“problem” turbines are easily ensured.

A free machining elastomer, Thordoncontains no asbestos or otherhazardous materials, machines cleanlyand does not produce nuisance dustduring machining.

Pollution Free

Thordon polymer bearings arespecially formulated with friction andwear reducing additives to providesmooth operation and long wear lifewithout the use of grease or otherlubricants. Any risk of pollution iseliminated. The lubricant additives aredispersed evenly through thehomogeneous polymer structure. Thisensures the lubricant is alwaysavailable at the bearing surface tomaintain a lubricant transfer film asthe bearing wears. Some bearingdesigns, such as metallic bearingswith lubricant plugs, installed in aturbine application may notexperience sufficient shaft rotation tofully disperse the lubricants andgalling or binding may result.

Thordon Bearings Offer These

Proven Operator Benefits

The Modulus of Resilience of a material is thearea under the elastic portion of thestress/strain curve. This graph illustrates whya high tensile strength material has a muchlower resilience (R1), than a lower tensilestrength material with higher resilience (R2).

Higher Tensile Strength

R1

R2

Lower Tensile Strength

STRAIN

RESILIENCE COMPARISONS

TRES

S

Thordon SXL 3,500 24.1 88,000 608.0 306.0 2.11

Bronze C93200 20,000 138.0 14.5 x 106 100 x 103 13.8 0.10

MATERIAL Yield Stress Modulus of Modulus of Elasticity Resilience

psi MPa psi MPa psi MPa

IMPACT RESISTANCE COMPARISON

Greased operating mechanism beforeinstallation of Thordon TRAXL bearings.

Operating mechanism after installationof Thordon TRAXL bearings.

Thordon GM2401 segmented main shaftguide bearings for 2390mm (94”) shaftat Kranoyarskaya Power Plant, Russia.

10 11

Accommodates Edge

Loading

Elastomeric Thordon bearings performwell under edge loading conditionscreated by minor misalignment orcomponent deflection. Thordondeflects slightly, effectively spreadingthe load, reducing the unit pressureand eliminating the potential forgalling on the loaded edge.

High Resilience/Impact

Resistance

Elastomeric Thordon bearings exhibit aModulus of Resilience over 20 timesgreater than bronze, and several timesgreater than other common non-metallic bearings. As a result, Thordonbearings can absorb impact loadsencountered during operation to amuch greater degree than bronze orother non-metallic bearings. Tensilestrength, although one of the keyindicators in defining a material’sphysical properties, is of lessimportance in selecting an optimumradial bearing.

References

With over 25 years experiencesupplying main shaft guide, pump,wicket gate and operating mechanismbearings to the global hydro-turbineindustry, environmentally-friendlyThordon is the proven choice forperformance and value in bothrehabilitation and new turbine projects.

Extensive reference lists by applicationare available from Thordon Bearings.

Wet or Dry Operation

Thordon bearings perform welloperating either dry, or immersed inwater. Lubrication is not required forThordon bearings operating dry.

Hardened Journals

Not Required

Hard journals are required for hardbearings. With Thordon bearings,standard 304 or 316 grade unhardenedstainless steel journals or pinsmachined to 0.8 µM (32 µinches) orbetter surface roughness are adequate.

Polymer Lip Seals

High quality Thorseal lip seals arerecommended for sealing HPSXL TRAXLbearings in applications where thirdparticle abrasives are encountered,Kaplan runner blade stem seals andservo-motor and other conventionalhydraulic/pneumatic seal applications.Formulated from a tough, high strengthpolymer with internal lubricants,Thorseals provide effective sealing, lowfriction and long life.

Long Wear Life

References from over 25 yearsexperience supplying main guide,pump, wicket gate, operatingmechanism and a variety of bearingsfor other hydro-turbine applicationshave proven that Thordon bearingsprovide long wear life, oftensignificantly longer than the bearingsthey replace.

In the standardized US Army Corps ofEngineers tests simulating over 15years of normal turbine operationconducted by Powertech Labs, ThordonHPSXL TRAXL operating dry showedvirtually zero wear. Bearing journalwear was also very low.

Low Friction

Thordon bearings exhibit very lowcoefficients of friction. The in-usecoefficient of friction of HPSXLoperating dry or wet is typically in arange from 0.06 to 0.12 while SXLranges from 0.08 to 0.15. Moreimportantly, the difference between thestatic and dynamic coefficients offriction is low, ensuring that “stick-slip”will not be a problem. A low bearing

coefficient of friction is essential for thesmooth and reliable operation ofhydro-turbine and related power plantoperating mechanisms.

High Abrasion Resistance

Superior wear life, when operating inthird party abrasives, is a consequenceof Thordon’s elastomeric nature.Thordon tends to deflect, and thenreject, abrasive particles allowing themto pass through the bearings. Typically,other non-metallic bearings tend todeform plastically, allowing theabrasive particles to bed into thebearing surface, creating a permanentabrasive against the shaft.

Sizing Flexibility –

Easily Machined

Thordon bearings are typicallysupplied finish machined to thecustomer’s specifications, however,due to dimensional uncertainties, theycan also be supplied with ID and ODoverbuild and easily machined on siteto the exact sizes required.Dimensional inconsistencies, or issueswith misalignment, that can causeproblems for standard-sized bearings,

are easily resolved by supplyingThordon bearings in a semi-finishedform and machining on site. Optimumalignment and clearances for“problem” turbines are easily ensured.

A free machining elastomer, Thordoncontains no asbestos or otherhazardous materials, machines cleanlyand does not produce nuisance dustduring machining.

Pollution Free

Thordon polymer bearings arespecially formulated with friction andwear reducing additives to providesmooth operation and long wear lifewithout the use of grease or otherlubricants. Any risk of pollution iseliminated. The lubricant additives aredispersed evenly through thehomogeneous polymer structure. Thisensures the lubricant is alwaysavailable at the bearing surface tomaintain a lubricant transfer film asthe bearing wears. Some bearingdesigns, such as metallic bearingswith lubricant plugs, installed in aturbine application may notexperience sufficient shaft rotation tofully disperse the lubricants andgalling or binding may result.

Thordon Bearings Offer These

Proven Operator Benefits

The Modulus of Resilience of a material is thearea under the elastic portion of thestress/strain curve. This graph illustrates whya high tensile strength material has a muchlower resilience (R1), than a lower tensilestrength material with higher resilience (R2).

Higher Tensile Strength

R1

R2

Lower Tensile Strength

STRAIN

RESILIENCE COMPARISON

STR

ESS

Thordon SXL 3,500 24.1 88,000 608.0 306.0 2.11

Bronze C93200 20,000 138.0 14.5 x 106 100 x 103 13.8 0.10

MATERIAL Yield Stress Modulus of Modulus of Elasticity Resilience

psi MPa psi MPa psi MPa

IMPACT RESISTANCE COMPARISON

Greased operating mechanism beforeinstallation of Thordon TRAXL bearings.

Operating mechanism after installationof Thordon TRAXL bearings.

Thordon GM2401 segmented main shaftguide bearings for 2390mm (94”) shaftat Kranoyarskaya Power Plant, Russia.

10 11

H Y D R O - T U R B I N E B E A R I N G S

Customer Focused To Support

Your Immediate and Future needs

TBIH 03/03 4000 BC

ISO 9001:2000CGSBRegistration #93649

Supply and Service: Geared to providequick response to customer needs,Thordon Bearings understands theimportance of quick delivery and reduceddown time. Thordon hydro-turbine bearingsystems can be designed, produced to theexact requirements of the customer andshipped quickly.

Distribution: With Thordon bearingsspecified all around the world, an extensivedistribution network has been establishedin over 70 countries. Inventories of commonbearing sizes are stocked by local ThordonDistributors and are backed up by largeregional and head office Thordon stocks.

Application Engineering: ThordonBearing’s engineers work closely withcustomers to provide innovative bearingsystem designs that meet or exceed thetechnical requirements of the application.

Manufacturing: Thordon’s modern polymerprocessing facility is staffed withexperienced and dedicated employees.Bearings up to 2.2 m (86") in diameter havebeen supplied and bearings up to 1.5 m (60")O.D. have been machined in-house.

Quality: Thordon Bearings Inc. is a Canadiancompany manufacturing to ISO 9001:2000Quality System requirements. With over 30years experience in elastomeric bearingdesign, application engineering andmanufacturing, Thordon hydro-turbinebearings are recognized worldwide for bothquality and performance.

Research and Development: Thordonbearings are being continuously tested byour Bearing Test Facility. The Facilityevaluates new designs and applicationsbefore they are put into service. Ongoingtesting not only allows for design

refinements, but ensures quality andperformance after installation. Our polymerlaboratory evaluates new and modifiedpolymers in a continuing quest to improveThordon bearing performance and search fornew polymer bearing solutions.

PRINTED IN CANADA

Your local Thordon Distributor

3225 Mainway, Burlington, Ontario L7M 1A6 Canada

Tel: (905) 335-1440 Fax: (905) 335-4033

E-mail info@thordonbearings.com

www.thordonbearings.com