Bearing systems in a hydroelectric facility must be able to withstand high static loads for pro- longed periods while partially or completely submerged. The installation environment is frequently subjected to icing, silt, and erosion – factors encouraging corrosive and galvanic action. Often the bearing’s inaccessibility and association with massive pieces of equipment necessitate a product that will provide trouble-free operation throughout its service life. And, under all these conditions, the bearing must perform the function for which it was designed – providing free movement of extreme loads at moderate speeds.
Lubrite Technologies provides bearings for all of the gate applications encountered in hydroelectric plants. Other areas with similar problems that utilize bearings to permit relative motion between two components are: penstock supports, sheaves, linkages, dogging devices, floating mooring bits, valves, and lifting mechanisms.
Contact us to learn more about custom engineered bearings. Our experts are happy to discuss your needs in greater detail.