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Fluid thrust bearings contain a number of sector-shaped pads, arranged in a circle around the shaft, and which are free to pivot. These create wedge-shaped regions of oil inside the bearing between the pads and a rotating disk, which support the applied thrust and eliminate metal-on-metal contact.

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If you need help navigating this process to find the right seal for your project, talk to a seal expert at Wyatt Seal. We’ve spent 50 years building relationships with seal manufacturers worldwide to offer you access to thousands of seals, gaskets, O-rings, and other specialty items for any application.

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Thrust bearings are commonly used in automotive, marine,[3] and aerospace applications. They are also used in the main and tail rotor blade grips of RC (radio controlled) helicopters.

To help you in your search, we have compiled some key factors to consider regarding temperature and its role in the seal selection process.

While temperature is a critical factor, other elements such as media, application type (static or dynamic), and pressure also play a significant role in O-ring selection. These factors interact with temperature, influencing the selection of the right sealing solution.

Today thrust bearings continue to play an essential role in rotating equipment like expanders, pumps, and gas or steam turbines or compressors. In addition to the traditional babbitt bearings which were used since the early 20th century, new materials for the thrust pads have come into use. For example Bronze and Copper-Chromium are commonly used to improve the bearings performance. [8]

One kind of thrust bearing in an automobile is the clutch "throw out" bearing, sometimes called the clutch release bearing.[4][clarification needed][5][6]

Although temperature is important, it's not the only thing to consider. To get the best performance and longest lifespan from a seal, it's important to look at all of the relevant factors. By taking a comprehensive approach, you can find the right sealing solution for your needs.

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Selecting the right sealing solution is a complex process that requires a holistic understanding of the application conditions and all its factors.

Pressure. The pressure conditions can also affect a seal's performance. High pressure can cause extrusion or deformation, while vacuum conditions can lead to gas permeation. Make sure you choose a seal that can handle the pressure conditions you need for your application.

Temperature range refers to the spectrum of temperatures at which an O-ring can effectively function. This range is largely dependent on the materials from which O-rings are manufactured.

Kingsbury and Michell's invention was notably applied to the thrust block in ships. The small size (one-tenth the size of old bearing designs), low friction and long life of Kingsbury and Michell's invention made possible the development of more powerful engines and propellers. They were used extensively in ships built during World War I, and have become the standard bearing used on turbine shafts in ships and power plants worldwide. (See also Michell/Kingsbury tilting-pad fluid bearings)

High temperatureO-ring material

For more extreme temperatures, fluorocarbon, also known as Viton® O-rings, could be a better choice for you as they can withstand temperatures up to 400ºF.

Thrust bearings are used in cars because the forward gears in modern car gearboxes use helical gears which, while aiding in smoothness and noise reduction, cause axial forces that need to be dealt with.

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Application type. A static application, where the seal sits in a groove and doesn't move, has different requirements than a dynamic application, where the seal is in motion. By considering the application, you can anticipate wear and tear and eliminate more material options.

As an engineer, you understand the importance of selecting the right seal for your specific application. However, the selection process can be challenging with so many options and factors to consider.

A thrust bearing is a particular type of rotary bearing. Like other bearings they permanently rotate between parts, but they are designed to support a predominantly axial load.[1]

After helping engineers find the right sealing solution for over 50 years, we recommend following these steps to make your selection process faster and easier, starting with temperature.

Viton O-rings

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For example, nitrile O-rings, a commonly used material known as NBR or buna-N, have a general-purpose temperature range of -31ºF to 248ºF. Until you know the specifics of the media and your actual temperature range, nitrile is your baseline.

Media. The fluid or gas (or media) that the seal will interact with can affect its performance at a given temperature. Different materials have different levels of compatibility with each media. When you understand the media in your application, you can narrow down your material choices rather quickly.

One way to simplify this process is to consider the temperature range first. Making this your first step can help you narrow down the options and guide you toward an O-ring that will perform best for your application.

Thrust bearings were independently invented by Australian engineer George Michell (pronounced Mitchell) who patented his invention in 1905.

Other materials, like Teflon (PTFE) and silicone, are also common, depending on the needs of your application. Each material is designed for a specific function, so starting with the temperature range helps you narrow down your options and make selecting the right seal easier.

Temperature plays a significant role in the performance and longevity of O-rings. It directly affects the elasticity and sealing performance of the material because every material is designed to function within a specific temperature range based on its unique chemical composition. Exceeding this range can lead to material degradation and seal failure.

Fluid-film thrust bearings were invented by Albert Kingsbury, who discovered the principle in the course of bearing and lubrication investigations commencing in 1888 while a student. His first experimental bearing was tested in 1904. He filed for a patent in 1907, and it was granted in 1910.[7] The first Kingsbury bearing in hydroelectric service, one of its major applications, was installed at the Holtwood Generating Station in 1912. It remains in full use today.