Leading the Way in Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings
Since Dr. Albert Kingsbury’s 1912 invention, Kingsbury has led the development of tilting pad thrust bearings, with designs continually evolving through patented innovations that improve thrust bearing performance and reliability.
Kingsbury Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings
Kingsbury Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings are designed to support axial loads with stability and control across a wide range of rotating equipment. Within this family, two design choices drive most selection decisions: how the load is shared across the pads and how the bearing is lubricated. Understanding equalizing versus non-equalizing alignment, along with flooded versus directed lubrication, helps define performance, capacity, and operating limits for each application.
Lubrication Options: Directed vs. Flooded
Directed Lubrication
Directed lubrication delivers cool, undiluted oil directly into the hydrodynamic oil film, providing improved thermal control and increased thrust capacity.
Originally developed by Kingsbury, the leading‑edge groove design introduces inlet oil at the point of film formation. Bearing shoes and the base ring are constructed so that fresh oil flows from the leading‑edge groove directly into the oil film wedge. This cool oil insulates the babbitt surface from hot oil carryover that adheres to the rotating collar, reducing operating temperatures and protecting the bearing under high load and high speed conditions.
Directed lubrication is commonly selected where heat removal, load capacity, and performance margin are key design drivers.
Flooded Lubrication
Flooded lubrication bathes the bearing in oil and is typically used in lower speed, lower thrust applications such as hydro turbines, pumps, compressors, and electric motors. This approach is simple and compatible with many lubrication systems and oil types.
Capacity in flooded designs is limited by oil churn within the bearing housing. Churning increases friction and restricts allowable pressure, speed, and thrust compared to directed lubrication designs.
Alignment Options: Equalizing and Non-Equalizing
Equalizing Designs
Equalizing tilting pad thrust bearings actively distribute thrust load across all pads, resulting in higher load capacity and more stable operating temperatures.
When thrust is applied, each pad transfers load through an upper leveling plate. This action causes adjacent lower leveling plates to tilt slightly, adjusting the position of neighboring pads. The process occurs across the entire bearing, allowing load to balance dynamically as operating conditions change.
Equalizing tilting pad thrust bearings actively distribute thrust load across all pads, resulting in higher load capacity and more stable operating temperatures.
When thrust is applied, each pad transfers load through an upper leveling plate. This action causes adjacent lower leveling plates to tilt slightly, adjusting the position of neighboring pads. The process occurs across the entire bearing, allowing load to balance dynamically as operating conditions change.
Equalizing designs tolerate misalignment well. Although shifts in pivot contact can reduce leverage and introduce some pad load variation, the maximum pad temperature remains within a safe range for continuous operation in properly selected designs.
When to choose Equalizing Bearings:
When to choose Equalizing Bearings:
When thrust loads are high, alignment varies, or added operating margin is required.
Non-Equalizing Designs
Non‑equalizing tilting pad thrust bearings do not redistribute load between pads. Each pad carries load independently based on its position and alignment.
Non‑equalizing tilting pad thrust bearings do not redistribute load between pads. Each pad carries load independently based on its position and alignment.
These designs are suited for lower thrust duties where alignment conditions are well controlled and operating margins are clearly defined. Kingsbury non‑equalizing designs such as the KingCole® and NE models have a long history of use, particularly in Europe, and remain appropriate solutions for applications that do not require the added capacity of equalization.
When to choose Non-Equalizing Bearings:
When to choose Non-Equalizing Bearings:
When thrust loads are lower and alignment conditions are stable and predictable.
Equalizing Thrust Bearing Models
In an equalizing tilting pad thrust bearing, applied thrust load is distributed evenly across the pads, significantly increasing load capacity and thermal stability compared to non‑equalizing designs. Load is transmitted through a system of upper and lower leveling plates. When thrust is applied to a pad, the upper leveling plate transfers that load to adjacent lower leveling plates, causing them to tilt slightly and redistribute load to neighboring pads. This dynamic interaction occurs across all pads and continuously equalizes the thrust load.
While physical limitations such as shifts in pivot contact and loss of leverage can introduce pad load differentials under misalignment, these effects depend on bearing geometry, contact radii, and the number of pads. Even under a high degree of misalignment, the hottest pad in an equalized bearing remains within a safe temperature range for continuous operation.
Equalizing thrust bearings are typically selected for higher load applications where operating margin, temperature control, and long service life are critical.
Leading Edge Groove (LEG) Direct Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Kingsbury’s LEG® Thrust Bearings use less oil and run cooler than older designs, helping machines last longer and perform better. They’re built for turbines, compressors, pumps, motors and marine systems where reliability matters. With efficient lubrication and industry recognized durability, LEG Bearings offer real savings and strong performance backed by over 100 years of engineering experience.
SlimLine Direct Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Kingsbury’s LEG SlimLine Thrust Bearing combines the efficiency of Leading Edge Groove lubrication with a compact, equalizing design. It runs cooler, uses less oil, and fits into tight spaces where older bearings can’t. Each pad shares the load evenly, improving alignment and reliability. The SlimLine Thrust Bearing boosts performance while simplifying installation and maintenance.
EQH Flooded Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Kingsbury’s EQH Thrust Bearings use a self-renewing oil film to carry axial loads with minimal wear. Each pad adjusts to share the load evenly, thanks to leveling plates and spherical pivots. Designed for steady performance and long life, EQH Bearings absorb shock, dampen vibration, and work reliably across turbines, motors, pumps, and marine systems.
G-MD European Direct Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Kingsbury’s G-MD Thrust Bearing is a modular, flexible solution built in Germany to handle a wide range of applications. It supports uni- or bi-directional rotation, flooded or directed lubrication, and equalized or non-equalized designs. With pad counts from six and higher and interchangeable parts, it’s easy to customize and maintain. G-MD Bearings deliver reliable performance and fast turnaround.
Advanced Materials Flooded Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Kingsbury Advanced Material Thrust Bearings are designed for applications where traditional babbitted surfaces are not suitable due to extreme loading, process fluids, water lubrication, or chemically aggressive environments. By applying engineered polymer pad materials to proven thrust bearing designs, Kingsbury supports stable hydrodynamic operation in unique operating conditions.
Non-Equalizing Thrust Bearing Models
Non‑equalizing tilting pad thrust bearings provide a simpler solution for lower load applications where active load redistribution is not required. These designs are well established in certain regions, particularly in Europe, and remain a proven option where operating conditions are well controlled.
Kingsbury offers non‑equalizing designs such as the KingCole and NE models to support these applications.
KingCole Direct Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
The KingCole Thrust Bearing blends Kingsbury’s LEG lubrication with a European-style non-equalizing design. It runs cooler, uses less oil, and fits easily into existing setups. Each pad pivots freely for better alignment and temperature control. Built for tough applications and retrofits, KingCole offers reliable performance and easy installation.
NE Non-Equalizing Flooded Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Kingsbury’s Non-Equalizing (NE) Thrust Bearings are built for compact spaces and lighter loads, making them ideal for pumps and horizontal motors. They match the dimensions of European M-style Bearings and use standardized pad configurations, allowing quick replacements during breakdowns. With a large inventory and drop-in compatibility, NE bearings offer a practical solution for low to moderate speed, low thrust load applications.
Read MoreVK Vertical Flooded Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Kingsbury’s VK Thrust Bearings are designed to replace older spring plate bearings in hydro turbines, offering higher thrust load capacity and reduced vibration. They fit into existing spaces while delivering a more robust, low-maintenance design. With durable materials and optional features like insulation and temperature monitoring, VK Thrust Bearings ensure long-term reliability and smoother operation in demanding hydroelectric environments.
G-MD European Flooded Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Kingsbury’s G-MD Thrust Bearing is a modular, flexible solution built in Germany to handle a wide range of applications. It supports uni- or bi-directional rotation, flooded or directed lubrication, and equalized or non-equalized designs. With pad counts from six and higher and interchangeable parts, it’s easy to customize and maintain. G-MD Bearings deliver reliable performance and fast turnaround.
Advanced Materials Flooded Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Kingsbury Advanced Material Thrust Bearings are designed for applications where traditional babbitted surfaces are not suitable due to extreme loading, process fluids, water lubrication, or chemically aggressive environments. By applying engineered polymer pad materials to proven thrust bearing designs, Kingsbury supports stable hydrodynamic operation in unique operating conditions.