Kingsbury's CH Bearing System consists of a NDE unit featuring a flange-mounted housing with an equalized thrust bearing and a journal bearing shell, and a DE unit without a thrust bearing. The CH System is unique because it is completely self-contained, thereby eliminating the need for an external lube skid, emergency pump, accumulator, rundown tank or other special arrangements for oil lubrication.

Since no separate lubrication system is required, the cost savings are significant. Lubrication of the bearings is autonomous, as the NDE unit acts as a viscosity pump driven by shaft rotation. The system's oil circulator, working in tandem with the rotating collar, draws oil up from the sump as soon as the pump is switched on and therefore assures lubrication whenever the machine is in operation.

The self-contained CH System is economical for industrial pump applications because it:

• Eliminates the need for an external lube skid
• Does not require a backup lube system
• Simplifies engineering and maintenance
• Uses air, fresh water or sea water for cooling

New air-cooled option available for remote installations
The CH system traditionally employs a shell-and-tube heat exchanger using cold water provided by a pumping station. A new model has recently been developed incorporating an air-cooled heat exchanger to eliminate dependence of the cooling system on a reliable water supply in remote locations. This is especially critical for applications where there is additional difficulty in maintenance of the units due to reduced crew access.

Close-up of air cooler on test rig | CH test rig with air cooler

This illustrates the CH System test rig using a fan operated oil cooler. In an actual installation, the pump would be mounted between the CH (drive end) unit and the C (non-drive end) unit.

Photo copyright Sulzer Ltda., Jundiai, Brazil.

The Kingsbury CH System is integrated, reliable and cost efficient, making it ideal for installation on larger pumps.

Options and Instrumentation

Basic Model
Standard CH and C units are supplied with the option of a half or full flange, a flat or spigot mount, labyrinth end seals or bearing isolators, as well as provisions for temperature detectors, axial and radial vibration probes, and lifting bolts. Each housing configuration allows for three standard shaft diameters that can be adapted to accommodate special customer requirements if necessary. Please refer to the drawings on pages 12 to 13 for all standardized options.

Instrumentation
Instrumentation taps are provided for temperature sensing, vibration monitoring, and phase reference monitoring. Please see the callouts indicated on the photos for tap options and locations. Kingsbury can also provide instrumentation, if requested.

Air Cooled Model
The air-cooled model incorporates a shaft-drive fan to cool the bearing for use in areas without a pumped water supply.