Evaluation of a High Speed, Light Load Phenomenon in Tilting-Pad Thrust Bearings
Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings - Equalizing & Non-Equalizing Designs
Since Dr. Albert Kingsbury’s 1912 invention, Kingsbury has led the development of tilting pad thrust bearings and fluid film thrust bearings for critical rotating equipment. Our patented innovations continue to improve thrust bearing performance, reliability, load capacity, and thermal management across a wide range of industrial applications.
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, including gas and steam turbines, compressors, pumps, electric motors, generators, and marine propulsion systems. 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 thrust bearing designs versus non-equalizing thrust bearing designs, along with flooded lubrication 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. Related product examples include the LEG Direct Lubrication Bearing and the SlimLine Direct Lubrication Bearing.
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. For a related flooded product example, link to the EQH Flooded Lubrication Bearing.
Alignment Options: Equalizing and Non-Equalizing
Equalizing Designs
Equalizing tilting pad thrust bearings actively distribute axial 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. Product links to consider here include the EQH Equalizing Hydrodynamic Bearing and the G-MD Modular Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing.
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.
These designs are suited for lower axial load duties where alignment conditions are well controlled and operating margins are clearly defined. Kingsbury non-equalizing designs such as the KingCole Thrust Bearing 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 thrust loads are lower and alignment conditions are stable and predictable.
To learn more about bearing performance incorporating different lubrication techniques, visit the following pages:
• Performance Comparison of Leading-Edge Groove and Other Types of Bearings
• Fluid Film Thrust Bearing Design Comparison Using Different Lubrication Techniques
Applications for Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings
Articles and Technical Papers
Technical articles and peer‑reviewed papers based on field experience, testing, and analysis, documenting bearing performance under actual operating conditions.
Equalizing Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings
Kingsbury Equalizing Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings distribute axial loads evenly across all pads using a system of leveling plates that equalize thrust loading, increasing load capacity, thermal stability, and bearing reliability. These fluid film thrust bearings help accommodate minor misalignment while maintaining stable hydrodynamic lubrication and operating temperatures.
Equalizing thrust bearings provide dependable performance and long service life in demanding industrial, marine, and power generation applications and are commonly used in steam and gas turbines, hydroelectric generators, compressors, pumps, electric motors, and other critical rotating equipment.
Featured equalizing thrust bearing designs include the LEG Direct Lubrication Bearing, SlimLine Direct Lubrication Bearing, EQH Flooded Lubrication Bearing, and G-MD Modular Style Bearing.
LEG® Direct Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings
Kingsbury's LEG® (Leading Edge Groove) Direct Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings are designed to improve thermal performance, reduce oil consumption, and increase thrust capacity in demanding rotating equipment. Originally developed by Kingsbury, the LEG design introduces cool, undiluted lubricant directly into the hydrodynamic oil film at the leading edge of each pad, reducing operating temperatures and minimizing hot oil carryover.
LEG thrust bearings are commonly used in steam turbines, gas turbines, compressors, pumps, electric motors, generators, and marine propulsion systems where reliability, efficiency, and long operating life are critical. By reducing lubricant requirements and improving heat removal, Kingsbury LEG Bearings help optimize performance while lowering operating costs.
Backed by more than a century of fluid film bearing innovation, LEG Bearings provide proven reliability for high-load, high-speed industrial and power generation applications.
LEG thrust bearings are commonly used in steam turbines, gas turbines, compressors, pumps, electric motors, generators, and marine propulsion systems where reliability, efficiency, and long operating life are critical. By reducing lubricant requirements and improving heat removal, Kingsbury LEG Bearings help optimize performance while lowering operating costs.
Backed by more than a century of fluid film bearing innovation, LEG Bearings provide proven reliability for high-load, high-speed industrial and power generation applications.
LEG® SlimLine Direct Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Kingsbury's LEG® SlimLine Direct Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing combines the thermal efficiency of Leading Edge Groove lubrication with a compact equalizing design. Engineered for demanding rotating equipment, the SlimLine Bearing reduces operating temperatures, lowers oil consumption, and delivers reliable axial load support in space-constrained installations.
The equalizing thrust bearing design distributes load evenly across the pads, improving alignment, increasing load capacity, and promoting stable operating temperatures. This compact fluid film thrust bearing is ideal for turbines, compressors, pumps, electric motors, generators, and other critical industrial equipment where reliability and performance are essential.
By combining direct lubrication technology with a reduced footprint, the LEG SlimLine Bearing simplifies installation and maintenance while providing the long service life expected from Kingsbury thrust bearings.
The equalizing thrust bearing design distributes load evenly across the pads, improving alignment, increasing load capacity, and promoting stable operating temperatures. This compact fluid film thrust bearing is ideal for turbines, compressors, pumps, electric motors, generators, and other critical industrial equipment where reliability and performance are essential.
By combining direct lubrication technology with a reduced footprint, the LEG SlimLine Bearing simplifies installation and maintenance while providing the long service life expected from Kingsbury thrust bearings.
EQH Equalizing Flooded Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Kingsbury's EQH Equalizing Flooded Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings use a self-renewing hydrodynamic oil film to support axial loads with minimal wear and exceptional reliability. The equalizing design combines leveling plates and spherical pivots to distribute load evenly across the pads, increasing load capacity and maintaining stable operating temperatures.
Engineered for demanding rotating equipment, EQH Bearings absorb shock, dampen vibration, and accommodate minor misalignment while providing long service life. These fluid film thrust bearings are widely used in steam turbines, hydro turbines, generators, pumps, electric motors, and marine propulsion systems where dependable performance is critical.
With proven flooded lubrication technology and Kingsbury's century-long bearing expertise, EQH Bearings deliver reliable operation across a broad range of industrial and power generation applications.
Engineered for demanding rotating equipment, EQH Bearings absorb shock, dampen vibration, and accommodate minor misalignment while providing long service life. These fluid film thrust bearings are widely used in steam turbines, hydro turbines, generators, pumps, electric motors, and marine propulsion systems where dependable performance is critical.
With proven flooded lubrication technology and Kingsbury's century-long bearing expertise, EQH Bearings deliver reliable operation across a broad range of industrial and power generation applications.
G-MD Modular Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
The Kingsbury G-MD Modular Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing is a highly flexible fluid film bearing platform designed to meet a wide range of rotating equipment requirements. Manufactured in Germany, the G-MD can be configured as a self-equalizing or non-equalizing bearing, with directed or flooded lubrication and offset or center pivot designs to match specific operating conditions.
Built around a modular architecture, G-MD Bearings use interchangeable components to simplify customization, maintenance, and spare parts management. The platform supports a wide range of bearing sizes, pad counts, and configuration options, allowing engineers to tailor performance for new equipment, retrofit projects, and demanding industrial applications.
Commonly applied in industrial gearboxes, gas turbines, compressors, pumps, and other critical rotating equipment, G-MD Bearings deliver reliable axial load support, stable hydrodynamic performance, and long service life across a broad range of operating environments.
Advanced Materials Flooded Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings
Kingsbury Advanced Material Flooded Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings are engineered for applications where traditional babbitted bearing surfaces are not suitable due to extreme loads, process fluids, water lubrication, or chemically aggressive operating environments. By combining specialized polymer pad materials with proven fluid film thrust bearing designs, these bearings provide reliable axial load support and stable hydrodynamic operation under challenging conditions.
Advanced material thrust bearings are well suited for water-lubricated systems, corrosive environments, hydroelectric equipment, marine applications, and industrial process machinery where conventional bearing materials may experience accelerated wear or chemical attack.
Backed by Kingsbury's expertise in tilting pad thrust bearing technology, these engineered material solutions deliver dependable performance, long service life, and application-specific flexibility for demanding operating environments.
Non-Equalizing Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing Models
Kingsbury Non-Equalizing Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings are a proven solution for lower axial load applications where active load redistribution is not required. These fluid film thrust bearings provide reliable hydrodynamic performance and long service life in rotating equipment operating under stable alignment conditions.
Our KingCole Direct Lubrication Bearing and NE Non-Equalizing Flooded Lubrication Bearing models deliver dependable performance backed by more than a century of bearing expertise and are widely used in pumps, compressors, electric motors, turbines, and other industrial machinery.
KingCole® Direct Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Kingsbury's KingCole® Direct Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing combines proven Leading Edge Groove (LEG®) lubrication technology with a European-style non-equalizing design. By delivering cool lubricant directly into the hydrodynamic oil film, the KingCole reduces operating temperatures, lowers oil consumption, and improves bearing efficiency.
Each pad pivots independently to accommodate alignment variations and maintain stable operating conditions. The compact design makes KingCole Bearings well suited for retrofit projects and installations where space constraints or existing equipment configurations must be accommodated.
Engineered for demanding rotating equipment, KingCole thrust bearings provide reliable axial load support for turbines, compressors, pumps, electric motors, and other industrial applications. The combination of direct lubrication and straightforward installation makes the KingCole a practical solution for long-term performance and maintenance efficiency.
NE Non-Equalizing Flooded Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Kingsbury’s NE Non-Equalizing Flooded Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings are designed for compact installations and lower axial load applications, making them well suited for pumps, horizontal electric motors, and other rotating equipment. These fluid film thrust bearings provide reliable hydrodynamic load support in applications where operating conditions are stable and active load equalization is not required.
NE Bearings are dimensionally interchangeable with European M-style bearings and utilize standardized pad configurations, enabling quick replacement during planned maintenance or unexpected equipment outages. Their drop-in compatibility helps minimize downtime while simplifying inventory management and maintenance planning.
Supported by Kingsbury’s extensive inventory and bearing expertise, NE Bearings offer a practical, cost-effective solution for low- to moderate-speed applications requiring dependable performance, long service life, and fast turnaround.
Read MoreVK Vertical Flooded Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Kingsbury's VK Vertical Flooded Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings are engineered for hydroelectric turbines and other vertical rotating equipment requiring reliable axial load support. Designed as a replacement for legacy spring plate bearings, the VK Bearing provides increased thrust load capacity, improved vibration control, and enhanced operating reliability.
The VK design fits within existing installation envelopes, making it an effective retrofit solution for hydropower modernization projects. Its robust fluid film bearing construction helps reduce maintenance requirements while supporting stable operation under varying load conditions.
Available with optional insulation, temperature monitoring, and other application-specific features, VK Thrust Bearings deliver long service life and dependable performance for hydroelectric generators and demanding power generation equipment worldwide.
G-MD Modular Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Kingsbury’s G-MD Modular Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing is a highly flexible fluid film bearing platform designed to meet a wide range of rotating equipment requirements. Manufactured in Germany, the G-MD can be configured as a self-equalizing or non-equalizing bearing, with directed or flooded lubrication and offset or center pivot designs to match specific operating conditions.
Built around a modular architecture, G-MD Bearings use interchangeable components to simplify customization, maintenance, and spare parts management. The platform supports a wide range of bearing sizes, pad counts, and configuration options, allowing engineers to tailor performance for new equipment, retrofit projects, and demanding industrial applications.
Commonly applied in industrial gearboxes, gas turbines, compressors, pumps, and other critical rotating equipment, G-MD Bearings deliver reliable axial load support, stable hydrodynamic performance, and long service life across a broad range of operating environments.
Advanced Materials Flooded Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing
Kingsbury Advanced Materials Flooded Lubrication Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings are engineered for applications where traditional babbitted bearing surfaces may not provide the required performance due to extreme loading, process fluids, water lubrication, or chemically aggressive operating environments.
By combining engineered polymer pad materials with proven fluid film thrust bearing technology, these bearings maintain stable hydrodynamic operation while helping resist wear, corrosion, and material degradation in challenging service conditions. Advanced material options can be tailored to specific application requirements where conventional bearing materials are not suitable.
Common applications include hydroelectric equipment, marine systems, water-lubricated machinery, chemical processing equipment, and other rotating equipment operating in demanding environments. These specialized thrust bearings deliver reliable axial load support while extending service life and improving operating reliability.