Thrust & Journal Bearing System (CH)
Self-contained bearing solutions engineered for reliability and simplicity.
Key Applications for Thrust/Journal System
Kingsbury’s CH Thrust and Journal Bearing System is a fully self-contained, hydrodynamic bearing solution designed for large industrial pumps and other rotating machinery. By combining an equalized thrust bearing and a precision journal bearing within a single housing, the CH System delivers dependable performance without the need for an external lubrication skid or auxiliary oil system. The result is a compact, cost-effective, and low-maintenance design that simplifies engineering and installation while maintaining the reliability of a Kingsbury Bearing.
The CH System operates as its own lubrication circuit. The non-drive-end (NDE) unit features a flange-mounted housing that contains both the thrust and journal bearings, while the drive-end (DE) unit carries only the journal bearing. The NDE unit functions as a viscosity pump, using shaft rotation to circulate oil continuously through the system, ensuring consistent lubrication and stable film formation during operation.
Performance Highlights
The CH System combines performance, simplicity, and reliability in one integrated unit:
- Completely self-lubricating: Eliminates the need for an external oil system, rundown tank, or accumulator.
- Autonomous operation: The rotating collar and internal oil circulator ensure consistent lubrication as soon as the machine starts.
- Reduced installation and maintenance costs: Simplified design lowers engineering time, space requirements, and total system cost.
- Flexible cooling options: Operates with air, fresh water, or seawater cooling, offering adaptability across installation environments.
- Proven dependability: Designed and tested under rigorous field conditions to ensure consistent performance across varying loads and temperatures.
Why Choose Kingsbury?
For more than a century, Kingsbury has been synonymous with hydrodynamic bearing innovation. The CH Thrust and Journal Bearing System reflects that same commitment to reliability, performance, and lifecycle value.
- Proven engineering heritage: Designed by the pioneers of fluid film bearing technology.
- Field-proven reliability: Operating in critical industrial pump systems worldwide.
- Low total cost of ownership: Simplified design reduces auxiliary systems, maintenance, and downtime.
- Complete support: Engineering consultation, system integration, and diagnostic services available from Kingsbury’s global service team.
- Customization and testing: Each unit can be tailored, instrumented, and tested to meet the exact specifications of your rotating equipment.
Thrust/Journal System (CH)
OPTIONS AND INSTRUMENTATION
Basic Model
Standard CH and C units are available with a half or full flange, flat or spigot mount, and either labyrinth or Inpro® end seals. Provisions can be included for temperature detectors, axial and radial vibration probes, and lifting bolts.
Each housing configuration supports three standard shaft diameters. These can be adapted to accommodate special customer requirements when needed. Refer to the drawings on pages 12 and 13 for all standardized options.
Instrumentation
Instrumentation taps can be provided for temperature sensing, vibration monitoring, and phase reference monitoring. Refer to the photo callouts for tap locations and available options.
Kingsbury can also supply instrumentation upon request.
Industries and Systems Served
CH and C bearing systems are used in large pumps, API‑compliant process machinery, and other critical rotating equipment where high thrust loads, continuous operation, and self‑contained lubrication are required.
Applications
Kingsbury’s CH and C Thrust and Journal Bearing System is designed for rotating equipment that demands high reliability without the complexity of an external lube oil skid. The CH unit integrates thrust and journal bearings and uses shaft rotation to circulate oil through the system. As long as the shaft is turning, the system lubricates itself.
Large Industrial and Process Pumps
CH systems are well suited for large pumps where thrust and radial loads must be handled in a compact package. By simplifying auxiliary equipment, they help reduce installation effort and overall system cost. Typical uses include general industrial process pumps and high-performance pump installations.
Power Generation Pumps
Cooling water and circulating pumps in power plants are a natural fit when operators want dependable lubrication without relying on additional power or motor-driven oil pumps.
Petrochemical and Refinery Pumping Systems
The CH system is designed for demanding service where reliability is critical and minimizing peripheral equipment is valuable. It is commonly specified for petrochemical and refinery pumping applications where proven, self-contained solutions are preferred.
Seawater Lift and Intake Pumps (Marine and Offshore)
CH systems can be applied to seawater lift and intake pumps in marine and offshore environments. These applications benefit from continuous-duty capability and a compact design suited to installations with limited space, utilities, or maintenance access.
Remote Installations with Limited Utilities
Because the CH unit does not require an external lubrication skid or separate electric pumps to circulate oil, it is a practical option for remote installations where electrical supply or cooling-water infrastructure is limited.
Integrated Thrust and Journal Support with a Remote Journal Bearing
In addition to the integral journal bearing within the CH unit, the system can supply pressurized oil to a separately mounted C unit journal bearing. This supports machine trains where a remote journal bearing is required elsewhere in the system.
