| Abstract: | The investigations reported in this paper concern the effect of the use of a degraded lubricant on bearing life. A diagnosis of the premature failure of the hydrodynamic journal bearings of a synchronous condenser has been carried out. The surface of the failed bearings has been examined and the cause of the failure investigated. A theoretical analysis has also been undertaken to calculate the number of cycles that take place before failure occurs. The number of cycles thus established matched that of the cycles/duration of operation before the premature failure of the bearings. The process leading to the premature failure and the role of the degraded lubricant have been identified. Remedial measures have been successfully implemented to reuse the existing bearings. Measures have been suggested to avoid repeated failures. The theoretical analysis has the potential to ascertain the shaft voltage once the severity of the physical damage on the liner surface of the bearing and the duration of its operation have been established. |
