Over the years, TriStar has supplied numerous components for downhole vertical pumps, including for one of the largest global producers. These centrifugal or reciprocating pumps are most often installed deep within wells and come in a variety of styles and sizes, each with their own performance requirements. Here are a few examples of how we support this critical industry.
Material Choices are Dependent on the Application
Traditionally, the turbine shaft bushings are bronze or white metal with channels for flushing or continuous pumping action on the inside (ID) of the bushing. Our Ultracomp® product is one we often supply for these applications. This non-metallic, self-lubricating solution eliminates the need for channels, as it generates its own lubrication when there's a loss of the hydrodynamic fluid layer.
One use case that we have solved is for recirculating pumps used at power generation facilities. Although these pumps typically operate with fresh water, contamination levels can vary from silt to small rocks, making material selection critical and highly specific to the individual application.
For pumps operating in extremely cold water with added chemicals, Fluoroloy® B—a PTFE blend from Saint-Gobain—is often our recommended material due to its broad temperature range and excellent fluid resistance. However, designing bearings for this material, especially in larger diameters (5-12"), requires careful consideration of fit and running clearances. Our extensive experience in this area allows us to assist customers with these design challenges.
Ultracomp® UC300A and UC300AX Are Our Go-To Materials ─ and Here’s Why
The most common solution is one of our Ultracomp UC300 series materials. If it's a clean, fresh, or saltwater application, UC300A is our go-to material as it does not absorb moisture, is thermally stable from cryogenic to 325°F, performs wet to accommodate dry start situations, and is very cost effective when sizes get above 5" ID.
The second most common material is UC300AX, which is a similar material but with better thermal properties and an added enhancement for dirty water applications. The enhancer allows for more resistance to abrasive debris without losing performance. Both UC300A and UC300AX are suitable for wet or dry environments and can accommodate bushing sizes ranging from 1/2" ID to 40" ID.
Our Engineering Experts Are Here to Help
The materials discussed here are just a few examples from our extensive suite of composite bearing solutions. If you have a vertical pump challenge, or for that matter, any submerged application with issues regarding corrosion, temperature, and/or chemical resistance, our engineering team is here to help you choose the right material for your needs.