Advanced Bearing Design and Analysis for Performance, Stability and Reliability
Engineering-led design and simulation of hydrodynamic bearings — predicting real-world performance, optimising operation and preventing failure in critical rotating equipment.
Oiltech provides advanced bearing design and analysis services to ensure reliable performance of turbines, compressors and rotating machinery.
Using a combination of engineering expertise and simulation tools, we evaluate bearing behaviour under real operating conditions — allowing performance to be predicted, optimised and validated before implementation.
Why Design & Analysis Matters
Hydrodynamic bearings operate on extremely thin oil films, often only tens of microns thick.
Small changes in load, speed, lubrication or geometry can significantly impact performance, stability and reliability.
Without proper analysis, issues such as overheating, instability or premature failure can occur.
When To Engage Oiltech
Design and analysis support is typically required when:
- A new bearing is required for a specific application
- Equipment is experiencing vibration or instability
- Existing bearings are underperforming
- Operating conditions have changed (load, speed, temperature)
- A failure has occurred and redesign is needed
Design & Analysis Capability
Bearing Design
Development of bearing solutions tailored to application requirements.
- Selection of bearing type (journal, tilt pad, thrust)
- Geometry and configuration design
- Consideration of load, speed and lubrication conditions
- Integration with existing equipment constraints
Performance Prediction & Stability Analysis
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used to simulate bearing performance under real operating conditions. This enables prediction of:
- Oil film pressure distribution
- Minimum oil film thickness
- Maximum operating temperature
- Power loss and efficiency
- Required oil flow
Bearing behaviour directly influences machine stability. We also analyse and optimise:
- Stiffness and damping coefficients
- Rotor dynamic interaction
- Stability margins for high-speed machinery
Providing confidence in performance and stability before manufacture.
Design Optimisation
Refinement of bearing performance to meet specific requirements:
Geometry adjustments to improve load distribution | Lubrication optimisation
Thermal performance improvement | Adaptation to challenging operating environments
Engineering Inputs & Outputs
Accurate analysis requires detailed understanding of operating conditions.
Typical Inputs
- Shaft diameter and rotational speed
- Applied loads and load direction
- Lubricant type and supply conditions
- Bearing geometry and configuration
Typical Outputs
- Oil film thickness and pressure
- Operating temperature predictions
- Power loss and efficiency
- Oil flow requirements
- Stiffness and damping characteristics
Design and analysis is fully integrated with manufacturing of new bearings, repair and upgrade of existing components, and re-engineering of obsolete or underperforming designs — ensuring that analysis translates into real-world results.
Case Study
A real-world example of engineering-led design solving a persistent bearing problem.
Howden Fan Bearing Upgrade
A Howden process fan operating above 200°C in a hydrogen environment was experiencing rolling element bearing failures every 6 months.
Oiltech carried out a full engineering assessment and designed a custom hydrodynamic bearing system — delivering improved reliability, reduced maintenance and a viable long-term solution where others had not succeeded.
Read Full Case StudyWho We Support
OEMs & Service Providers
- Design validation for new equipment
- Development of application-specific bearing solutions
- Integration with manufacturing programmes
Operators & Asset Owners
- Diagnosis of instability or performance issues
- Optimisation of existing equipment
- Redesign following failure or repeated issues
Why Oiltech
Engineering-Led Design
Deep expertise in hydrodynamic bearing behaviour and performance.
Advanced Analysis Tools
FEA-based modelling to predict real-world operation.
Application-Focused Solutions
Designs tailored to specific operating conditions.
Integrated Capability
From analysis and design to manufacturing and repair.
Need to Improve Bearing Performance or Validate a Design?
Speak to our engineering team to analyse your application and develop a reliable, optimised solution.