T H O R D O N B E A R I N G S I N C.

Hydro-Turbine
Applications
Product Manual

HT2009.2
 Table of Contents
A. Company Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

B. Thordon Hydro-Turbine Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

a) Product and Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
b) Thordon Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
c) Typical Bearing Abrasive Wear Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
d) General Material Selection Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
e) Typical Bearing Wear Rate vs. Abrasive Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
f) Design and Installation Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
g) Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
h) Thordon Bearing Sizing Calculation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

C. Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
a) Main Guide Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
b) Segmented Shaft Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
c) Wicket Gate and Operating Mechanism Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
d) Wicket Gate Thrust Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
e) Servo-Motor and Servo-Link Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
f) Operating Ring Wear Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
g) Pump Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
h) Control Gate Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
i) Butterfly Valve Trunnion Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
j) Screen Bearings and Wear Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
k) Butterfly Valve Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
l) Servo-Motor and Other Hydraulic/Pneumatic Sealing Applications .15
m) Seals for Wicket Gate, Operating Mechanism and Other Limited
Motion Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
n) Kaplan Runner Hub Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

D. Reference Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

E. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

F. Typical Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Note: The information contained in this document is offered as part of

our service to customers. Thordon Bearings reserves the right to revise
any information or specifications included in this document without prior
notice.
 COMPANY PROFILE

Thordon Bearings Inc., a member of the Thomson-Gordon Group of Burlington,

Ontario, Canada, designs and manufactures a complete range of high performance,
environmentally-friendly bearings and bearing systems. Recognized internationally for
superior performance, Thordon solutions and products are specified extensively in
marine, offshore, pump, hydro-turbine and other many other industrial applications in
over 70 countries throughout the world.

Utilizing proprietary polymers developed and manufactured by Thordon as the bearing

surface, Thordon bearing solutions deliver high reliability and long wear life, particularly
in tough, abrasive operating conditions. This high level of product performance results
in decreased life cycle costs and increased mean time between failures for Thordon's
customers. A team of experienced, in-house application design engineers provides
innovative bearing system designs to meet or exceed each customer's technical
requirements. Thordon products and services are available worldwide through local
distributors whose factory-trained specialists consult with customers from the
establishment of bearing system specifications to ensuring the product is correctly
installed and commissioned in the field.

Since the turn of the century, Thordon Bearings' parent company, the Thomson-Gordon
Group, a fourth generation family-owned business, has recognized the importance of
providing industry with superior products, precision manufacturing and solid application
engineering support. Thordon Bearings' own engineering and quality focus has earned
worldwide recognition from its many customers. Quality procedures are certified to ISO
9001:2000 Quality System requirements.

Thordon bearings, and bearing systems, are the proven, cost-effective,

environmentally-friendly, solution for rigorous and demanding journal bearing
applications.

1
 SECTION B

PRODUCT AND CONFIGURATIONS

Thordon has developed two types of polymer bearings and several grades that allow
selection of the optimal bearing for your unique application.

Elastomeric Bearings
Thordon Bearings introduced a proprietary, elastomeric, synthetic polymer alloy more
than 30 years ago originally for use as a sleeve bearing for vertical pump applications.
The unique polymer structure yields basic properties more in line with those you could
expect from a very high performance rubber if one existed. However, Thordon is
harder - yet elastomeric, tough and resilient in nature, self-lubricating with a much
lower coefficient of friction and able to accommodate much higher specific pressures
than rubber.

Thordon elastomeric bearing grades are not reinforced with layers of woven fabric,
rather, it is a fully homogenous product with all properties consistent throughout the
entire wall thickness of the bearing. Compared to other non-metallics such as phenolic
laminates, Thordon is somewhat softer and more compliant. As a result, under slight
misalignment conditions where edge loading is created, Thordon is able to deform
slightly, allowing the load to be distributed over a larger area. The localized pressure
on the bearing edge is significantly reduced. Due to its elastomeric nature, Thordon is
also able to withstand higher degrees of vibration and shock loading without incurring
permanent deformation or damage. Thordon offers three elastomeric grades and two
configurations

Continuous research over the years has resulted in development of four different
bearing-grade elastomer products - XL, SXL, HPSXL and GM2401. This allows
selection of an optimum solution based on matching product characteristics to the
specific application requirements.

ThorPlas® Thermoplastic Bearings

ThorPlas® is a new, proprietary, engineered thermoplastic bearing product recently
introduced by Thordon Bearings. While the Thordon range of high performance
elastomeric bearing products clearly offers superior performance in the applications in
which they can be specified, there are technical limits, such as maximum temperatures
and pressures beyond which they cannot be used.

To address this issue, Thordon Bearings has introduced ThorPlas®, which significantly
expands the range of applications where Thordon bearings can be specified, while still
maintaining many of the recognized Thordon performance advantages.

2
 PRODUCT AND CONFIGURATIONS (cont’d.)

When compared to the Thordon elastomer-based products, ThorPlas® offers:

• increased strength and rigidity allowing maximum dynamic working pressures

up to 31 MPa (4500 psi) in a full-form tubular configuration
• improved ability to operate at elevated temperatures up to 80°C (176°F) in water
• improved chemical resistance in all major chemical categories
• enhanced wear life in non-abrasive environments

In recent Powertech tests, ThorPlas® demonstrated exceptional wear

performance particularly in the dry tests. According to Powertech, there was
little evidence of stress on the bearing material and no indication of damage to
the journal surfaces.

THORDON GRADES

ThorPlas® (Blue)

• thermoplastic material developed by Thordon specifically as

a homogeneous high pressure bearing
• maximum dynamic working pressure to 31.0 MPa (4500 psi)
• very low wear in non-abrasive environments
• reasonable abrasion resistance - less than Thordon
elastomeric grades, but better than bronze, epoxy phenolics
and many other non-metallic bearing materials

Thordon SXL (Off White)

• maximum dynamic working pressure to 10.0 MPa (1450 psi)

in limited motion
• lower coefficient of friction (typically 0.10-0.20) than XL
• higher dry PV (Pressure Velocity) rating than XL
• higher resistance to abrasion than XL in wet applications;
good abrasion resistance operating dry
• dry start-up capability as a vertical pump bearing
• high resistance to shock loading and vibration

3
 THORDON GRADES (cont’d.)

Thordon HPSXL (Grey)

• designed for higher pressure applications, as the bearing

component in HPSXL TRAXL bearings (HPSXL bonded in
a metallic shell)
• maximum dynamic working pressure to 15.0 MPa (2175
psi) in limited motion
• HPSXL TRAXL has maximum dynamic working pressure
to 55.0 MPa (8000 psi) in limited motion
• lowest coefficient of friction (typically 0.06 - 0.12)
• moderately abrasion resistant (lower abrasion resistance
than XL or SXL)
• high resistance to shock loading and vibration

Thordon XL (Black)

• maximum dynamic working pressure to 5.5 MPa (800 psi)

in limited motion
• low coefficient of friction (typically 0.20-0.25)
• high resistance to abrasion in dry applications
• high resistance to shock loading and vibration

Thordon GM2401/Composite (Yellow Shell, Black Wear Surface is GM2401)

• bearing formulated specifically for use in very abrasive

environments
• used in rotating applications in abrasive water conditions
such as pump and dredge bearings
• outstanding abrasion resistance - two or more times that
of rubber
• significantly lower coefficient of friction than rubber
• higher resilience and stiffness than rubber

4
 THORDON GRADES (cont’d.)

Thorseal

• high performance elastomer hydraulic lip (cup) seal

• highly abrasion resistant - use as a seal to exclude
abrasives from limited motion bearings
• suitable for pressures from 0 to 100.0 MPa (0 - 15,000 psi)
• recommended for reciprocating linear or limited motion
rotary applications
• very tough - cut and tear resistant
• low friction - self-lubricating
• available in single lip or stacked ThorPak ("chevron"
style)

TYPICAL BEARING ABRASIVE WEAR RATES

5
 GENERAL MATERIAL SELECTION GUIDE FOR VARIOUS
APPLICATION PARAMETERS

Recommended Thordon Grades

Lubricati on /
Operating Pressure
Dry (sealed or minimal abrasives)
0-10 MPa (0-1450 psi) SXL ThorPlas
10-15 MPa (1450-2175 psi) HPSXL ThorPlas
15-31 MPa (2175-4500 psi) HPSXL TRAXL ThorPlas
31-55 MPa (4500-8000 psi) HPSXL TRAXL
Dry (abrasives present)
0-5.5 MPa (0-800 psi) XL SXL ThorPlas
5.5-10 MPa (800-1450 psi) SXL ThorPlas
10-15 MPa (1450-2175 psi) HPSXL ThorPlas
15-31 MPa (2175-4500 psi) ThorPlas
Wet (sealed or minimal abrasives)
0-10 MPa (0-1450 psi) SXL ThorPlas
10-15 MPa (1450-2175 psi) HPSXL ThorPlas
15-31 MPa (2175-4500 psi) HPSXL TRAXL ThorPlas
31-55 MPa (4500-8000 psi) HPSXL TRAXL
Wet (abrasives present)
0-3 MPa (0-500 psi) GM2401 SXL ThorPlas
3-10 MPa (500-1450 psi) SXL ThorPlas
10-15 MPa (1450-2175 psi) HPSXL ThorPlas
15-31 MPa (2175-4500 psi) ThorPlas

Note: The maximum pressures given for the various products are based on maximum dynamic
working pressures for intermittent, limited motion. For applications involving continuous
rotary motion, PV limits of the materials will significantly reduce the maximum
allowable pressures stated above.

This is a general guide for technical reference only. Critical applications that are close to
pressure or temperature limits, or subjected to non-standard environments should be
reviewed and approved by Thordon Engineering.

6
 MATERIAL SELECTION GUIDE FOR PUMP
BEARING APPLICATIONS
Thordon Grades
Thordon
Parameter Thordon XL Thordon SXL Composite ThorPlas
(GM2401)
Description Elastomeric Elastomeric Elastomeric Engineered
Polymer Alloy Polymer Alloy Polymer Alloy Thermoplastic
Temperature Limit 60°C (140°F) 60°C (140°F) 60°C (140°F) 80°C (176°F)
Suitable for Dry Start Up NO YES** NO YES**
Resistance to Acids Limited Limited Limited Fair to Good
Resistance to Alkalies Limited Limited Limited Fair to Good
Suitable for Hydrocarbons YES YES YES YES
Abrasion Resistance Good Better Best Acceptable
Shaft Sleeve Material Bronze, Bronze, Ni-Cr-B Bronze,
Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Recommended Stainless Steel
Lubrication Water, Seawater, Water, Seawater, Water, Seawater, Water, Most Fluids
Most Fluids (pH 5
5-10)
10) Most Fluids (pH 5
5-10)
10) Most Fluids (pH 5
5-10)
10) (pH 33-11)
11) except
Chlorinated Solvents
and Strong Acids
and Bases
Remarks Good balance Lowest friction; For use in highly Good choice for low
between abrasion Suitable for dry start- abrasive operating abrasion applications
resistance and low up; Good abrasion environments and for use at
friction resistance temperatures and in
chemical solutions
unsuitable for Thordon
elastomers

** For dry start up times longer than 30 seconds, please contact Thordon Engineering for grade selection
Note: For Nuclear use, Quality Control certificates including certified test reports can be supplied. Thordon Bearings Inc.
operates under the provision of 10 CFR21.

This is a general guide for technical reference only. Critical applications that are close to
pressure or temperature limits, or subjected to non-standard environments should be
reviewed and approved by Thordon Engineering.

7
 TYPICAL BEARING WEAR RATE
VS. WATER ABRASIVE CONTENT

XL
SXL
COMPOSITE
Increasing Wear RUBBER

Clean Water Abrasive Water

Increasing Abrasive Content

DESIGN AND INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Before choosing a Thordon grade for an application, the following criteria must be
considered:
• speeds (rpm) • process temperature (pumps)
• type of lubrication • pH levels (pumps)
• pressures • Thordon has produced a Bearing Sizing
• amount of abrasives • Calculation computer program to assist
• degree of impact loading designers in the calculations required to
• ambient temperatures (maximum/minimum) correctly size Thordon bearings
• special ambient conditions (e.g. intermittent (see sample output above)
exposure to high temperature steam cleaning) • Thordon engineers can help in designing
• media temperature (pumps) bearing solutions and drawings can be
provided

8
 TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Thordon Bearings recognizes the importance of superior products, precision manufacturing

and application engineering support. Thordon Bearings in-house engineers work closely
with customers to provide innovative bearing system designs that meet or exceed the
technical requirements of the application. Full engineering drawings are generated as
necessary. Thordon has many years of experience with numerous industrial applications in
virtually all industries and offers technical support during machining and installation.

Geared to provide quick response to customer needs, Thordon Bearings understands the
importance of quick delivery and reduced downtime. Standard size bearings are stocked at
the factory and by Thordon distributors around the world. Special sizes or designs can be
machined to the exact requirements of the customer and delivered quickly throughout the
world.

THORDON BEARING SIZING PROGRAM

The Thordon Bearing Sizing Calculation Program is provided to assist designers in the
calculations required to correctly size Thordon bearings. The program input parameters
include shaft RPM, interference or bond fit, type of lubrication, type of service, load on
bearing, etc. Output parameters include machined bearing sizes and tolerances,
amount of interference, bore closure amount, min. installed clearance, running
clearance, etc. An example of the Thordon Bearing Sizing Calculation Program output
is attached.

Designed to operate on a PC (personal computer), the software operates in the

Windows operating system. The program is in a color, menu-based format so that
entries can be made with a minimum of effort. Outputs can be printed and inputs can
be saved to a file. Contact Thordon or your distributor to obtain a copy of the program
or visit our website at http://www.thordonbearings.com.
9
SAMPLE OUTPUT

10
 APPLICATIONS

Application: Main Guide Bearings

Recommended Grades: SXL and GM2401

Thordon Bearings recommends two bearing

grades for use in water-lubricated turbine main
guide bearings. Thordon SXL offers the lowest
coefficient of friction, superior adhesive wear
performance and good resistance to wear
resulting from third particle abrasion. GM2401
is specially formulated to provide optimal wear
resistance in abrasive-laden water conditions,
routinely outwearing rubber bearings by a factor
of two or more, yet still exhibiting a significantly
lower coefficient of friction compared to rubber.

Thordon can be specified as an upgrade for

rubber or other non-metallic bearings in existing water-lubricated bearing systems or
as a complete conversion from sealed oil or grease lubricated systems to pollution-free
water lubrication. Although elastomeric in nature, Thordon bearings, particularily SXL
are stiffer than rubber and capable of supporting higher loading. A high degree of
resilience, however, is still maintained and running clearances similar to rubber are
possible.

Thordon main guide bearings are usually supplied factory-bonded into split bearing
housings, or on larger diameter shafts, onto multiple segment blocks. Thordon
bearings can also be supplied in stave configuration if required.

Application: Segmented Shaft Seals

Recommended Grade: SXL

Thordon SXL radial and axial segmented

shaft seals provide extended wear life
compared to carbon graphite-based seals,
particularily when abrasives are present.
There is absolutely no risk of damaging a
tough SXL seal during installation and overall
life cycle costs are significantly reduced.
Thordon segmented shaft seals are supplied
molded to size to suit the shaft diameter.

11
Application: Wicket Gate and Operating Mechanism Bearings
Recommended Grades: HPSXL, HPSXL TRAXL and ThorPlas®

Thordon HPSXL TRAXL, or on some smaller

machines HPSXL full form bearings are suitable
for the lower pressures encountered, are
recommended for use in wicket gate and linkage
bearing systems. HPSXL, an enhanced elastomer
product introduced by Thordon more than five
years ago, offers even better friction and wear
performance operating either wet or dry than SXL
TRAXL. HPSXL TRAXL achieved a top level
overall rating in the Powertech simulation tests for
wicket gate and operating linkage bearings.

Thordon ThorPlas® is also well suited for wicket

gate and linkage bearing applications. An
engineered thermoplastic, ThorPlas® can be
installed as a full-form product and does not
require a bronze shell that HPSXL requires to
meet the specific pressure requirements of this
application. Also successfully tested by
Powertech, ThorPlas® demonstrated very low
wear and acceptable friction levels. Where there
is a preference for a full form bearing, ThorPlas®
is the clear choice for performance and value.

Both HPSXL and ThorPlas® are easily machined and can be supplied either finished to
final sizes provided by the customer, or with overbuild to facilitate line boring after
installation to correct the misalignment and dimensional consistencies often
encountered during turbine rehabilitation.

Application: Wicket Gate Thrust Bearings

Recommended Grade: HPSXL

Thordon HPSXL gate thrust collar bearings eliminate the

need for grease required by conventional designs.
Elastomeric HPSXL's inherent resilience and low
coefficient of friction ensures smooth gate operation with
no stick slip. Thordon's designs typically incorporate the
thrust bearing into the upper head cover bearing by
polymerizing HPSXL onto a flange on the upper bearing,
however separate thrust bearings can also be supplied.

12
Application: Servo-Motor and Servo-Link Bearings
Recommended Grades: HPSXL TRAXL and ThorPlas®

HPSXL TRAXL bearings are recommended for the

servo-motor and servo-link bearing positions.
Elastomeric HPSXL is able to accommodate the minor
misalignment that often occurs at these bearing
locations and grease lubrication can be eliminated.

ThorPlas® is also a good bearing choice for these

bearing positions. Self-lubricating and capable of being
installed as a full form tube, ThorPlas® also performs well
under the edge loading that can occur due to minor
misalignment.

Application: Operating Ring Wear Pads

Recommended Grades: SXL and HPSXL

Thordon SXL and HPSXL vertical and horizontal operating

ring wear pads offer smooth, grease-free operation and
high abrasion resistance. Usually supplied molded to size
complete with stainless steel inserts for mechanical
fastening, Thordon wear pads can also be bonded in
position using a Thordon-approved adhesive.

Application: Pump Bearings

Recommended Grades: SXL, XL, GM2401 and ThorPlas®

Non-polluting Thordon water-lubricated pump bearings offer

dry-start capabilities, long wear life, low friction and superior
resistance to abrasive wear. Available in four grades, Thordon
pump bearings can be selected to optimize specific
performance requirements. From Thordon Composite for highly
abrasion resistant bottom bowl bearings to Thordon SXL for
dry-start upper bearings to ThorPlas® for higher temperature
applications, Thordon pump bearings outperform rubber
bearings by a factor of two or more in abrasive conditions. Not
limited by shelf life or a range of standard production sizes,
Thordon pump bearings facilitate quick turn-around and
reduced maintenance inventories. Costly sleeve or shaft
replacement can often be avoided by machining a pre-grooved
Thordon tube to the exact non-standard dimensions required.
A separate Pump Bearing Product Manual is available.
13
Application: Control Gate Bearings
Recommended Grade: HPSXL

Supplied in ball and socket, or bushing and pad

configurations to suit all types of control gate
applications, Thordon HPSXL bearings with their
low coefficient of friction operate smoothly and
easily without grease lubrication. Abrasion resistant
and resilient, Thordon bearings provide long wear
life and are not damaged by the impact loading
resulting from frequent operation.

Application: Butterfly Valve Trunnion Bearings

Recommended Grades: HPSXL TRAXL and ThorPlas®

Thordon HPSXL TRAXL valve trunnion

bearings operate smoothly and easily without
grease lubrication. ThorPlas® bearings also
operate well when specified in this application.

Application: Screen Bearings and Wear Pads

Recommended Grades: SXL, HPSXL and ThorPlas®

Resilient, and highly resistant to abrasion, Thordon

SXL is the obvious choice for the shaft bearings and
wear pads used in travelling and stationary screens.
Non-corroding Thordon bearings offer extended wear
life while eliminating the maintenance and pollution
concerns associated with grease lubrication. In some
designs and locations where pressures may exceed
the limit for SXL, HPSXL or, if necessary, ThorPlas®
are the recommended options due to their higher
pressure capabilities.

Application: Butterfly Valve Seals

Recommended Grade: Thorseal

Highly abrasive resistant, tough, and compliant,

Thorseal butterfly valve seals offer extended wear
life and are resistant to damage resulting from debris
becoming lodged in the valve during operation.

14
Application: Servo-Motor and Other Hydraulic/Pneumatic Sealing Applications
Recommended Grade: Thorseal

In servo-motor and other hydraulic/pneumatic sealing

applications, high performance, tough, Thorseal lip self-
lubricating polymer lip seals offer positive sealing up to 100
MPa (15,000 psi). Thorseals provide long wear life with no
need for periodic adjustments; resist tearing and extrusion;
and as a result of their internal lubricants, operate with less
drag and reduced cylinder wear. Thorseals are not only
available in a wide range of standard sizes but can also be
quickly machined to custom size requirements up to 1.5m
(60") in diameter.

Application: Seals for Wicket Gate, Operating Mechanism and other Limited
Motion Bearings
Recommended Grade: Thorseal

To prevent contamination of wicket gate, or other hard-to-

reach, bearings by abrasive laden waters; or operating
mechanism bearings by corrosion residue or other
contaminants, seals are recommended. High quality
Thorseal lip seals are formulated from a tough, high-
strength polymer impregnated with internal lubricants and
are supplied as an integral part of the bearing design.

Application: Kaplan Runner Hub Seals

Recommended Grade: Thorseal

Taking advantage of tough, long-wearing Thorseal

polymer lip seals, an enhanced sealing design has been
developed for Kaplan runner blade hubs. Essentially, two
specially designed Thorseal single ring U-cup seals are
locked together to function as a monolithic double-acting
seal and fitted back to back in the blade shaft stuffing
box. The outer seal lip prevents ingress of water into the
hub contaminating the lubricating oil and the inner seal
prevents oil from leaking out of the hub into the
environment. This design is easy to install, resists distortion during blade re-positioning
and the modified lip design insures positive sealing under conditions of significantly
more blade droop than conventional packing. Shaft wear is reduced due to the friction
and wear reducing additives in the polymer and the seals can be supplied split for easy
in-situ replacement.
15
REFERENCE STORIES

MORE POLYMER SHAFT SEALS ORDERED

BY CHINESE TURBINE INDUSTRY
Dongfang Electrical Machinery Co.,
Ltd (part of Dongfang Electric Corp.)
and Harbin Electric Machinery Co.,
Ltd. have recently placed additional
orders for Thordon SXL elastomeric
polymer segmented turbine shaft
seals bringing the total on order or
already installed in 2005, to six sets.
The shaft seals sold by Proco
International Co. Ltd., Thordon's
exclusive Distributor in China,
are/will be installed at the Kangyang,
Sanbanxi, Xiafu, Baishan and Nalan SXL Segmented Shaft Seal
power plants in China and the Tekeze
Hydropower Plant in Ethiopia. from 400mm up to 2000+mm (16 up in New Zealand, Thordon Bearings
Sealing large hydro turbine shafts to 80 in.) diameter can be a has compiled a history of segmented
maintenance challenge for power shaft seal installations. In 2003,
plant operators. Typically, turbine Thordon embarked on a program to
seals consist of two or three sets of further optimize it's segmented shaft
stacked segmented carbon rings that seal design utilizing its proprietary
can be difficult to install without SXL material. SXL is formulated
breakage and can be subject to using a tough elastomeric synthetic
relatively short life if misaligned or polymer alloy offering ease of
subjected to abrasives. installation, high natural abrasion
resistance and good sealing
Since its first shaft seal installation in performance.
1982 at the Manapouri Power Station

SXL Segmented Shaft Seal References

Shaft Shaft
Seal Turbine/ Diameter Diameter Install
Customer Power Plant/Dam Country Type Pump RPM (mm) (inches) Date
Itaipu Binacional Itaipu Brazil Axial 3770 mm 148.43 Oct. 2005
Dongfang Electric Machinery Co., Ltd Nalan China Axial Francis 892mm 35.12 Oct. 2005
Harbin Electric Machinery Co., Ltd. Baishan China Radial Pump Turbine 200 1015 mm 39.96 Aug. 2005
Harbin Electric Machinery Co., Ltd. Xiafu China Radial Francis 107 1170 mm 46.06 Apr. 2005
Harbin Electric Machinery Co., Ltd. Sanbanxi China Axial Francis 166 1532 mm 60.31 Mar. 2005
Dongfang Electrical Machinery Co. Ltd. Tekeze Hydropow er Plant Ethopia Radial 1160 mm 45.67 Mar. 2005
Dongfang Electrical Machinery Co. Ltd. Tekeze Hydropow er Plant Ethopia Radial Francis 300 1160 mm 45.67 Mar. 2005
Harbin Electric Machinery Co., Ltd. Kangyang China Axial Horizontal 125 970 mm 38.19 Mar. 2005
Meridian Energy Manapouri Pow er Station New Zealand Radial 910 mm 35.83 Jan. 2005
Infraserv Hochst Germany 2060 mm 81.10 Oct. 2004
Harbin Electric Machinery Co., Ltd. Nirji China Radial Francis 107 1170mm 46.06 Jun. 2004
Harbin Electric Machinery Co., Ltd. Etan China Radial Kaplan 22.5 2380 mm 93.70 Nov. 2003
Dongfang Electrical Machinery Co. Ltd. Fenshuijiang China Radial Horizontal 166 720 mm 28.35 Jul. 2003
Harbin Electric Machinery Co., Ltd. Gongboxia Pow er Station China Axial Francis 1820 mm 71.65 Mar. 2003
California Department of Water Resources San Luis Dam U.S.A. Radial 940 mm 37.01 Mar. 2003
China Pow er Complete Equipment Co., Ltd Gongboxia Pow er Station China Axial Francis 1820 mm 71.65 Feb. 2003
Harbin Electric Machinery Co., Ltd. Huilong Pow er Plant China Radial Pump Turbine 750 620 mm 24.41 Feb. 2003
US Bureau of Reclamation U.S.A. Radial Toshiba Turbine 792 mm 31.18 Jan. 2003
Harbin Electric Machinery Co., Ltd. Banglang China Axial Francis 892mm 35.12 May. 2002
Harbin Electric Machinery Co., Ltd. Kalun II China Axial Francis 1526mm 60.08 Jan. 2001
Mighty River Pow er Maraetai Pow er Station New Zealand Radial 635 mm 25.00 Jul. 1999
Snohomish Co. P.U.D., Washington Henry M. Jackson Project U.S.A. Axial Francis Turbine Nov. 1998
Northern Wasco Co. P.U.D., Oregon McNary Dam U.S.A. Radial 650 mm 25.59 Aug. 1998
LA Dept. of Water Pow er (LADWP) U.S.A. Radial 499 mm 19.65 Sep. 1997
Genesis Pow er Rangipo Pow er Station New Zealand Radial 644 mm 25.35 Dec. 1996
Seattle City Light, Washington Centralia City Light Pow er Plant U.S.A. Radial 400 337 mm 13.27 May. 1996
Central Arizona Water Conservation Distri Havasu, Colorado River U.S.A. Radial Hitachi pump 514 1067 mm 42.01 Jul. 1995
Mighty River Pow er Aratiatia Pow er Station New Zealand Radial 755 mm 29.72 Jan. 1992
Hydro Quebec Beauharnois Generating Station Canada Radial 1022 mm 40.24 Aug. 1988
US Bureau of Reclamation Grand Coulee Dam U.S.A. Radial Toshiba Turbine 792 mm 31.18 Mar. 1988
Meridian Energy Manapouri Pow er Station New Zealand Radial 910 mm 35.83 Jan. 1982
REFERENCE STORIES

GREASE FREE THORPLAS ® FOR KAPLAN

RUNNER BLADE BUSHINGS
In April 2005, operators at Alabama Thomasson cited ease of installation as
Electric Cooperative's 3-MW Gantt another key factor in choosing the Thordon
hydroelectric plant on the Conecuh product. According to Muschta, the
River in Alabama, U.S.A., decided to product is installed using a “freeze fit” or
replace the four runner blade trunnion “shrink fit” method. “Due to its coefficient
bushings in the vertical Kaplan turbine of thermal expansion, ThorPlas® will
of Unit 4. The bushings reduce friction contract or shrink somewhat when cooled,”
when the runner blade pitch varies she says. “You can then place the bearing
according to head and flow. into the housing by slipping it or lightly
pressing it in.”
The powerhouse originally contained
three vertical Francis turbines. In 1984, Thomasson reports no problems so far.
Alabama Electric replaced Units 1 and 2 “The bushings are easy to work with,” he
with a single 2-MW vertical Kaplan unit says. “And in the year they have been in
(Unit 4). Unit 3 remains in service. use at the plant, they have been trouble
free.” NW
For Unit 4, Alabama Electric selected a
bushing manufactured by Thordon it provides a smooth, quiet, stable "From Hydro Review, June 2006,
operation in demanding applications such Copyright HCI Publications,
Bearings. The bushing is the company's
www.hcipub.com,
new ThorPlas®, a grease and oil-free as wicket gate trunnion bearings.”
Excerpted with permission."
engineered (i.e., non-elastomer)
thermoplastic bearing. The material has good thermal stability
(minimal to no changes due to
“We chose the Thordon bushing because temperature) and low water absorption
we have been using a Thordon turbine (minimal to no changes due to exposure to
main guide bearing without any water), which allow for tighter installed
problems since 1984,” says Wes clearances, Muschta says. Furthermore, she
Thomasson, a mechanical engineer in says it is easy and safe to machine because
the central generation section of it produces no hazardous dust and releases
Alabama Electric. no dangerous byproducts.

ThorPlas® is a crystalline, premium Alabama Electric's Thomasson says the

grade, homogeneous, engineered fact that the bearing is self-lubricating was
thermoplastic bushing that is self- the most important characteristic in its
lubricating and can accept operation selection. “The runner location is not easily
pressures up to 31 MPa (4,500 psi) accessed,” he says. “You have to stop the
without the need for metal backing, says unit, put down headgates or stoplogs,
Ingrid A. Muschta, P.Eng., Product dewater the pit, and climb in there. And
Manager for Thordon. even then it's still not easy to get to the
bearings. It was not designed to be
“ThorPlas® has demonstrated lubricated.
exceptional wear and abrasion resistance
and has one of the lowest wear rates He also appreciates the environmentally
among nearly all rigid polymers, “says friendly nature of ThorPlas®. “If you used Alabama Electric installed ThorPlas® runner
Muschta. “Due to its ratio of static to blade trunnion bushings for their Kaplan
one with grease and the seal failed, you
turbine
dynamic co-efficient of friction, it does could contaminate the stream,” he says.
not exhibit any stick slip effect. Instead,
REFERENCE STORIES

MAINTENANCE AT INCO GENERATING PLANT NO

LONGER FRAZZLED BY DOWNTIME CONCERNS
service and reinstall the bearings from the
current standard of three to four months to just
a few days!

The new bearings were installed in Unit #3 (one

of three turbines in total) at the Nairn Falls plant
in 1999. After excellent performance over the
next 24 months, SXL was installed in the other
two units.

"So far, Thordon has lasted twice as long as the

previous phenolic bearing," says Mailloux.
Frazzle ice is created when long periods of Thordon Bearings distributor, "But these came "And the longer lifespan has kept labour and
extremely cold weather, typically in the -35°C with maintenance headaches and other materials costs down while expanding uptime."
range, turn river water into a giant Slushie®. concerns." Bearing performance is monitored continuously
This isn't uncommon on The Spanish River in and has being running within acceptable
The problem was, the river water contains a
Northern Ontario, Canada, home of three Inco parameters for more than five years. "This is
high level of particulates, making it abrasive. As
Hydropower Generating Stations. Frazzle ice is remarkable considering the rough operating
a result, the phenolic bearings would wear
a regular occurrence almost every spring, conditions and the fact that the turbines are
rapidly and need to be changed approximately
pounding into the intakes and causing pumps nearly one hundred years old!"
every two to three years. This was not a quick
that provide water to the turbines to ice up and
shut down.
process. In fact, because of the hands-on lead Getting Frazzled Once Again
chinking that was involved, the turnaround time Then mother nature struck. In January 2004,
"When this occurs," says Claude Mailloux, to remove and install the bearings was up to frazzle ice once again formed on The Spanish
Planner/Supervisor for Inco, "there is a risk that four months. River. During this inclimate period, Unit #2
the turbine may run dry." As a result, the main started and stopped five times, each time
"To make matters worse," says Thornton, "the
guide bearings may overheat and need to be running dry. The fear was that the bearing
phenolic bearings would constantly need
removed, inspected and reinstalled again. would be burnt and require immediate
adjusting to maintain performance, which only
Easier said than done. Until, that is, Inco began added to the workload and expense." changeout, something that would be expected
to use Thordon SXL. Clearly, Inco needed a better solution. And they from a phenolic material. It wasn't. In fact, after
found it, in Thordon SXL. inspection, Thordon SXL was only mildly
Powering A Century Of Growth scuffed.
The Spanish Riverways has an important dual A Track Record That Speaks For Itself
"And the good news is," says Thornton, "Inco's
role in Northern Ontario. It is one of the most Proven in demanding hydroelectric applications
maintenance staff was able to clean the
breathtaking recreational waterways in the around the globe, Thordon SXL has become the
exfoliated material from the water grooves and
Province, attracting tourists worldwide. It is industry standard. An elastomeric polymer, the
reinstall the bearing in the same day."
also the source of hydroelectric power that fuels bearing features grease-free operation,
the region's vast pulp and paper and nickel remarkably low wear and exceptional This allowed Inco to keep this unit on line for
mining industries. Inco taps this tributary with performance in dirty water conditions. It's the the upcoming spring run-off period and have a
generating plants located in Big Eddy, High bearing of choice for water lubricated main planned outage in the summer for the changeout
Falls and Nairn Falls. shafts and pumps in both rehabilitation and new of the bearing during the low water flow period.
turbine projects.
For most of the operational history of these
plants, wood called lignum vitae was used as the "Inco not only wanted to lower maintenance
main guide bearing. But as the rare source of costs, but they also wanted to eliminate lead
this hard and oily timber - the guayacum tree - chinking. Thordon SXL was the answer to both
became even rarer, Inco was forced to look for of these issues," says Thornton.
alternatives.
To reduce downtime in the future, Thornton and
"They originally switched over to phenolic the engineers at Thordon Bearings
bearings," said Lorne Thornton, President of recommended a stave configuration. This
Pioneer Power Industries, a long-time helped reduce the time it would take to remove,
 REFERENCE STORIES

THORDON SXL GUIDE BEARING ELIMINATES

RISK AT THE STAR LAKE GENERATING STATION
Reliability was an important factor in the The water supplied to water lubricated purchase the Thordon SXL bearing, the
Star Lake Hydro Partnership’s decision metal bearings has to be extremely clean Star Lake Hydro Partnership researched
to replace the Star Lake Generating (contaminants removed to 25-30 the product extensively. This included
Station’s turbine guide bearing. The 18- microns). checking references in North America
MW facility — owned by a partnership and Europe. “Satisfied with the
of Abitibi-Consolidated Inc. (51 percent) Thordon SXL bearings allow a larger experience of others,” says Conlon, “the
and Enel North America, Inc. (49 diametrical clearance between the shaft order was eventually placed for two
percent) — runs about 98 percent of the and the bearing surface and require more bearings (one plus a spare) in July
time, shutting down for scheduled water than the metal bearing. The water 2003”.
maintenance for only six to seven days a flow requirements to the SXL bearing
year. surface for cooling purposes are 0.15 Rapid installation reduces
litres/minute per mm (1 U.S.
As manager of the Star Lake Generating gallon/minute per inch) of shaft diameter downtime
Station in southwestern
Newfoundland, Canada, Robert Normally, the turbine shaft has to be
Conlon wanted to replace a water- dismantled to install a solid journal
lubricated, hydrostatic turbine guide bearing. Disassembly and re-
bearing in a vertical Francis unit that assembly is an arduous process. In
required a complex high pressure addition, the whole unit has to be
filtered water supply. This filtration realigned as a part of the process.
system was very costly to maintain
and a previous hydrostatic bearing Working with Thordon’s engineers,
failure during initial startup had however, the decision was made to
required the replacement of both the design and fabricate the bearing in
turbine shaft and the bearing, which two halves. “We simply took the two
meant a month-long and costly halves and bolted them together
outage. around the shaft,” says Conlon.
“Once the Thordon bearing was in
“The second water-lubricated, metal place, it was positioned with a
turbine guide bearing has performed constant annulus around the shaft.”
Thordon SXL Main Guide Bearing ready for installation at Star Lake Before removing the old bearing, the
fine for four years,” says Conlon.
“However, we were concerned of the at standard clearances. However, the turbine runner had been wedged in
consequences if this bearing failed at full water filtering requirements are not as position so that the turbine shaft was
load. The result could be an unexpected stringent for SXL bearings, because centered on the old bearing. As a result,
failure destroying the bearing, damaging wear life is not seriously effected with no time-consuming realignment was
the shaft and possibly damaging the water contaminants up to 150 to 200 necessary.
generator.” microns.
The Thordon bearing was so simple to
Those fears were eliminated, however, Thordon SXL is an elastomeric polymer install, in fact, that the outage lasted just
when the hydrostatic metal bearing was bearing material with a 25-year history six days, which Conlon observed, “was a
replaced with a water-lubricated, of long-life performance in water large saving in time and money.”
Thordon SXL turbine guide bearing lubricated main shaft guide bearings. “It
operating in hydrodynamic conditions. was certainly the right choice for us,” Confident that the Thordon SXL bearing
says Conlon. “Even if the Thordon SXL will not fail unexpectedly, the Star Lake
For water lubricated metal bearings such bearing were to fail, it would not fail Hydro Partnership is comfortable that
as the one at Star Lake, the fluid film suddenly and unexpectedly. The most they have made a major improvement in
must be consistent between the shaft and that would happen is that the Thordon Station reliability. The Thordon SXL
the bearing. If abrasives are present in material would wear a little bit.” bearing is performing as anticipated. NW
the lubricating water, the fluid film may
be disrupted and the bearing will fail. Before making the commitment to
REFERENCE STORIES
REFERENCE STORIES

21
REFERENCE STORIES

22
 Thordon Hydro Turbine Bearing - Main Guide Bearings
Initial
Shaft
Thordon Power/Dam Country of Max. Type of Installation
Company Diamete r Direction RPM
Grade Station Installation Head (M) (mm ) Turbine Date
SXL LMZ Krasnojarsk Russia 2390 Vertical Jun -2001

SXL LMZ Krasnoyarsk Russia 2390 Vertical Jan -2002

SXL LMZ Krasnoyarsk Russia 2390 Vertical May -2003

SXL LMZ Sayano-Shushenskaya Russia 1970 Vertical Jan -2001

SXL LMZ Volga Russia 1520 Vertical Mar -2004

GM2401 LMZ Narva Hydro Power Station Russia 18 955 Vertical 701 Jul -2000

GM2401 LMZ Narva Hydro Power Station Russia 18 955 Vertical 701 Jun -2001

GM2401 LMZ Narva Hydro Power Station Russia 18 955 Vertical 701 Feb -2002

GM2401 LMZ Narva Hydro Power Station Russia 955 Vertical Jan -2004

SXL LMZ Bukhtorma Hydro Russia 920 Vertical 1251 Sep -1999

SXL Laquadara Inc. Stillwater 1 U.S.A. 874 Horizontal Jul -1992

SXL Northbrook Energy, Inc. Glen Park, NY U.S.A. 864 Vertical Jul -1996

SXL Northbrook Energy Glen Park Hydro U.S.A. 864 Horizontal Feb -2004

June 23, 2008 Page 1 of 21

 Thordon Hydro Turbine Bearing - Main Guide Bearings
Initial
Shaft
Thordon Power/Dam Country of Max. Type of Installation
Company Diamete r Direction RPM
Grade Station Installation Head (M) (mm ) Turbine Date
GM2401 Mercer Management U.S.A. 864 Vertical Mar -1996

GM2401 Cottrell Paper Mill U.S.A. 851 Vertical Apr -2001

SXL Alabama Power H. Neely Henry Hydroelectric U.S.A. 838 Francis Vertical May -2004
Generating Plant

SXL American Hydro Neely Henry U.S.A. 838 Vertical Jul -1996

SXL American Hydro Neely Henry U.S.A. 838 Vertical Jul -1996

SXL American Hydro Neely Henry U.S.A. 838 Vertical Jul -1997

SXL American Hydro Neely Henry U.S.A. 838 Vertical Jul -1997

SXL LMZ NIVA-3 Russia 800 Vertical Jan -2004

SXL Electricity Corp. of New Karapiro Station New Zealand 67 761 Vertical Jul -1995
Zealand

SXL Consolidated Hydro, Inc. North Canal, MA U.S.A. 752 Horizontal

SXL LMZ Buchtarminskaya Russia 720 Vertical Jan -1998

SXL LMZ Buchtarminskaya Russia 720 Vertical Jan -1999

SXL LMZ Buchtarminskaya Russia 720 Vertical Jun -2000

June 23, 2008 Page 2 of 21

 Thordon Hydro Turbine Bearing - Main Guide Bearings
Initial
Shaft
Thordon Power/Dam Country of Max. Type of Installation
Company Diamete r Direction RPM
Grade Station Installation Head (M) (mm ) Turbine Date
SXL LMZ Buchtarminskaya Russia 720 Vertical Feb -2001

SXL LMZ Buchtarminskaya Russia 720 Vertical Jan -2002

SXL American Hydro Boise Cascade, USA U.S.A. 635 Horizontal Jul -1990

SXL American Hydro Washington Water Power U.S.A. 628 Horizontal Jul -1993

SXL Rochester Gas & Electric Station 5 Unit #3 U.S.A. 622 Vertical Jul -1994

SXL Rochester Gas & Electric Station 5 Unit #4 U.S.A. 622 Vertical Jul -1997

SXL LMZ Mamakanskaya Russia 615 Vertical Jan -2000

SXL LMZ Mamakanskaya Russia 615 Vertical Jan -1999

SXL Wisconsin Power Station Merrill #3 U.S.A. 610 Horizontal Jul -1987

SXL American Hydro Yadkin Narrows U.S.A. 65 584 Vertical Jul -1992

SXL Waplans Mek. Verkstad Rotnen Sweden 570 Vertical Jul -1998
AB

SXL Waplans Mek. Verkstad Rotnen (Reservlager) Sweden 570 Vertical Jul -1998
AB

SXL Enel North America Star Lake, Newfoundland Canada 135 550 Francis Vertical 514 Oct -2003

June 23, 2008 Page 3 of 21

 Thordon Hydro Turbine Bearing - Main Guide Bearings
Initial
Shaft
Thordon Power/Dam Country of Max. Type of Installation
Company Diamete r Direction RPM
Grade Station Installation Head (M) (mm ) Turbine Date
SXL Algonquin Power Glenn Falls, Unit G2 U.S.A. 494 Vertical Jan -2003

SXL Central Maine Power West Buxton U.S.A. 476 Vertical Jul -1990

SXL Graningeverken Bjorna 2 (1+4 lager) Sweden 460 Vertical Jul -1998

SXL Graningeverken Gidbole 2 (1+4 lager) Sweden 460 Vertical Jul -1998

SXL Graningeverken Gidea 2 (1+6 lager) Sweden 460 Vertical Jul -1997

SXL Duke Energy Cedar Creek U.S.A. 457 Vertical May -2002

SXL CHI Energy Weeks Falls U.S.A. 457 Vertical Sep -2002

SXL L.A. Dept. of Water & San Franciscito Powerplant U.S.A. 445 Vertical Jul -1991
Power

SXL Orion Power-Glens Falls Sherman Station U.S.A. 445 Vertical Jul -1996

SXL Duke Power, ME Millinocket Unit #1 U.S.A. 438 Horizontal Jul -1995

SXL Moller Undenas Turbin Karasen, G2 Sweden 430 Vertical Jan -2001
AB

SXL American Hydro Washington Water Power U.S.A. 425 Horizontal Jul -1993

SXL Northeast Generating Bear Swamp, MA U.S.A. 409 Vertical Jul -1996

June 23, 2008 Page 4 of 21

 Thordon Hydro Turbine Bearing - Main Guide Bearings
Initial
Shaft
Thordon Power/Dam Country of Max. Type of Installation
Company Diamete r Direction RPM
Grade Station Installation Head (M) (mm ) Turbine Date
SXL Bowater Paper Millinocket Lake Dam U.S.A. 406 Vertical Jul -1996

SXL Alabama Electric Gantt Hydro Unit #3 U.S.A. 403 Kaplan Vertical Jul -1995

SXL Alabama Electric Gantt Hydro Unit #4 U.S.A. 403 Vertical Jul -1995

COMPAC Grand Coulee Power GCPA Russell Smith Power U.S.A. 16 400 Kaplan Horizontal Feb -2007
Authority Station

Water Qua Grand Coulee Power GCPA Russell Smith Power U.S.A. 16 400 Kaplan Horizontal Feb -2007
Authority Station

SXL Southern California Big Creek U.S.A. 393 Vertical Jul -1994
Edison

SXL Forsvik Bygg & Turbine Bratforsen Sweden 390 Horizontal Oct -2005
Service

SXL Niagara Mohawk Power Race St. U.S.A. 381 Vertical Jul -1991

SXL Orion Power-Glens Falls Sherman Station U.S.A. 369 Vertical Jul -1995

SXL Allegheny Power Falling Water U.S.A. 369 Vertical Jul -1997

SXL Burrows Paper Corp. U.S.A. 368 Vertical Jan -2001

SXL Orion Power U.S.A. 368 Vertical Nov -2001

SXL Northbrook Energy, Inc. Lyons Falls Paper, NY U.S.A. 367 Vertical Jul -1996

June 23, 2008 Page 5 of 21

 Thordon Hydro Turbine Bearing - Main Guide Bearings
Initial
Shaft
Thordon Power/Dam Country of Max. Type of Installation
Company Diamete r Direction RPM
Grade Station Installation Head (M) (mm ) Turbine Date
SXL Graningeverken Gidea 1 (1+6 lager) Sweden 360 Vertical Jul -1998

SXL Graningeverken Gidbole 1 (1+4 lager) Sweden 360 Vertical Jul -1997

SXL Central Maine Power Cataract U.S.A. 359 Vertical Jul -1992

SXL Great Northern E. Millinocket U.S.A. 356 Horizontal Jul -1990

SXL Niagara Mohawk Power School Street U.S.A. 356 Vertical Jul -1991

SXL Waplans Mek. Brynge Sweden 355 Vertical Jul -1994

Verkstad/Graningeverke

SXL Iberdrola Foxo Power Station Spain 350 Horizontal

SXL Alstom Power AIT Messaoud Morocco 34 350 Vertical Feb -2002

SXL Iberdrola Plasticos Ferro Power Station Spain 349 Vertical

SXL City of Ann Arbour, MI Superior U.S.A. 343 Vertical Jul -1992

SXL Wisconsin Power Station Wausau #2 U.S.A. 343 Horizontal Jul -1985

SXL American Hydro PSEG Power-Kearney U.S.A. 343 Vertical Mar -2001

SXL Central Maine Power Hiram U.S.A. 333 Vertical Jul -1989

June 23, 2008 Page 6 of 21

 Thordon Hydro Turbine Bearing - Main Guide Bearings
Initial
Shaft
Thordon Power/Dam Country of Max. Type of Installation
Company Diamete r Direction RPM
Grade Station Installation Head (M) (mm ) Turbine Date
SXL Salt River Project U.S.A. 331 Horizontal Dec -1996

SXL McLaren Power Buckingham, QC Canada 330 Vertical Jul -1986

GM2401 Central Maine Power U.S.A. 325 Horizontal Jul -2002

SXL Iberdrola La Pardina Power Station Spain 320 Horizontal

SXL Iberdrola Sarria Power Station Spain 320 Horizontal

SXL Wisconsin Power Station Alexander U.S.A. 318 Horizontal Jul -1986

SXL Waplans Mek Glava Sweden 310 Vertical Jan -2001

Verkstad/Birka

SXL Iberdrola La Calza de Saya Power Spain 310 Horizontal

Station

SXL TURAB Tannefors Reserv Sweden 305 Horizontal Jun -2005

SXL New Brunswick Power Musquash Canada 305 Vertical Jul -1985

SXL New Brunswick Power Musquash U.S.A. 305 Vertical Jul -1987

SXL Philadelphia Falls U.S.A. 300 Horizontal Jul -1986

SXL Iberdrola Sartaguda Power Station Spain 300 Horizontal

June 23, 2008 Page 7 of 21

 Thordon Hydro Turbine Bearing - Main Guide Bearings
Initial
Shaft
Thordon Power/Dam Country of Max. Type of Installation
Company Diamete r Direction RPM
Grade Station Installation Head (M) (mm ) Turbine Date
SXL Iberdrola Santacana Power Station Spain 300 Horizontal

SXL International Huttenmuhle 300 Vertical Jul -1984

SXL International Kl. Munchen 300 Horizontal Jul -1985

SXL International Stratos 300 Horizontal Jul -1986

SXL Consolidated Hydro, Inc. North Canal, MA U.S.A. 300 Horizontal Jul -1987

SXL American Hydro Edwards Mfg. Co. U.S.A. 300 Vertical Jul -1995

SXL American Hydro Pacific Power Ashton Unit #31 U.S.A. 298 Vertical Jul -1993

SXL American Hydro Pacific Power Utah Power U.S.A. 298 Vertical Jul -1991

SXL Mercer Management Stillwater U.S.A. 297 Vertical Jul -1996

SXL American Hydro Finch Pruyn & Co., Glen Falls U.S.A. 292 Horizontal Jul -1995

SXL Iberdrola El Cabildo Power Station Spain 290 Horizontal

SXL Iberdrola Montequiero Power Station Spain 290 Horizontal

SXL Iberdrola Berbegal Power Station Spain 290 Horizontal

June 23, 2008 Page 8 of 21

 Thordon Hydro Turbine Bearing - Main Guide Bearings
Initial
Shaft
Thordon Power/Dam Country of Max. Type of Installation
Company Diamete r Direction RPM
Grade Station Installation Head (M) (mm ) Turbine Date
SXL Iberdrola Bubunawan Power Station Spain 290 Horizontal

SXL Waplans Mek. Hednas Sweden 290 Vertical Jul -1995

Verkstad/Skelleftea Kraft

SXL Niagara Mohawk Power Schaghticoke Hydro U.S.A. 280 Francis Vertical Jul -1995

SXL Iberdrola San Miguel Del Pino Power Spain 280 Horizontal
Station

SXL American Hydro Duke Power Gaston Shoals U.S.A. 279 Francis Horizontal Jul -1995

SXL American Hydro Duke Power Gaston Shoals U.S.A. 279 Francis Horizontal Jul -1992

SXL Waplans Mek. Verkstad Sweden 275 Vertical May -2002

SXL Comemasa Graus Power Plant Spain 13 270 Vertical 300 Jan -2005

Water Qua Comemasa Graus Power Plant Spain 13 270 Vertical 300 Jan -2005

SXL Endesa Caldas Power Station Spain 270 Vertical

SXL Iberdrola Mores Power Station Spain 270 Horizontal

SXL Iberdrola Huermeda Power Station Spain 270 Vertical

SXL American Hydro Appalachian Power Co. U.S.A. 267 Vertical Jul -1991

June 23, 2008 Page 9 of 21

 Thordon Hydro Turbine Bearings - Wicket Gate and
Operating Mechanism References
Shaft Initial
Thordon Power/Dam Max. Type of Installation
Company Head (M) Diamete r
Grade Station (mm ) Turbine Direction RPM Date
SXL Iberdrola Cedillo Power Station 330

HPSXL Talleres Aramburu 320 Jul -2001

HPSXL TRAXL City of Seattle Boundary Dam 298 Jun -2000

ThorPlas Alabama Electric Gantt Hydro, No. 4 282 Kaplan Sep -2004

HPSXL TRAXL American Hydro 272 Jan -2003

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 104 Nov -2001

HPSXL TRAXL Folsom Dam #1, #2, #3 266

HPSXL TRAXL American Hydro Unit # 5 & 6 264 Jan -2003

HPSXL TRAXL American Hydro Unit # 7 & 8 264 Feb -2004

ThorPlas Harbin Electric Machinery Co. Ltd. Baishan 260 Francis 200 Jul -2005

ThorPlas Exel Energy 229 Mar -2006

Harbin Electric Machinery Co. Ltd. 380 Mar -2008

ThorPlas MalutangII 160 Francis

HPSXL TRAXL Harbin Power Equipment 150 Nov -2002

Dongfang Electrical Machinery 150 Oct -2007

ThorPlas Pubugou 145 Francis

June 23, 2008 Page 1 of 7

 Thordon
Radial and Axial Segmented Shaft Seals
No. of No. of Initial
Shaft Installation
Type of Turbine / Turbines Rings /
Power Plant / Dam Country Diamete r Date
Customer Seal Pump with Seals (mm) Turbine
Itaipu Binacional Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant Brazil Axial 3770 Oct -2005

Harbin Electric Machinery Etan Power Station China Radial Kaplan 3 2380 2 Nov -2004

Infraserv Hoechst Germany Axial Filter 2060 Oct -2004

IMPSA Hydro Argentina Axial 2044 Mar -2001

IMPSA Hydro Argentina Axial 1925 Mar -2001

Harbin Electric Machinery Gongboxia Power Station China Axial Francis 3 1820 3 Feb -2003

Harbin Electric Machinery Sanbanxi Power Plant China Axial 4 1530 1 Aug -2005

Harbin Electric Machinery Zhelin Power Plant China Axial 2 1526 Jan -2001

Harbin Electric Machinery Kalun lll China Axial 4 1520 May -2002

Harbin Electric Machinery Gelatan Power Plant China Axial 3 1395 1 Apr -2006

Harbin Electric Machinery Fujinba Power Station China Axial 3 1240 1 May -2006

Harbin Electric Machinery Xiafu Power Plant China Axial 2 1240 1 Jun -2006

Harbin Electric Machinery Jupudu Power Plant China Axial 3 1210 1 Apr -2006

Harbin Electric Machinery Nirji Power Plant China Radial Francis 4 1170 2 Jun -2004

Dongfang Electrical Machinery Tekeze Hydropower Plant Ethopia Radial Francis 2 1160 3 Jan -2006

Harbin Electric Machinery Zhouba Power Plant China Axial 2 1130 1 Apr -2006

Harbin Electric Machinery Xishan Power Plant China Radial 2 1070 3 Sep -2006

Central Arizona Water Conservation Havasu, Colorado River U.S.A. Radial Hitachi 1067 Jul -1995
District Pump

February 02, 2009 Page 1 of 3

 Thordon
Radial and Axial Segmented Shaft Seals
No. of No. of Initial
Shaft Installation
Type of Turbine / Turbines Rings /
Power Plant / Dam Country Diamete r Date
Customer Seal Pump with Seals (mm) Turbine
Hydro Quebec Beauharnois Generating Station Canada Radial 1022 Aug -1988

Harbin Electric Machinery Baishan Power Plant China Radial Pump 2 1015 3 Aug -2005
Turbine
Harbin Electric Machinery Kangyang Power Station China Axial 4 970 1 Aug -2005

Harbin Electric Machinery Fengman Power Station China Radial 1 970 2 Aug -2003

IMPSA Hydro Argentina Axial 970 Sep -2001

California Department of Water San Luis Dam U.S.A. Radial 940 Mar -2003
Resources
Meridan Energy Manapouri Power Station New Zealand Radial 910 Jan -1982

Harbin Electric Machinery Banglang Power Plant China Axial Francis 6 892 6 May -2002

Dongfang Electric Machinery Nalan Power Plant China Axial Francis 4 892 1 Oct -2005

Harbin Electric Machinery Sanxia Power Plant China Radial 1 892 1 Nov -2001

Dongfang Electric Machinery Aoluke Power Plant China Axial 3 835 1 Nov -2006

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Grand Coulee Dam U.S.A. Radial Toshiba 792 Mar -1988

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Grand Coulee Dam U.S.A. Radial Toshiba 792 Jan -2003

Mighty River Power Aratiatia Power Station New Zealand Radial 755 Jan -1992

Dongfang Electrical Machinery Fenshuijiang Power Plant China Radial 3 720 3 Jun -2005

Northern Wasco Co. P.U.D. Oregon McNary Dam U.S.A. Radial 650 Aug -1998

Genesis Power Rangipo Power Station New Zealand Radial 3 644 Dec -1996

Mighty River Power Plant Maraetai Power Station New Zealand Radial 635 Jun -1999

February 02, 2009 Page 2 of 3

 Thordon
Radial and Axial Segmented Shaft Seals
No. of No. of Initial
Shaft Installation
Type of Turbine / Turbines Rings /
Power Plant / Dam Country Diamete r Date
Customer Seal Pump with Seals (mm) Turbine
Harbin Electric Machinery Huilong Power Plant China Radial Pump 2 620 3 Nov -2004
Turbine
LA Dept. of Water Power (LADWP) U.S.A. Radial 499 Sep -1997

Seattle City Light, Washington Centralia City Light Power Plant U.S.A. Radial 337 May -1996

Cedillo Power Station Cedillo Power Station Spain Axial 330

ENECO Centrale Di Cassano D'Adda Italy Axial Francis 7 240 2 Aug -2005

Snohomish Co. P.U.D. Washington Henry M. Jackson Project U.S.A. Axial Francis Nov -1998

February 02, 2009 Page 3 of 3

 CUSTOMER FOCUSED TO SUPPORT YOUR IMMEDIATE AND FUTURE NEEDS

Supply and Service: Geared to Application Engineering: and manufacturing, Thordon

provide quick response to Thordon Bearing’s engineers work bearings are recognized
customer needs, Thordon closely with customers to provide worldwide for both quality and
Bearings understands the innovative bearing system designs performance.
importance of quick delivery and that meet or exceed the technical
reduced down time. Thordon requirements of the application. Research and Development:
products can be designed, Thordon bearings are being
produced to the exact Manufacturing: Thordon’s modern continuously tested by our Bearing
requirements of the customer and polymer processing facility is Test Facility. The Facility evaluates
shipped quickly. staffed with experienced and new designs and applications
dedicated employees. Bearings up before they are put into service.
to 2.2 m (86") in diameter have Ongoing testing not only allows for
Distribution: With Thordon been supplied and bearings up to design refinements, but ensures
bearings specified all around the 1.5 m (60") O.D. have been quality and performance after
world, an extensive distribution machined in-house. installation. Our polymer laboratory
network has been established in
Quality: Thordon Bearings Inc. is a evaluates new and modified
over 70 countries. Inventories of
Canadian company manufacturing polymers in a continuing quest to
common bearing sizes are stocked
to ISO 9001:2000 Quality System improve Thordon bearing
by local Thordon Distributors and
requirements. With over 30 years performance and search for new
are backed up by large regional
experience in elastomeric bearing ploymer bearing solutions. to ord.
and head office Thordon stocks.
design, application engineering

T H O R D O N B E A R I N G S I N C.

ZERO POLLUTION | HIGH PERFORMANCE | BEARING SYSTEMS

3225 Mainway Drive, Burlington, Ontario L7M 1A6 Canada

Tel: +1.905.335.1440 Fax: +1.905.335.4033
www.ThordonBearings.com