Michell Bearings, a leading UK bearing manufacturer, has developed a groundbreaking prototype bearing and test rig, designed specifically for a series of major nuclear power projects in India.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in Michell Bearings’ strategic expansion into the nuclear sector, particularly within the Indian market.
The test rig and bearing protype were designed to replicate various bearing operating conditions, such as the speed, bearing loads and water temperature.
Designed for optimal performance, the test rig consists of a 400 kW electric motor to drive the shaft of the test bearing, a closed-circuit water circulation system delivering 17,400 litres of water per hour at 35 °C, and an uninterruptable power supply for backup power during outages.
Substantial investments have been made over the past decade to demonstrate Michell Bearings’ capability to operate within the nuclear industry.
Following the successful testing phase, a set of bearings for a reactor coolant pump will be manufactured for the first time at the business, a market that has been heavily dominated by one supplier in India.
Paul Bruce, Engineering Director at Michell Bearings, said: “Through the combined efforts of both Michell Bearings sites, and a significant level of investment in our UK test facility, we have successfully demonstrated our ability to provide an alternative supplier for the customer, whilst opening a window of opportunities for nuclear power stations in India.”
Scheduled for production this year, the bearings will support the reactors within the nuclear power station. Each reactor will be equipped with four vertical shaft coolant pumps. The bearings’ role is to support the shafts of the reactor coolant pumps and motors, which are critical to maintaining the safe operation of the nuclear power plant.
The bearings have been engineered to withstand the associated operating loads, including potential seismic events.
