One of the offshore drilling rigs operated by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has been fitted with polymer bearings designed to be more durable than silicon carbide.

The five three-stage KSB pumps were fitted with 13 SXL intermediate bearings, four composite bearings and one SXL throttle bearing, replacing the original silicon carbide bushings. Dubai-based engineering firm Ocean Power International (OPI) received a full range of deliveries direct from Thordon's Burlington facility four weeks after the order was placed.

“The problem with silicon carbide bearings is that orders for them have a long lead time. In addition, they are relatively brittle, which means there is a risk of them chipping and cracking. They are just not that durable and replacing them is very expensive. OPI Managing Director Rafid Qureshi said.

“The technical and engineering specifications of the bearings meet and exceed expectations. Compared to silicon carbide, which is usually used in these vertical pumps, these pumps are not only more economical, but also easy to process. They are resistant to abrasion even after several years of operation. We are very pleased with this product and our main factories in Germany now use Thordon bearings in our new pumps. - emphasized the engineer-mechanic KSB Service Micha? Belina

Given the planned long-term reliability of these installations, ADNOC will continue to use Thordon bearings in all compatible pumps installed on its platforms in the future. The company draws attention to the fact that they are not only more durable, but also more environmentally friendly due to the materials used.