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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

In the study, nonlinear vibration and thermo-mechanical characteristics of centrifugal pump bearings utilized in the cooling tower system of South Refineries Company (Basra) were properly examined using a combined experimental and numerical method. The intent of the study was to learn the impact of misalignment, the nature of the lubrication film, and thermal gradients on the stability of the operation of these bearings and their service life under realistic industry environment conditions. Finite element model (FEM) was constructed and tested on the basis of real field data obtained at the working pumps that allowed realistic distribution of stress and temperature. The study then used a multi-objective optimization method using Genetic Algorithm (GA) to ensure that the maximum von Mises stress and vibration RMS are minimized and at the same time all the design parameters were held within the acceptable value of ISO 20816 and API 610 standards. The optimized design had obvious advantages: the mechanical stress was decreased by approximately 17 percent, vibration amplitude decreased by approximately 22 percent, and uniformity of temperature in the lubricant film was improved, which led to a decrease in the loss of friction and increased the service life of the bearing. This is a combined approach that has been found to be effective and convenient to diagnose and optimize the performance of rotating machinery in the Iraqi refinery industry. The results of this research allow not only to offer a validated modeling framework but also provide a valuable reference point as far as concerns predictive maintenance planning and sustainable work in areas, which are subject to the high loads of thermal and dynamic loads.

Keywords

FEM finite element method (FEM), Nonlinear vibration, Thermo-mechanical coupling, Bearing optimization, Genetic algorithm, Lubrication film, Misalignment, Cooling tower Pump, South refineries company

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