Customer Focused To Support
Your Immediate and Future needs
Supply and Service: Geared to provide
quick response to customer needs,
Thordon Bearings understands the
importance of quick delivery and reduced
down time. Thordon hydro-turbine bearing
systems can be designed, produced to the
exact requirements of the customer and
shipped quickly.
Distribution: With Thordon bearings
specified all around the world, an extensive
distribution network has been established
in over 70 countries. Inventories of common
bearing sizes are stocked by local Thordon
Distributors and are backed up by large
regional and head office Thordon stocks.
Application Engineering: Thordon
Bearing’s engineers work closely with
customers to provide innovative bearing
system designs that meet or exceed the
technical requirements of the application.
3225 Mainway, Burlington, Ontario L7M 1A6 Canada
TBIH 03/03 4000 BC
Manufacturing: Thordon’s modern polymer refinements, but ensures quality and
processing facility is staffed with performance after installation. Our polymer
experienced and dedicated employees. laboratory evaluates new and modified
Bearings up to 2.2 m (86") in diameter have polymers in a continuing quest to improve
been supplied and bearings up to 1.5 m (60") Thordon bearing performance and search for
O.D. have been machined in-house. new polymer bearing solutions.
Quality: Thordon Bearings Inc. is a Canadian
company manufacturing to ISO 9001:2000
Quality System requirements. With over 30
years experience in elastomeric bearing
design, application engineering and
manufacturing, Thordon hydro-turbine
bearings are recognized worldwide for both
quality and performance.
Research and Development: Thordon
bearings are being continuously tested by
our Bearing Test Facility. The Facility
evaluates new designs and applications
before they are put into service. Ongoing
testing not only allows for design www.thordonbearings.com
HYDRO-TURBINE BEARINGS
Your local Thordon Distributor
ISO 9001:2000
Tel: (905) 335-1440 Fax: (905) 335-4033 CGSB
Registration #93649
E-mail info@thordonbearings.com PRINTED IN CANADA
 PIONEERS IN ADVANCED
OIL AND GREASE FREE
HYDRO-TURBINE BEARINGS Thordon Bearings is recognized as a pioneer
in high performance, yet environmentally
With over 25 years experience supplying main shaft guide, pump, wicket gate friendly, innovative bearing system designs.
and operating mechanism bearings to the hydro power industry, Thordon is the Thordon provides reliable, cost effective
proven choice for performance and value in both rehabilitation and new turbine
bearing solutions to the hydro power, marine,
projects. Superior technical support and customer service provides customers with
bearing solutions that meet, or exceed, their specifications. Depending on the offshore and pump industries. Originally
application, the optimum bearing may be selected from among several Thordon developed in 1967 as a high performance
grades and configurations. pump bearing, Thordon is an elastomeric
Continuing polymer research and development by Thordon resulted in the polymer alloy offering excellent wear life and
introduction several years ago of HPSXL TRAXL, a high pressure elastomer product
low operating friction, while providing a
polymerized in a metal housing. This configuration is recommended as the optimum
choice for higher pressure bearing applications such as wicket gate and operating dependable, long-lasting, environmentally-
linkage bearings in hydro-turbines. Other Thordon grades such as full form HPSXL, friendly alternative to grease and oil-
SXL or GM2401 - where higher levels of abrasives are encountered - are recommended lubricated bearings.
options for main shaft guide, pump and other lower pressure bearing applications.
High performance Thorseals are tough, self-lubricating, polymer seals specified for
sealing wicket gate and operating mechanism bearings, butterfly valves, Kaplan
runner blade stems and general hydraulic and pneumatic applications including
servo-motor pistons and rams.
Today, with installations ranging from micro-turbines to units with main shafts
up to 3.7 m (94”) diameter, Thordon is a recognized leader in the design,
manufacture, supply and installation of bearing solutions for the hydro-
turbine industry. All Thordon bearing systems are designed and
manufactured to ISO 9001:2000 Quality System requirements.
In 1995, the largest hydro-turbine manufacturer in Russia - LMZ, after
exhaustive testing of a number of bearing materials, entered into a
joint venture agreement with Thordon International Inc. A joint
venture company, Interplast, was formed to produce and supply
Thordon bearings to LMZ for the Russian and former Soviet
Union markets.
For hydro power producers and turbine manufacturers
who demand the best in performance, value and
service; environmentally-friendly Thordon
hydro-turbine bearing systems offer
the proven solution.
 PIONEERS IN ADVANCED
OIL AND GREASE FREE
HYDRO-TURBINE BEARINGS Thordon Bearings is recognized as a pioneer
in high performance, yet environmentally
With over 25 years experience supplying main shaft guide, pump, wicket gate friendly, innovative bearing system designs.
and operating mechanism bearings to the hydro power industry, Thordon is the Thordon provides reliable, cost effective
proven choice for performance and value in both rehabilitation and new turbine
bearing solutions to the hydro power, marine,
projects. Superior technical support and customer service provides customers with
bearing solutions that meet, or exceed, their specifications. Depending on the offshore and pump industries. Originally
application, the optimum bearing may be selected from among several Thordon developed in 1967 as a high performance
grades and configurations. pump bearing, Thordon is an elastomeric
Continuing polymer research and development by Thordon resulted in the polymer alloy offering excellent wear life and
introduction several years ago of HPSXL TRAXL, a high pressure elastomer product
low operating friction, while providing a
polymerized in a metal housing. This configuration is recommended as the optimum
choice for higher pressure bearing applications such as wicket gate and operating dependable, long-lasting, environmentally-
linkage bearings in hydro-turbines. Other Thordon grades such as full form HPSXL, friendly alternative to grease and oil-
SXL or GM2401 - where higher levels of abrasives are encountered - are recommended lubricated bearings.
options for main shaft guide, pump and other lower pressure bearing applications.
High performance Thorseals are tough, self-lubricating, polymer seals specified for
sealing wicket gate and operating mechanism bearings, butterfly valves, Kaplan
runner blade stems and general hydraulic and pneumatic applications including
servo-motor pistons and rams.
Today, with installations ranging from micro-turbines to units with main shafts
up to 3.7 m (94”) diameter, Thordon is a recognized leader in the design,
manufacture, supply and installation of bearing solutions for the hydro-
turbine industry. All Thordon bearing systems are designed and
manufactured to ISO 9001:2000 Quality System requirements.
In 1995, the largest hydro-turbine manufacturer in Russia - LMZ, after
exhaustive testing of a number of bearing materials, entered into a
joint venture agreement with Thordon International Inc. A joint
venture company, Interplast, was formed to produce and supply
Thordon bearings to LMZ for the Russian and former Soviet
Union markets.
For hydro power producers and turbine manufacturers
who demand the best in performance, value and
service; environmentally-friendly Thordon
hydro-turbine bearing systems offer
the proven solution.

Recommended Thordon Solutions
for Hydro-turbine Applications
Turbine Main Shaft
Guide Bearings
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. Thordon
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 bearings 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
4 5
sealed oil or grease lubricated systems
to pollution-free water lubrication.
Although elastomeric in nature,
Thordon bearings, particularly SXL, are
significantly stiffer than rubber. A high
degree of resilience, however, is still
maintained and running clearances
similar to rubber are possible. Thordon
main shaft guide bearings are usually
supplied factory-bonded into split
bearing housings, or on larger
bearings, on to multiple guide blocks.
If required, bearings can be
supplied in stave configuration
as well.
A reference list of main shaft
guide bearing installations
ranging up to the giant 3.7 metre
(94”) shaft diameter bearing
units installed in the
Kranoyarskaya hydro power plant
in Russia is available from
Thordon Bearings.
Choose water-lubricated Thordon
SXL or GM2401 turbine main
shaft guide bearings for reliable,
long wearing, environmentally-
friendly main guide bearing
system solutions for your hydro-
turbines.
Wicket Gate and
Operating Linkage
Bearings
Thordon HPSXL TRAXL bearings are
recommended for use in wicket gate and
linkage bearing system applications.
HPSXL, an enhanced elastomer product
introduced by Thordon several 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 test for wicket
gate and operating linkage bearings.
Homogenous Thordon HPSXL
incorporates friction and wear reducing
additives throughout its entire
molecular structure ensuring consistent
performance in limited motion
applications. The cost, maintenance and
pollution risks associated with greased SXL is recommended
bearings are eliminated. Stiffer than SXL
but still elastomeric in nature, HPSXL
for vertical and
horizontal operating
performs well under edge loading ring wear pads.
conditions created by minor
misalignment or wicket gate deflection.
Usually supplied
molded to size complete
HPSXL deflects slightly, effectively with stainless steel inserts for
spreading the load, reducing the unit mechanical fastening, SXL wear
pressure and eliminating the potential pads can also be bonded in position
for galling on the edge. using a Thordon adhesive.
Easily machined, Thordon HPSXL TRAXL Servo-Motor and
bearings can be sized prior to Servo-Link Bearings
installation, or easily line bored after
Thordon HPSXL TRAXL bearings are
installation, to correct misalignment
recommended for the servo-motor and
and dimensional inconsistencies
servo-link positions. Elastomeric
encountered during turbine
HPSXL is able to accommodate the
rehabilitation. Bearings are often
minor misalignment that often occurs
supplied with overbuild to facilitate
at these bearing locations and grease
finish machining on site. Manufactured
lubrication is eliminated.
in Canada, Thordon bearings can be
supplied quickly to meet tight
rehabilitation project schedules.
Thordon HPSXL TRAXL is the proven
choice for long wearing, low friction
wicket gate and operating mechanism
bearings.
Operating Ring Wear Pads
Offering smooth, grease-free operation
and high abrasion resistance, Thordon

Recommended Thordon Solutions
for Hydro-turbine Applications
Turbine Main Shaft
Guide Bearings
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. Thordon
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 bearings 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
4 5
sealed oil or grease lubricated systems
to pollution-free water lubrication.
Although elastomeric in nature,
Thordon bearings, particularly SXL, are
significantly stiffer than rubber. A high
degree of resilience, however, is still
maintained and running clearances
similar to rubber are possible. Thordon
main shaft guide bearings are usually
supplied factory-bonded into split
bearing housings, or on larger
bearings, on to multiple guide blocks.
If required, bearings can be
supplied in stave configuration
as well.
A reference list of main shaft
guide bearing installations
ranging up to the giant 3.7 metre
(94”) shaft diameter bearing
units installed in the
Kranoyarskaya hydro power plant
in Russia is available from
Thordon Bearings.
Choose water-lubricated Thordon
SXL or GM2401 turbine main
shaft guide bearings for reliable,
long wearing, environmentally-
friendly main guide bearing
system solutions for your hydro-
turbines.
Wicket Gate and
Operating Linkage
Bearings
Thordon HPSXL TRAXL bearings are
recommended for use in wicket gate and
linkage bearing system applications.
HPSXL, an enhanced elastomer product
introduced by Thordon several 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 test for wicket
gate and operating linkage bearings.
Homogenous Thordon HPSXL
incorporates friction and wear reducing
additives throughout its entire
molecular structure ensuring consistent
performance in limited motion
applications. The cost, maintenance and
pollution risks associated with greased SXL is recommended
bearings are eliminated. Stiffer than SXL
but still elastomeric in nature, HPSXL
for vertical and
horizontal operating
performs well under edge loading ring wear pads.
conditions created by minor
misalignment or wicket gate deflection.
Usually supplied
molded to size complete
HPSXL deflects slightly, effectively with stainless steel inserts for
spreading the load, reducing the unit mechanical fastening, SXL wear
pressure and eliminating the potential pads can also be bonded in position
for galling on the edge. using a Thordon adhesive.
Easily machined, Thordon HPSXL TRAXL Servo-Motor and
bearings can be sized prior to Servo-Link Bearings
installation, or easily line bored after
Thordon HPSXL TRAXL bearings are
installation, to correct misalignment
recommended for the servo-motor and
and dimensional inconsistencies
servo-link positions. Elastomeric
encountered during turbine
HPSXL is able to accommodate the
rehabilitation. Bearings are often
minor misalignment that often occurs
supplied with overbuild to facilitate
at these bearing locations and grease
finish machining on site. Manufactured
lubrication is eliminated.
in Canada, Thordon bearings can be
supplied quickly to meet tight
rehabilitation project schedules.
Thordon HPSXL TRAXL is the proven
choice for long wearing, low friction
wicket gate and operating mechanism
bearings.
Operating Ring Wear Pads
Offering smooth, grease-free operation
and high abrasion resistance, Thordon
 Typical Francis Turbine Applications Typical Kaplan Turbine Applications
SXL Water Lubricated
Main Shaft Guide
Thorseal
Bearing
Hydraulic GM2401 Segmented
Seal and Main Shaft Guide HPSXL TRAXL HPSXL TRAXL
Thorwipers Bearing Linkage Bearings Upper Wicket Gate
HPSXL TRAXL and Thrust Washers Bearing with
Servomotor Bearing Thrust Flange
and Thrust Washers
HPSXL TRAXL
Middle Wicket
Gate Bearing
SXL Operating
Ring Wear Pad

SXL Segmented Shaft Seals

Thorseal Thorpak

HPSXL TRAXL
Lower Wicket Gate
Bearing with Thorseal

Kaplan Turbine
Runner Blade
Stem Seals

6 7
 Typical Francis Turbine Applications Typical Kaplan Turbine Applications
SXL Water Lubricated
Main Shaft Guide
Thorseal
Bearing
Hydraulic GM2401 Segmented
Seal and Main Shaft Guide HPSXL TRAXL HPSXL TRAXL
Thorwipers Bearing Linkage Bearings Upper Wicket Gate
HPSXL TRAXL and Thrust Washers Bearing with
Servomotor Bearing Thrust Flange
and Thrust Washers
HPSXL TRAXL
Middle Wicket
Gate Bearing
SXL Operating
Ring Wear Pad

SXL Segmented Shaft Seals

Thorseal Thorpak

HPSXL TRAXL
Lower Wicket Gate
Bearing with Thorseal

Kaplan Turbine
Runner Blade
Stem Seals

6 7
Segmented Shaft Seals
Tough, abrasion resistant Thordon SXL
segmented shaft seals provide
extended wear life and reduced life
cycle costs compared to carbon
graphite-based seals. Thordon shaft
seals are supplied molded to size.
Wicket Gate
Thrust Bearings
Thordon HPSXL gate thrust collar
bearings eliminate the greasing
system required with conventional
designs. Elastomeric HPSXL’s inherent
resilience and low coefficient of
friction ensures smooth gate
operation with no stick slip. Thordon
typically incorporates the thrust
bearing into the upper head cover
bearing by polymerizing HPSXL onto a
flange on the bearing, but separate
thrust bearings can also be supplied.
Butterfly Valve Seals
and Trunnion Bearings
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. Thordon HPSXL
TRAXL valve trunnion bearings operate
8 9
smoothly and easily, without grease
lubrication, as a result of HPSXL’s low
coefficient of friction.
Screen Bearings and
Wear Pads
Resilient, and highly resistant to
abrasion, Thordon SXL is an obvious
choice for the shaft bearings and wear
pads used in travelling and stationary
screens. Non-corroding Thordon
bearings offer extended wear life and
eliminate the maintenance, cost and
pollution risk associated with grease
lubrication. In some of the higher
pressure locations, such as the upper
shaft of travelling screens, HPSXL may
be recommended due to its higher
pressure capabilities.
Pump Bearings
Non-polluting Thordon water-
lubricated pump bearings offer dry-
start capabilities, long wear life, low
friction and superior resistance to
abrasive wear. Available in three
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, Thordon
pump bearings
often outperform
rubber bearings
by a factor of
two or more
in abrasive
conditions. Not limited to a range of
standard production sizes or by shelf
life, 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.
Thordon bearings are the proven choice
for value and performance in water-
lubricated pump bearing applications.
A separate brochure fully outlining the
performance benefits and application
of Thordon pump bearings is available.
Control Gate Bearings
Supplied in ball and socket, or bushing
and pad configurations for 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 control
gate operation.
Wicket Gate and
Operating Mechanism
Seals
To prevent contamination of hard-to-
reach wicket gate 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.
Hydraulic/Pneumatic
Seals
In servo-motor and other
hydraulic/pneumatic applications, high
performance, tough Thorseal 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. Available as a single ring
U-cup (Thorseal), rod wiper
(Thorwiper), piston cup with
reinforcing centre disc (Thorcup) and
nested V-ring chevron configuration
(Thorpak), Thorseals are not only
available in a wide range of standard
sizes, but can also be quickly machined
to custom size requirements up to 1.5
m (60”) in diameter.
Kaplan Turbine Runner
Blade Stem Seals
Taking advantage of the 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
and the inner seal lip stops oil from
leaking out of the hub into the
environment. The Thorseal design is
easy to install, resists distortion
during blade positioning and the
modified lip design allows for positive
sealing under significantly more blade
droop than 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.
Segmented Shaft Seals
Tough, abrasion resistant Thordon SXL
segmented shaft seals provide
extended wear life and reduced life
cycle costs compared to carbon
graphite-based seals. Thordon shaft
seals are supplied molded to size.
Wicket Gate
Thrust Bearings
Thordon HPSXL gate thrust collar
bearings eliminate the greasing
system required with conventional
designs. Elastomeric HPSXL’s inherent
resilience and low coefficient of
friction ensures smooth gate
operation with no stick slip. Thordon
typically incorporates the thrust
bearing into the upper head cover
bearing by polymerizing HPSXL onto a
flange on the bearing, but separate
thrust bearings can also be supplied.
Butterfly Valve Seals
and Trunnion Bearings
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. Thordon HPSXL
TRAXL valve trunnion bearings operate
8 9
smoothly and easily, without grease
lubrication, as a result of HPSXL’s low
coefficient of friction.
Screen Bearings and
Wear Pads
Resilient, and highly resistant to
abrasion, Thordon SXL is an obvious
choice for the shaft bearings and wear
pads used in travelling and stationary
screens. Non-corroding Thordon
bearings offer extended wear life and
eliminate the maintenance, cost and
pollution risk associated with grease
lubrication. In some of the higher
pressure locations, such as the upper
shaft of travelling screens, HPSXL may
be recommended due to its higher
pressure capabilities.
Pump Bearings
Non-polluting Thordon water-
lubricated pump bearings offer dry-
start capabilities, long wear life, low
friction and superior resistance to
abrasive wear. Available in three
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, Thordon
pump bearings
often outperform
rubber bearings
by a factor of
two or more
in abrasive
conditions. Not limited to a range of
standard production sizes or by shelf
life, 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.
Thordon bearings are the proven choice
for value and performance in water-
lubricated pump bearing applications.
A separate brochure fully outlining the
performance benefits and application
of Thordon pump bearings is available.
Control Gate Bearings
Supplied in ball and socket, or bushing
and pad configurations for 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 control
gate operation.
Wicket Gate and
Operating Mechanism
Seals
To prevent contamination of hard-to-
reach wicket gate 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.
Hydraulic/Pneumatic
Seals
In servo-motor and other
hydraulic/pneumatic applications, high
performance, tough Thorseal 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. Available as a single ring
U-cup (Thorseal), rod wiper
(Thorwiper), piston cup with
reinforcing centre disc (Thorcup) and
nested V-ring chevron configuration
(Thorpak), Thorseals are not only
available in a wide range of standard
sizes, but can also be quickly machined
to custom size requirements up to 1.5
m (60”) in diameter.
Kaplan Turbine Runner
Blade Stem Seals
Taking advantage of the 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
and the inner seal lip stops oil from
leaking out of the hub into the
environment. The Thorseal design is
easy to install, resists distortion
during blade positioning and the
modified lip design allows for positive
sealing under significantly more blade
droop than 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.

Thordon Bearings Offer These
Proven Operator Benefits
Long Wear Life
References from over 25 years
experience supplying main guide,
pump, wicket gate, operating
mechanism and a variety of bearings
for other hydro-turbine applications
have proven that Thordon bearings
provide long wear life, often
significantly longer than the bearings
they replace.
In the standardized US Army Corps of
Engineers tests simulating over 15
years of normal turbine operation
conducted by Powertech Labs, Thordon
HPSXL TRAXL operating dry showed
virtually zero wear. Bearing journal
wear was also very low.
Low Friction
Thordon bearings exhibit very low
coefficients of friction. The in-use
coefficient of friction of HPSXL
operating dry or wet is typically in a
range from 0.06 to 0.12 while SXL
ranges from 0.08 to 0.15. More
importantly, the difference between the
static and dynamic coefficients of
friction is low, ensuring that “stick-slip”
will not be a problem. A low bearing
Greased operating mechanism before
installation of Thordon TRAXL bearings.
10
coefficient of friction is essential for the
smooth and reliable operation of
hydro-turbine and related power plant
operating mechanisms.
High Abrasion Resistance
Superior wear life, when operating in
third party abrasives, is a consequence
of Thordon’s elastomeric nature.
Thordon tends to deflect, and then
reject, abrasive particles allowing them
to pass through the bearings. Typically,
other non-metallic bearings tend to
deform plastically, allowing the
abrasive particles to bed into the
bearing surface, creating a permanent
abrasive against the shaft.
Sizing Flexibility –
Easily Machined
Thordon bearings are typically
supplied finish machined to the
customer’s specifications, however,
due to dimensional uncertainties, they
can also be supplied with ID and OD
overbuild and easily machined on site
to the exact sizes required.
Dimensional inconsistencies, or issues
with misalignment, that can cause
problems for standard-sized bearings,
Operating mechanism after installation
of Thordon TRAXL bearings.
Thordon GM2401 segmented main shaft
guide bearings for 2390mm (94”) shaft
at Kranoyarskaya Power Plant, Russia.
are easily resolved by supplying
Thordon bearings in a semi-finished
form and machining on site. Optimum
alignment and clearances for
“problem” turbines are easily ensured.
A free machining elastomer, Thordon
contains no asbestos or other
hazardous materials, machines cleanly
and does not produce nuisance dust
during machining.
Pollution Free
Thordon polymer bearings are
specially formulated with friction and
wear reducing additives to provide
smooth operation and long wear life
without the use of grease or other
lubricants. Any risk of pollution is
eliminated. The lubricant additives are
dispersed evenly through the
homogeneous polymer structure. This
ensures the lubricant is always
available at the bearing surface to
maintain a lubricant transfer film as
the bearing wears. Some bearing
designs, such as metallic bearings
with lubricant plugs, installed in a
turbine application may not
experience sufficient shaft rotation to
fully disperse the lubricants and
galling or binding may result.
Accommodates Edge
Loading
Elastomeric Thordon bearings perform
well under edge loading conditions
created by minor misalignment or
component deflection. Thordon
deflects slightly, effectively spreading
the load, reducing the unit pressure
and eliminating the potential for
galling on the loaded edge.
High Resilience/Impact
Resistance
Elastomeric Thordon bearings exhibit a
Modulus of Resilience over 20 times
greater than bronze, and several times
greater than other common non-
metallic bearings. As a result, Thordon
bearings can absorb impact loads
encountered during operation to a
much greater degree than bronze or
other non-metallic bearings. Tensile Extensive reference lists by application
strength, although one of the key
References
are available from Thordon Bearings.
indicators in defining a material’s With over 25 years experience
physical properties, is of less supplying main shaft guide, pump, Wet or Dry Operation
importance in selecting an optimum wicket gate and operating mechanism
Thordon bearings perform well
radial bearing. bearings to the global hydro-turbine
operating either dry, or immersed in
industry, environmentally-friendly
I M PAC T R E S I S TA N C E CO M PA R I S O N water. Lubrication is not required for
Thordon is the proven choice for
Thordon bearings operating dry.
performance and value in both
Hardened Journals
Higher Tensile Strength rehabilitation and new turbine projects.
Not Required
Lower Tensile Strength
Hard journals are required for hard
STRESS
R1
bearings. With Thordon bearings,
R2
standard 304 or 316 grade unhardened
stainless steel journals or pins
machined to 0.8 µM (32 µinches) or
STRAIN better surface roughness are adequate.
The Modulus of Resilience of a material is the
area under the elastic portion of the
Polymer Lip Seals
stress/strain curve. This graph illustrates why
a high tensile strength material has a much High quality Thorseal lip seals are
lower resilience (R1), than a lower tensile recommended for sealing HPSXL TRAXL
strength material with higher resilience (R2). bearings in applications where third
particle abrasives are encountered,
RESILIENCE COMPARISON Kaplan runner blade stem seals and
MATERIAL Yield Stress Modulus of Modulus of servo-motor and other conventional
Elasticity Resilience hydraulic/pneumatic seal applications.
psi MPa psi MPa psi MPa Formulated from a tough, high strength
Thordon SXL 3,500 24.1 88,000 608.0 306.0 2.11 polymer with internal lubricants,
Bronze C93200 20,000 138.0 14.5 x 106
100 x 10 3
13.8 0.10 Thorseals provide effective sealing, low
friction and long life.
11

Thordon Bearings Offer These
Proven Operator Benefits
Long Wear Life
References from over 25 years
experience supplying main guide,
pump, wicket gate, operating
mechanism and a variety of bearings
for other hydro-turbine applications
have proven that Thordon bearings
provide long wear life, often
significantly longer than the bearings
they replace.
In the standardized US Army Corps of
Engineers tests simulating over 15
years of normal turbine operation
conducted by Powertech Labs, Thordon
HPSXL TRAXL operating dry showed
virtually zero wear. Bearing journal
wear was also very low.
Low Friction
Thordon bearings exhibit very low
coefficients of friction. The in-use
coefficient of friction of HPSXL
operating dry or wet is typically in a
range from 0.06 to 0.12 while SXL
ranges from 0.08 to 0.15. More
importantly, the difference between the
static and dynamic coefficients of
friction is low, ensuring that “stick-slip”
will not be a problem. A low bearing
Greased operating mechanism before
installation of Thordon TRAXL bearings.
10
coefficient of friction is essential for the
smooth and reliable operation of
hydro-turbine and related power plant
operating mechanisms.
High Abrasion Resistance
Superior wear life, when operating in
third party abrasives, is a consequence
of Thordon’s elastomeric nature.
Thordon tends to deflect, and then
reject, abrasive particles allowing them
to pass through the bearings. Typically,
other non-metallic bearings tend to
deform plastically, allowing the
abrasive particles to bed into the
bearing surface, creating a permanent
abrasive against the shaft.
Sizing Flexibility –
Easily Machined
Thordon bearings are typically
supplied finish machined to the
customer’s specifications, however,
due to dimensional uncertainties, they
can also be supplied with ID and OD
overbuild and easily machined on site
to the exact sizes required.
Dimensional inconsistencies, or issues
with misalignment, that can cause
problems for standard-sized bearings,
Operating mechanism after installation
of Thordon TRAXL bearings.
Thordon GM2401 segmented main shaft
guide bearings for 2390mm (94”) shaft
at Kranoyarskaya Power Plant, Russia.
are easily resolved by supplying
Thordon bearings in a semi-finished
form and machining on site. Optimum
alignment and clearances for
“problem” turbines are easily ensured.
A free machining elastomer, Thordon
contains no asbestos or other
hazardous materials, machines cleanly
and does not produce nuisance dust
during machining.
Pollution Free
Thordon polymer bearings are
specially formulated with friction and
wear reducing additives to provide
smooth operation and long wear life
without the use of grease or other
lubricants. Any risk of pollution is
eliminated. The lubricant additives are
dispersed evenly through the
homogeneous polymer structure. This
ensures the lubricant is always
available at the bearing surface to
maintain a lubricant transfer film as
the bearing wears. Some bearing
designs, such as metallic bearings
with lubricant plugs, installed in a
turbine application may not
experience sufficient shaft rotation to
fully disperse the lubricants and
galling or binding may result.
Accommodates Edge
Loading
Elastomeric Thordon bearings perform
well under edge loading conditions
created by minor misalignment or
component deflection. Thordon
deflects slightly, effectively spreading
the load, reducing the unit pressure
and eliminating the potential for
galling on the loaded edge.
High Resilience/Impact
Resistance
Elastomeric Thordon bearings exhibit a
Modulus of Resilience over 20 times
greater than bronze, and several times
greater than other common non-
metallic bearings. As a result, Thordon
bearings can absorb impact loads
encountered during operation to a
much greater degree than bronze or
other non-metallic bearings. Tensile Extensive reference lists by application
strength, although one of the key
References
are available from Thordon Bearings.
indicators in defining a material’s With over 25 years experience
physical properties, is of less supplying main shaft guide, pump, Wet or Dry Operation
importance in selecting an optimum wicket gate and operating mechanism
Thordon bearings perform well
radial bearing. bearings to the global hydro-turbine
operating either dry, or immersed in
industry, environmentally-friendly
I M PAC T R E S I S TA N C E CO M PA R I S O N water. Lubrication is not required for
Thordon is the proven choice for
Thordon bearings operating dry.
performance and value in both
Hardened Journals
Higher Tensile Strength rehabilitation and new turbine projects.
Not Required
Lower Tensile Strength
Hard journals are required for hard
STRESS
R1
bearings. With Thordon bearings,
R2
standard 304 or 316 grade unhardened
stainless steel journals or pins
machined to 0.8 µM (32 µinches) or
STRAIN better surface roughness are adequate.
The Modulus of Resilience of a material is the
area under the elastic portion of the
Polymer Lip Seals
stress/strain curve. This graph illustrates why
a high tensile strength material has a much High quality Thorseal lip seals are
lower resilience (R1), than a lower tensile recommended for sealing HPSXL TRAXL
strength material with higher resilience (R2). bearings in applications where third
particle abrasives are encountered,
RESILIENCE COMPARISON Kaplan runner blade stem seals and
MATERIAL Yield Stress Modulus of Modulus of servo-motor and other conventional
Elasticity Resilience hydraulic/pneumatic seal applications.
psi MPa psi MPa psi MPa Formulated from a tough, high strength
Thordon SXL 3,500 24.1 88,000 608.0 306.0 2.11 polymer with internal lubricants,
Bronze C93200 20,000 138.0 14.5 x 106
100 x 10 3
13.8 0.10 Thorseals provide effective sealing, low
friction and long life.
11
 Customer Focused To Support
Your Immediate and Future needs
Supply and Service: Geared to provide
quick response to customer needs,
Thordon Bearings understands the
importance of quick delivery and reduced
down time. Thordon hydro-turbine bearing
systems can be designed, produced to the
exact requirements of the customer and
shipped quickly.
Distribution: With Thordon bearings
specified all around the world, an extensive
distribution network has been established
in over 70 countries. Inventories of common
bearing sizes are stocked by local Thordon
Distributors and are backed up by large
regional and head office Thordon stocks.
Application Engineering: Thordon
Bearing’s engineers work closely with
customers to provide innovative bearing
system designs that meet or exceed the
technical requirements of the application.
3225 Mainway, Burlington, Ontario L7M 1A6 Canada
TBIH 03/03 4000 BC
Manufacturing: Thordon’s modern polymer refinements, but ensures quality and
processing facility is staffed with performance after installation. Our polymer
experienced and dedicated employees. laboratory evaluates new and modified
Bearings up to 2.2 m (86") in diameter have polymers in a continuing quest to improve
been supplied and bearings up to 1.5 m (60") Thordon bearing performance and search for
O.D. have been machined in-house. new polymer bearing solutions.
Quality: Thordon Bearings Inc. is a Canadian
company manufacturing to ISO 9001:2000
Quality System requirements. With over 30
years experience in elastomeric bearing
design, application engineering and
manufacturing, Thordon hydro-turbine
bearings are recognized worldwide for both
quality and performance.
Research and Development: Thordon
bearings are being continuously tested by
our Bearing Test Facility. The Facility
evaluates new designs and applications
before they are put into service. Ongoing
testing not only allows for design www.thordonbearings.com
HYDRO-TURBINE BEARINGS
Your local Thordon Distributor
ISO 9001:2000
Tel: (905) 335-1440 Fax: (905) 335-4033 CGSB
Registration #93649
E-mail info@thordonbearings.com PRINTED IN CANADA