Author: Bruce R. Fabijonas
Proceedings of the 22nd Tribo‑Pprime Workshop (2023)

A Review of Thrust Bearings Used in Rotary Air Preheaters examines the unique challenges of thrust bearing operation in rotary regenerative air preheaters, where bearings are subjected to very high axial loads at extremely low rotational speeds. The paper reviews Kingsbury’s long experience with thrust bearings in these applications, where large diameters, minimal oil film thickness, and mixed‑lubrication conditions place significant demands on bearing design, lubrication, and monitoring. It discusses historical design approaches, performance predictions, and operational considerations, showing how properly selected hydrodynamic thrust bearings can achieve reliable long‑term operation despite conditions that fall well outside typical fluid‑film bearing regimes. Read more.