To address the vibration issue caused by the rubbing between the floating oil ring and the shaft in the thrust bearing of the steam turbine, the working principle, working characteristics, leakage rate, and structural relationship of the floating oil ring were analyzed. The results revealed that the clearance between the floating oil ring and the shaft at the oil inlet was reasonably arranged, allowing the floating oil ring to operate freely without jamming. However, the upper assembly gap between the floating oil ring and the shaft at the outlet was relatively small, and the anti-rotation adjusting pressure plate and bush groove upper and side clearances were insufficient. Consequently, the running oil ring, which was clamped on the shaft, could not float freely, resulting in high vibration caused by rubbing. After optimizing the design, the clearance of the floating oil ring at the oil inlet and the upper part and side of the groove of the anti-rotation adjusting pressure plate and tile sleeve was adjusted to 0.10 mm to 0.30 mm, and the floating oil ring was lifted and installed to ensure free floating without rubbing. Additionally, the assembly clearance should be controlled at 0.05 mm, and the clearance between the top of the floating oil ring and the shaft should be maintained at 0.55~0.76 mm to ensure that the floating oil ring operates stably. The vertical deviation of flatness is also limited to no more than 0.03 mm. The results show that by addressing the free-floating clearance of the floating oil ring and correcting the alignment deviation, the rubbing issue between the floating oil ring and the shaft is effectively resolved. This study provides a reference for solving vibration problems in the thrust bearing of steam turbines caused by floating oil ring rubbing.

vibration  /  floating  /  oil film  /  leakage