Centrifugal compressors operate as challenging machines which require precise control because they need to run at their high speed for extended periods while handling different temperature conditions.
Plants experience major production setbacks because their operations face interruptions from even brief periods of equipment downtime. For this reason, every component inside a centrifugal compressor is selected with care, and bearings sit high on that priority list.
Despite the availability of newer materials and bearing designs, white metal bearings continue to be widely used in centrifugal compressors across oil and gas installations, petrochemical units, power plants, refineries, and other process-driven industries.
Their continued use is not driven by habit. It is driven by performance that has been tested repeatedly in real operating environments.
White metal bearings have earned their reputation through a combination of material behavior, predictable wear characteristics, and decades of field experience. This article explains why white metal bearings for centrifugal compressors remain a dependable choice, how they perform inside the machine, and what qualities define a capable bearing manufacturer such as Metatek Engineering.
Understanding the Role of Bearings in Centrifugal Compressors
The fundamental design of every centrifugal compressor uses a rotating impeller that generates increased gas pressure through its controlled operation at high speeds. The rotor needs to maintain correct alignment while operating without any unstable conditions to sustain efficient performance. Bearings make this possible.
The bearings support the rotor shaft while they control its movement and absorb both radial and axial forces, which enables smooth high-speed rotation. The onset of bearing failure leads to major operational problems. Common outcomes include:
Shaft misalignment
- Shaft misalignment
- Abnormal vibration levels
- Rapid temperature rise
- Rotor seizure
- Unplanned compressor shutdown
These issues often escalate quickly. That is why centrifugal compressors require bearings that can carry sustained loads, tolerate small irregularities, and resist fatigue over long operating cycles.
What Are White Metal Bearings?
White metal bearings, often referred to as Babbitt bearings, consist of a soft alloy lining bonded to a steel or cast iron backing shell. The alloy typically contains tin, lead, antimony, and copper in controlled proportions.
What sets white metal apart is its softness. While this may seem counterintuitive, it is precisely this property that protects the shaft. In the event of brief lubrication issues or the presence of fine contaminants, the bearing surface yields instead of damaging the rotating shaft.
This forgiving behavior is one of the main reasons white metal bearings continue to be used in high-speed rotating equipment such as centrifugal compressors.
Why White Metal Bearings Are Well Suited for Centrifugal Compressors
- Stable Load Handling at High Speeds
Centrifugal compressors usually run at a lot of revolutions per minute, like thousands. This can be a problem because the load on the compressors can get too much in one spot, and that can hurt the bearings really fast. The white metal bearings in the compressors are good because they spread the load out evenly across the surface that the centrifugal compressors’ bearings touch, which reduces the stress on the centrifugal compressors and helps them run smoothly.
The oil film in these things is really good at staying consistent, even when they are moving fast. This helps the rotor move smoothly. It also helps to keep the pressure working well. The ability of the oil film to do this is very important because it supports the motion of the rotor, and it helps maintain the pressure efficiency of the oil film.
- Protection Against Contamination and Minor Misalignment
When things are actually being used, the systems that keep machines lubricated are not always working the way they should. Tiny bits of dirt and stuff can still get into the oil even if it is filtered. The white metal bearings are really good at catching these particles, so they do not damage the shaft. They just soak them up into their surface. This is better than letting the particles scratch or lock up the shaft. White metal bearings are very useful because they can handle these particles.
This thing helps to stop problems from happening all of a sudden. It also gives us an extra safety when we are running the compressor. The compressor operation is what we are talking about here. This characteristic is good for the compressor operation.
- Compatibility with Oil Lubrication Systems
Most centrifugal compressors need oil to keep them running smoothly. The bearings in these compressors are usually made of white metal. This white metal is really good for compressors because it helps the oil do its job when the centrifugal compressor is working normally. When the centrifugal compressor is starting up or shutting down, the white metal bearings are okay even if the oil is not working perfectly.
The oil film is like a shield that protects the metal surfaces. It stops them from touching each other when they are moving. This oil film is really important because it prevents the metal surfaces from getting damaged. The oil film acts as a barrier for the moving metal surfaces so they do not wear out quickly.
- Heat Management During Continuous Operation
When things spin around fast, they get hot. This is especially true when they have to keep spinning for a time. The white metal alloys that are used in these things are very good at getting rid of heat. They help the heat move away from the part where the spinning happens and into the casing. This is important, for the bearing surface and the white metal alloys do a job of conducting heat.
This helps keep operating temperatures within acceptable limits and protects both the bearing and the shaft from thermal stress.
Common Types of White Metal Bearings in Centrifugal Compressors
Journal Bearings
Journal bearings support radial loads and are widely used in centrifugal compressors. When lined with white metal, they provide smooth rotation and help control vibration during continuous operation.
Thrust Bearings
Axial forces develop inside centrifugal compressors due to pressure differences across the impeller. White metal thrust bearings are designed to handle these forces and prevent unwanted axial movement of the shaft.
Tilting Pad Bearings
In higher-duty applications, tilting pad white metal bearings are often selected. These bearings adjust to load changes and improve stability, particularly in compressors operating at higher speeds or variable conditions.
Manufacturing Quality and Its Impact on Bearing Performance
White metal bearings perform only as well as they are manufactured. Differences in alloy composition, bonding quality, and machining accuracy directly affect service life.
Key factors that influence reliability include:
- Selecting the correct alloy for the operating load and speed
- Maintaining uniform lining thickness
- Achieving strong bonding between the white metal and the backing shell
- Machining accurate internal clearances
- Inspecting for voids, cracks, or inconsistencies
Metatek Engineering applies controlled manufacturing practices to ensure that each bearing meets performance expectations in real operating conditions.
Why Metatek Engineering Is a Reliable White Metal Bearing Manufacturer
Metatek Engineering focuses on white metal bearings for centrifugal compressors, supplying industries where operational reliability is essential.
Application-Based Design
Rather than relying on standard sizes, bearings are designed based on actual operating data, including shaft dimensions, load calculations, rotational speed, lubrication method, and temperature range. This approach reduces the risk of premature failure.
Controlled Lining Processes
The white metal lining process is closely monitored to ensure correct alloy composition, sound bonding, and consistent structure. This attention to detail helps bearings perform reliably during long service periods.
Precision Machining and Inspection
Each bearing is machined to tight tolerances and inspected for dimensional accuracy and surface finish before delivery. This ensures compatibility with centrifugal compressor assemblies.
Typical Applications of White Metal Bearings
White metal bearings manufactured by Metatek Engineering are used in:
- Oil and gas compression systems
- Petrochemical processing units
- Fertilizer and chemical plants
- Power generation turbines and compressors
- Refinery process compressors
- Industrial gas handling equipment
They are suitable for both new installations and replacement or refurbishment work.
Maintenance and Repair Benefits
One practical advantage of white metal bearings is their repairability. Unlike rolling element bearings, white metal bearings can be re-lined and reused. This reduces downtime and lowers long-term maintenance costs.
For heavy-duty centrifugal compressors, this repair option often proves more economical over the equipment’s life cycle.
Choosing the Right White Metal Bearing
Selecting the correct bearing involves understanding:
- Operating speed and load
- Shaft material and surface condition
- Temperature range
- Lubrication system characteristics
- Duty cycle and operating hours
Metatek Engineering helps customers figure out the bearing design for the way they will actually be using it, instead of just guessing based on theories. They want to make sure the bearing design is a fit for what the customer really needs, so Metatek Engineering works with customers to get it just right. This means the bearing design, from Metatek Engineering, is based on the conditions that the bearing will be used in, not just what someone thinks might happen.
Final Thoughts
Centrifugal compressors need bearings that work well when they are moving fast, carrying a heavy load, and getting very hot. People still use White metal bearings because they keep the safe, they can handle the tough conditions that centrifugal compressors are used in, and they always seem to perform the same way over time. Centrifugal compressors really need bearings, like White metal bearings, to work properly.
For operators looking for dependable, long-term solutions, Metatek Engineering’s white metal bearings for centrifugal compressors reflect a balance of engineering discipline, manufacturing control, and practical industry understanding.
