Industries / Hydro
Maximize Uptime. Minimize Maintenance.
The World’s Most Durable Water-Lubricated Bearings, Proven in Hydroelectric Applications for Over a Century.
The Challenge
Keeping Hydroelectric Plants Running at Peak Efficiency
Hydroelectric power plants face demanding operating conditions. Turbine bearings are subjected to constant high loads, vibration, and potential exposure to abrasive particles. Traditional bearing materials often struggle to withstand these challenges, leading to:
- Unplanned Downtime: Costly outages due to bearing failures or premature wear.
- Frequent Maintenance: Expensive and time-consuming bearing replacements and repairs.
- Oil Leakage Risks: Environmental concerns and potential regulatory penalties related to oil and water conversions.
- Performance Degradation: Reduced turbine efficiency due to bearing friction or wear.
Lignum Vitae water-lubricated bearings offer a proven, sustainable solution to these challenges, delivering unmatched durability, reliability, and performance.
The Lignum Vitae Advantage
Unmatched Performance for Hydroelectric Turbines
Decades of Service Life
Documented to outlast composite materials by up to 4X, significantly reducing replacement frequency. Lignum Vitae bearings are renowned for their exceptional durability, proven to last for decades in continuous hydro service.
100% Oil-Free and Environmentally Safe
The resin in Lignum Vitae makes it highly resistant to water, decay, and insects. This eliminates the need for leaky oil lubrication systems, and keeps it NSF/ANSI 61 certified for potable water contact. PFAS Free.
Minimize Maintenance, Maximize Uptime
The self-lubricating properties and exceptional wear resistance of Lignum Vitae dramatically reduce maintenance requirements. Longer replacement intervals mean less downtime and increased plant productivity.
Engineered for Demanding Loads
Lignum Vitae bearings can withstand the extreme loads and vibrations inherent in hydroelectric turbine operation. Its high compressive strength and natural resilience ensure reliable performance under pressure.
Eliminate Shaft Scoring
With a Janka hardness rating of 4,390 lbf, Lignum Vitae is as hard as aluminum yet retains the properties of wood. This makes it steel friendly and it will not score or damage your shaft.
Natural Lubricant
The self-lubricating efficiency comes from the natural guaiac resins that are released when warmed through friction. This gives the unique ability to operate with mixed mode lubrication properties – both direct and hydrodynamic.
Comprehensive Services for Your Hydro Plant
What Our Customers Say
“It has been more than a year since the new Lignum Vitae bearings were installed. Both Units 4 and 6 are still running at their designed normal runout of about 3 to 4 mils, which is well under the 20 to 30 mil excessive limit, and there has been no need for a bearing adjustment.”
Phil Thompson, Ameren Osage
Explore Technical Resources
Engineering Manual
Access our comprehensive guide to designing and implementing Lignum Vitae in hydro applications.
Ready to Upgrade Your Hydro Plant with Lignum Vitae?
Join other industries leaders and install the original, longest-lasting choice.
