Sealing large hydro turbine shafts from 400mm up to 2000+mm (16 up to 80 in.) diameter can be a maintenance challenge for power plant operators. Typically, turbine seals consist of two or three sets of stacked segmented carbon rings that can be difficult to install without breakage and can be subject to relatively short life if misaligned or subjected to abrasives.
Since its first shaft seal installation in 1982 at the Manapouri Power Station in New Zealand, Thordon Bearings has compiled a history of segmented shaft seal installations. In 2003, Thordon embarked on a program to further optimize it's segmented shaft seal design utilizing its proprietary SXL material. SXL is formulated using a tough elastomeric synthetic polymer alloy offering ease of installation, high natural abrasion resistance and good sealing performance.
Thordon Bearings Inc. is a leading supplier of high performance, oil and grease free bearings and seals to the global hydro-turbine, pump, marine and industrial markets. Thordon Bearings has a worldwide customer service network in over 70 countries.