Thordon’s SXL pump bearings were recently selected for use with variable frequency drives on cooling water pumps installed at the Superdome in New Orleans, Lousiana.
The abrupt start and stop was tough on the pumps which led to the Superdome’s decision to opt for the variable frequency drives. The slow start and lack of consistent shaft speed with the VFDs led to increased periods of dry running causing the strain and eventual failure of the existing pump bearings.
The Superdome needed a replacement bearing material that could be customised to fit the current pump design. Thordon’s SXL pump bearings were selected because of their dry start up capabilities and abrasion resistance. “Keeping the pumps running consistently and the stadium cool was our number one goal,” said Jim Bright, sales manager at Thordon Bearings.
Axel Swanson, business development manager, added: “SXL is used extensively in over 80 countries. In this application, SXL’s dry start up capability was vital. The Superdome was able to increase the efficiency of the pump with the variable frequency drives and lower their lifecycle costs with the SXL bearings.”
