In active magnetic bearings, electromagnets generate forces in radial and axial directions to levitate the shaft, allowing it to rotate contact-free. A control system actively monitors and continuously adjusts the current in the electromagnets to maintain shaft position. This means that active magnetic bearings can operate without surface contact, thus eliminating bearing friction and wear and the need for lubrication, repair or bearing changes.

These characteristics make magnetic bearings particularly beneficial in energy, oil and gas applications in harsh environments. Many operate in the world’s most punishing environments, from Saudi Arabian deserts to North Sea platforms and Siberian fields above the Arctic Circle.

“Our magnetic bearings are currently running in over 750 turbo expanders, 200 stand-alone compressors and 150 hermetically sealed compressors around the world,” says Alexandre Kral, business development oil and gas, SKF. “They can also be found in gas turbines, generators, pump applications and much more.”

The only truly viable solution

When it comes to hermetically sealed compressors, magnetic bearings are the only truly viable solution because they don’t require dry gas seals. “With magnetic bearings you create a magnetic field so there is no touching of parts or mechanical wear,” Kral explains.

The lack of mechanical wear virtually eliminates stoppages. In onshore/offshore applications, only the magnetic bearing controller needs maintenance, and since it is largely made up of electronics, fans and filters, there is much less equipment to maintain. Another advantage with magnetic bearings is that the controller is more compact than with the standard oil lubrication system. This too is advantageous, particularly in tight spots such as platforms, floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units or in remote areas.

Substantial reduction in energy consumption

In addition, magnetic bearings are cleaner than oil bearings, as they eliminate the need for a complex oil lubrication system, including piping to the oil reservoir, filtering and cooling. This contributes to a substantial reduction in energy consumption. “Magnetic bearings consume about 10 times less power than oil bearings,” says Kral. “There is also less data to follow up on due to less equipment. And with less equipment you don’t need as much space.”

Magnetic bearings consume about 10 times less power than oil bearings.Alexandre Kral, business development oil and gas, SKF

Yet despite all these advantages, Kral has witnessed hesitation when it comes to making the shift to magnetic bearings from more traditional oil bearings. One objection is that the initial cost of using magnetic bearings is higher.

“Some people think magnetic bearings are more expensive, and it’s true that the mechanical parts, the cabinet and maybe the machine design cost a little more,” Kral says. “But you easily erase this cost difference with the simplification of the installation of the machine on site. The machine will also have a smaller footprint with less weight. This saves costs by reducing the need to build structures, such as on an offshore platform. In parallel there’s a huge OPEX advantage due to less measuring, less equipment, no mechanical wear and higher availability.”

Following the Åsgard subsea project, SKF and its partners are putting the magnetic bearings to the test again. “With a five-year positive return, the Åsgard project has proven its efficacy,” says Kral.