One of decade's most significant advances in centrifugal compressor bearing technology has been introduced within the past year for large-tonnage refrigeration and gas-compression applications. Harnessing the forces of electromagnetism to levitate the compressor's rotor, thereby eliminating the need for traditional oil-film lubrication and mechanical bearing contact, the technology also reduces vibration and associated parasitic loads significantly.
The innovation brings together two mature designs: the S2M ActidyneR magnetic bearing system; and the York International (York, PA) multistage centrifugal model "M" compressor.