Hawkins Electrical Guide v. 05 (of 10) / Questions, Answers, & Illustrations, A progressive course of study for engineers, electricians, students and those desiring to acquire a working knowledge of electricity and its applications

by N. Hawkins

Ques. How do they compare?

Ans. The vertical type requires less floor space than the horizontal design, and while a step bearing is necessary to carry the weight of the moving element, there is very little friction in the main bearings.

The horizontal machine, while it occupies more space, does not require a step bearing.

Ques. Describe a step bearing.

Ans. It consists of two cylindrical cast iron plates bearing upon each other and having a central recess between them into which lubricating oil is forced under considerable pressure by a steam or electrically driven pump, the oil passing up from beneath.

Ques. What auxiliary is generally used in connection with a step bearing?

Ans. A weighted accumulator is sometimes installed in

Fig. 1,445.—5,000 kw. Curtis turbine alternators installed for the New York Central R. R. at Yonkers, N. Y. The illustration shows also the auxiliary apparatus consisting of condensers, vacuum augmenters, circulating pumps, air pumps, etc. The augmenter of the first machine is plainly seen between the condenser and centrifugal circulating pump.