Thordon Turbine Guide Bearing Still Running Clean In Washington After 18 Years In Service

In Washington State, a Thordon COMPAC bearing and Water Quality Package installed at the Russell D. Smith Power Station near Othello have been in operation for 17 years without any measurable wear or maintenance needs. The installation, commissioned in 1982, was originally designed to generate power throughout the year based on irrigation water demand in the Columbia Basin.

In 2007, the Thordon solution replaced a previously installed grease-lubricated white metal bearing that frequently required replacement due to abrasive wear. The Thordon COMPAC bearing supports a horizontal Tampella turbine and is part of an advanced water quality package that effectively removes abrasive particles from the irrigation canal water without the need for costly filter cartridges.

Unlike traditional bearings that rely on oil or grease lubrication and are sensitive to contaminants, Thordon's COMPAC polymer bearing uses water as its only lubricant, creating a hydrodynamic film between the shaft and bearing. The 18-year inspection reveals that the bearing continues to operate as designed, demonstrating the long-term reliability and maintenance-free performance of Thordon products.

Todd Terry, president of Pacific Marine Equipment, described the project as an example of clean, grease-free technology delivering quiet, efficient, and uninterrupted performance, offering utilities the long-service functionality they seek when evaluating aging infrastructure technologies.