API 610 Bearing system life --- is it a requirement or option?

[billbusy]

For my current pumps, the bearing L10h just meets the API 610 requirement for max loads situation per 6.10.1.5.

But there are something about bearing system life per 6.10.1.6, which concerns me.

1. I am not sure if this section is a requirement or option, as there is a statement: "If specified, the bearing system life calculations shall be furnished."

2. If it is a requirement, should I use single bearing life or bearing pair life (for my case, tandem arrangement for thrust bearings) for the Bearing system life calculation? (Per 6.10.1.5, the L10h for bearing can be bearing pair life, in my case, single thrust bearing life is less than 16000hr under maximum loads)

Thanks for any thoughts

MSc. Mechanical Engineering;
5 years EPC experience;
Oil & Gas industry in Canada.

 

[clay87]

Are you the end-user?

 

[billbusy]

Not really, I am the engineer with an EPC company. I review the calculations from the pump supplier for the end user. Normally, we don't go to such details but this time the supplier seems not very good during the previous experience. Thus I want to review in detail to ensure that their calculation meets API 610.

Thanks

MSc. Mechanical Engineering;
6 years EPC experience;
Oil & Gas industry in Canada.

 

[clay87]

Maybe try the bearing forum..those guys get pretty analytical