Prevention of Babbitt Blisters in Thrust-Bearing Pads

Babbitt blisters were observed on water-wheel generator thrust-bearing pads. Investigation revealed that these blisters resulted from the accumulation of high-pressure hydrogen at the steel-babbitt interface. The hydrogen, it was found, came from the steel and was introduced during the manufacture of the steel. The maximum level of hydrogen content to insure freedom from blisters was determined. Processes to remove hydrogen from the steel were developed. The incorporation of these processes into the manufacture of thurst-bearing pads has resulted in the complete elimination of babbitt blistering.