| Name: Tarun Bangia |
| Affiliation: Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital |
| Conference ID: ASI2026_479 |
| Title: Operational diagnostics and maintenance of hydrostatic bearing system of the 3.6m DOT |
| Abstract Type: Poster |
| Abstract Category: Facilities, Technologies and Data science |
| Author(s) and Co-Author(s) with Affiliation: Tarun Bangia(Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital - 263001, India) |
| Abstract: Hydrostatic bearings are suitable for large-aperture optical telescopes due to their ability to sustain heavy loads while maintaining high stiffness and negligible wear. The rotating mass of approximately 125 tons around the azimuth axis of the 3.6m Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT) is supported by a dual hydrostatic bearing system comprising axial and radial bearings. The axial hydrostatic bearing supports the vertical load of the telescope and consists of 24 pads arranged around the azimuth track. The radial hydrostatic bearing ensures high positioning stiffness of the rotor with respect to the fixed stator and consists of 6 pads that support the lateral motion of the azimuth structure.
Minute oil leakages were observed during the operation of the 3.6 m Devasthal Optical Telescope at joints associated with few axial and radial oil flow controllers. As the radial oil flow controllers are located close to the azimuth encoder, oil leakage in this region sometimes affects telescope operations. A thorough inspection to identify minute oil leakages and repair or replace faulty joints and seals was undertaken for 3.6m DOT. The servicing work included disassembly of oil flow controller blocks, unmounting of pressure sensors, cleaning of components, along with replacement of O-rings and sealing washers. All the components were reassembled, and no oil leakage was observed during telescope operation.
The pressure data was analysed for all axial and radial pads before and after servicing. The pressure variations during azimuth rotation were measured after maintenance to study its operating behaviour. The work presents systematic maintenance, and pressure-based diagnostics in maintaining the good health of the hydrostatic bearings for operational reliability. |
