PDC bearing for use in a fluid environment
US8613554B2 · kind B2 · utility
53Cited by
7References
18Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 18, 2010 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2206/04
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A self-aligning bearing assembly utilizing PDC buttons for forming opposing circumferential arrays of bearing surfaces, is particularly suitable for use in a fluid environment, such as being immersed in flowing water when supporting the rotor of a hydroelectric turbine. One bearing surface is supported for rotation with the rotor. The opposing bearing surface is supported by a spherical joint in a stationary housing. When the rotor is subjected to hydraulic loading, the opposing bearing surface can be tilted to self-align with the rotor axis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.