Diamond bearing with cooling/lubrication channels

Abstract

A thrust bearing comprises at least one diamond bearing segment, wherein the segment has a front surface and a back surface. A plurality of bearing pads extend a predetermined distance from the front surface, each of the plurality of bearing pads has a load surface substantially parallel to the front surface. The plurality of bearing pads act cooperatively to provide a load bearing surface area. The bearing pads are shaped and arranged in a predetermined pattern to enhance the load carrying surface area, and the predetermined pattern creates a plurality of flow micro-channels between the bearing pads. In another aspect, a thrust bearing comprises a diamond bearing surface, and a predetermined pattern of cavities formed in the diamond bearing surface for providing a fluid reservoir for lubricating and cooling the load surface.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] This invention relates to thrust bearings and more particularly to diamond bearing segments with cooling and lubrication channels.[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art[0004] Diamond bearings have found application in oil drilling and other environments demanding high load carrying ability under extreme wear conditions. As used herein, the term diamond includes synthetic diamond such as polycrystalline diamond. When used as a thrust bearing, a pair of load carrying structures containing diamond pads, also called inserts, are arranged in opposition to bear against one another. One such common arrangement for a thrust bearing is shown in FIG. 1, where a load ring 1 has a number of individual diamond bearing inserts 2 disposed concentrically therein. The thrust load is carried by the bearing surface 3 of each insert.[0005] The load carrying capacity of such a bearing is limited by the frictional heat build up in the diamond bearing inserts. The ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The load carrying capacity of such a bearing is limited by the frictional heat build up in the diamond bearing inserts.

A thermal limit is eventually reached beyond which the inserts begin to degrade and ultimately may disintegrate.

Replacement of any bearing in a downhole environment is undesirable due to the expense and downtime involved in pulling and repairing such equipment.

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