From Lab to Field: New High Performance Water Lubricated Bearings

Abstract

Recent independent lab testing and field trials have verified significant wear and friction reductions are possible with a new family of polymer alloy bearings. Advanced water-lubricated bearings with projected pressures in the range of 3448 to 6895 kPa (500 to 1,000 psi) are possible with length-to-diameter (L/D) ratios as low as 0.2 without end leakage. Much higher pressures are made possible by dimensionally controlling the “stiffness” (shape factor) of the rubber/plastic alloy bearing.