Process-Fluid-Lubricated Polycrystalline Diamond Bearings for application in Marine Hydrokinetic Machines

	Clean Technology 2011 Chapter 1: Renewable Energy Technologies
	Process-Fluid-Lubricated Polycrystalline Diamond Bearings for application in Marine Hydrokinetic Machines
Authors:	T.N. Sexton, C.H. Cooley
Affilation:	US Synthetic Corp., US
Pages:	13 - 16
Keywords:	fluid-film bearings, polycrystalline diamond, PCD, process-fluid-lubricated
Abstract:	Polycrystalline diamond thrust and radial bearings have proven to be successful in harsh environments, such as those encountered in down-hole oil and gas drilling tools. They are particularly well suited for applications where a harsh or abrasive fluid is serving as the bearing lubricant. In oil and gas drilling tools, the bearings are cooled and lubricated directly by the drilling fluid. Marine hydrokinetic machines have the potential need for bearings that can operate directly in the water environment without the use of seals or hydrocarbon-based lubricants. Polycrystalline diamond bearings may be ideally suited for such use where they will be required to last for several years as opposed to hundreds or thousands of hours in oil and gas applications. Recent tests conducted by the authors have shown that polycrystalline diamond bearings can operate successfully as fluid-film bearings where the bearing surfaces are completely separated by a thin layer of lubricant. Fluid film bearings have the advantages of very low friction and, in theory, infinite life. This new development means that polycrystalline diamond bearings may be well suited for use in marine hydrokinetic machines or in other renewable energy applications such as wind or geothermal.
ISBN:	978-1-4398-8189-7
Pages:	438
Order:	Online/Mail/Fax Ordering Options
Indexes:	Keywords, Authors, Affiliations
Up

Join Us

Featured Events

Cleantech 2012
(joint with TechConnect World)
Santa Clara CA, June 19-21, 2012

Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit & Expo
Honolulu, Hawai‘i, August 13-15, 2012

"We've very much enjoyed being a member of CTSI. In addition to the many networking and conference opportunities, we've found the monthly newsletters to be the best consolidated source of clean technology industry information and updates on policy, grants and market intelligence."

- Patrick J. Piper, QM Power, Inc.

"Ener-G-Rotors is pleased to be a member of CTSI. CTSI has been very supportive of our efforts in clean technology, helping to connect us with key legislators, introducing us to contacts at the DOE, and providing opportunities to network with other clean technology companies."

- Michael Newell, Ener-G-Rotors, Inc.

"The Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Organization brings together the world's most innovative companies to provide critical thinking and technology solutions to real-world challenges."

- Dr. Ray O Johnson, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Lockheed Martin

Clean Technology 2011

Chapter 1: Renewable Energy Technologies

Process-Fluid-Lubricated Polycrystalline Diamond Bearings for application in Marine Hydrokinetic Machines