Patent ID: 6361217
Filing Date: 2002-03-26
Classification: E21B,F16C

Abstract:
A thrust bearing comprising:housing; a mandrel; a plurality of pressure bearing chambers axially journalled between the mandrel and the housing, such that there is a series of relatively low pressure chambers adjacent to, and alternating with, a series of relatively high pressure chambers, the relatively low pressure chambers being in slidable relation to the relatively high pressure chambers; a plurality of first pressure chamber segments comprised of a tubular body and an outwardly extending collar, the outwardly extending collar containing at least one seal, the plurality of first pressure chamber segments adjacent an exterior surface of the mandrel; a plurality of second pressure chamber segments comprised of a tubular body and an inwardly extending collar, the inwardly extending collar containing at least one seal, the plurality of second pressure chamber segments adjacent an interior surface of the housing; at least one seal on each outwardly extending collar of each of the plurality of first pressure chamber segments sealingly adjoining the tubular body of each of the plurality of second pressure chamber segments; at least one seal on each inwardly extending collar of each of the plurality of second pressure chamber segments sealingly adjoining the tubular body of each of the plurality of first pressure chamber segments; at least one high pressure port extending through each of the plurality of first pressure chamber segments and in fluid communication with relatively high pressure fluid.