Patent ID: 8087172
Filing Date: 2012-01-03
Classification: F23K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of extending the life of a journal bearing assembly in a solid fuel pulverizer, the method comprising: removing a first lower journal bearing from a journal shaft and a lower bearing seat of a lower bearing housing configured to support a grinding roll in the pulverizer; removing a first upper journal bearing from the shaft and an upper bearing seat of an upper bearing housing configured to be coupled to the lower bearing housing; modifying the lower and upper bearing seats to provide modified lower and upper bearing seats; modifying lower and upper shoulders on the journal shaft to receive second lower and upper journal bearings, respectively, while retaining an original diameter of the journal shaft under the second lower and upper journal bearings; disposing the second lower and upper journal bearings on the modified lower and upper bearing seats, the second lower and upper journal bearings having at least one of an increased diameter and width than the first lower and upper journal bearings; disposing a new journal bearing spacer between the second lower and upper journal bearings; disposing a new journal bearing collar between the upper shoulder and the second upper journal bearing; filling a cavity defined by the lower and upper journal housings with grease; and disposing a seal assembly between the shaft and one end of the upper journal housing opposite the lower journal housing to prevent the ingress of solid fuel into the cavity of the journal assembly.