Patent ID: 6886324
Filing Date: 2005-05-03
Classification: F01D,F02C

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for minimizing coking in bearings of a turbine, comprising: a lubricant reservoir containing a lubricant; first and second lubricant supply lines extending from the lubricant reservoir and connected to each of the bearings; a main turbine pump driver connected to the first lubricant supply line for supplying the lubricant through the first lubricant supply line to the bearings, when the turbine is operating; an auxiliary electrical pump connected to the second lubricant supply line for supplying the lubricant through the second lubricant supply line to the bearings; and control means connected to the turbine and the auxiliary pump for turning on the auxiliary pump when the turbine is turned off and for supplying lubricant to the bearings; a lubricant return line connected to the lubricant reservoir and the bearings for returning the lubricant from the bearings to the lubricant reservoir; temperature sensors connected to the lubricant return line and the control means for measuring the temperature of the lubricant in the lubricant return line, and the control means turning off the auxiliary pump when the temperature of the lubricant in the lubricant return line falls below a predetermined temperature.