Patent ID: 8360650
Filing Date: 2013-01-29
Classification: F16C,F16N,F25B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for lubricating a rolling element bearing by an ultra low viscosity volatile fluid comprising: injecting an ultra low viscosity volatile fluid flow into the bearing, the bearing comprising a first set of rings and first rolling elements positioned between the first set of rings, and a second set of rings and second rolling elements positioned between the second set of rings; lubricating rolling contact between the first set of rings and the first rolling elements with a first portion of the ultra low viscosity volatile fluid flow; lubricating rolling contact between the second set of rings and the second rolling elements with a second portion of the ultra low viscosity volatile fluid flow; and restricting the ultra low viscosity volatile fluid flow with a first flow restriction and a second flow restriction so as to maintain at least part of the ultra low viscosity volatile fluid flow at a pressure which is above an evaporation pressure defined by evaporation of the ultra low viscosity volatile fluid flow at a temperature or temperatures which prevail(s) in the bearing, the first flow restriction comprises a first shield positioned at a first outlet of the bearing so that the first flow restriction restricts the first portion of the ultra low viscosity volatile fluid flow lubricating the rolling contact between the first set of rings and the first rolling elements, and the second flow restriction comprises a second shield positioned at a second outlet of the bearing so that the second flow restriction restricts the second portion of the ultra low viscosity volatile fluid flow lubricating the rolling contact between the second set of rings and the second rolling elements.