Bearing assemblies including a thermally conductive structure, bearing apparatuses, and methods of use

摘要

Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies configured to effectively provide heat distribution from and/or heat dissipation for bearing element, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed about an axis. Each superhard bearing element of the plurality of superhard bearing elements has a superhard material including a superhard surface. Additionally, a support ring structure that includes a support ring that supports the plurality of superhard bearing elements and a thermally-conductive structure in thermal communication with the superhard table of each of the plurality of superhard bearing elements. The thermally-conductive structure has a higher thermal conductivity than the support ring of the support ring structure.

主权项

1. A method of manufacturing a bearing assembly, comprising:
attaching a plurality of superhard bearing elements to a support ring such that the plurality of superhard bearing elements are distributed about an axis, each of the plurality of superhard bearing elements including a superhard material having a superhard bearing surface; and at least partially enclosing the support ring with a thermally-conductive structure such that the thermally-conductive structure is in thermal communication with the plurality of superhard bearing elements; wherein the thermally-conductive structure exhibits a higher thermal conductivity than the support ring.