摘要 |
A vertically mountable shaft and bearing assembly includes a thermally insulated housing that protects the shaft, bearing(s), and lubricant from overheating due to a surrounding process fluid that is above 65° C. This allows a bearing to be located near the shaft's distal end, thereby reducing shaft and bearing size requirements. The housing also serves as a reservoir for bearing lubricant that can be cooled by a lubricant cooling system normally used for processes at much lower temperatures. The lubricant can be circulated by an impeller that is actuated by the shaft or driven separately. The thermal insulation, can include vacuum, air, and/or a thermally insulating material. Additional rolling element and/or journal bearings can be included. Lubricant within the shaft housing can be pressurized, for example by pressurized gas or by filling the lubricant above the surrounding process fluid level. The shaft can operate a process fluid pump impeller.
|