摘要 |
A bearing arrangement for a gear pump comprises first and second separate bearing blocks (18, 20) each having a respective block housing (18a, 20a). The first and second bearing blocks (18, 20) together defining an axially directed bearing surface (44) including a bridge region (34, 36) formed from an erosion resistant material which acts to separate inlet and outlet ports (12, 14) of the pump and a second region formed from a reduced friction material. The bridge region (36, 40) is defined by first and second insert members (38, 40) cast within respective ones of the block housings (18a, 20a). The first and second bearing blocks (18, 20) are arranged such that respective surfaces of the first and second insert members (38, 40) mate with one another, and the first and second insert members (38, 40) are arranged such that the bridge region (34, 36) of the bearing surface is flush with the second region. <IMAGE> |