Development of an Improved Bearing Pack for Downhole Motors in Geothermal Applications
- Key words
- Production; Power Generation; Motors; Downhole Pumps; Bearing Pack; Seals; DOE/DGE
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1981
- Session
- Downhole motors; Rotary seals; Durability testing
- Language
- English
Abstract
A sealed bearing pack (called the Bearing-Seal Package) is being developed for use with downhole mud motors and turbines for geothermal applications. The Bearing-Seal Package contains a sealed lubrication system which allows the bearings to operated in oil instead of abrasive drilling mud. the key to the success of the lubrication system is the development of a reliable rotary seal that will operate under downhole conditions. The development program emphasizes extensive laboratory screening tests of candidate high temperature seals and lubricants. A Seal Test Machine has been constructed to test candidate high temperature seals under simulated downhole conditions. Descriptions of the Bearing-Seal Package and Seal Test Machine are presented. Candidate high temperature seals and lubricants are reviewed and seal tests are discussed.
Copyright 1981, Geothermal Resources Council. Readers who download papers from this site should honour the copyright of the original authors, and may not copy or distribute the work further without the permission of the original publisher.