What is pressure bearings?

Pressure bearings, also known as hydrodynamic bearings, are a type of bearing that utilizes a thin layer of fluid between two or more surfaces to reduce friction and wear. The fluid is usually oil or lubricant that is continuously fed under pressure to the bearing surface through channels or grooves.

The bearing is designed in such a way that the fluid pressure generated by the rotation of the shaft creates a hydrodynamic wedge that lifts the shaft slightly above the bearing surface. This hydrodynamic wedge separates the shaft from the bearing, reducing contact between the two surfaces and providing a low-friction and wear-resistant interface.

Pressure bearings are commonly used in heavy industrial machinery and high-speed applications, such as turbines, compressors, and pumps. They offer many benefits over other types of bearings, including longer service life, reduced maintenance, and higher load capacity. However, they also require a higher initial investment and may have higher energy requirements due to the constant flow of fluid needed to maintain the hydrodynamic wedge.