Abstract: A tilt pad journal bearing for supporting a rotating shaft includes an annular support ring and a plurality of arcuate pads tiltably mounted in the annular support ring and circumferentially spaced apart from each other. The tilt pad journal bearing further has a lubrication arrangement disposed between each pair of the plurality of arcuate pads. The lubrication arrangement includes a lubrication manifold connected to the annular support ring and recessed relative to a shaft support surface of adjacent arcuate pads to define an oil mixing cavity, and a plurality of lubrication nozzles protruding from the lubrication manifold into the oil mixing cavity. A cross-sectional flow area of at least one of the plurality of lubrication nozzles positioned toward a center of the lubrication manifold is larger than a cross-sectional flow area of a remainder of the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: A bearing includes a thrust gas bearing attached to a journal bearing and two or more converging-diverging orifices defined in a surface of at least one of the thrust gas bearing and the journal bearing. The converging-diverging orifices supply at least one pressurized gas to an interior of the bearing. Hydrodynamic lifting grooves are provided on the faces of the thrust gas bearing and the journal bearing and provide improved load capacity and sealing capabilities. Control over the ratios of the pressurized gases provides for additional sealing capabilities and reduced leakage. A metal mesh damper provides increased damping of the gas bearing.

Abstract: A bearing includes a thrust gas bearing attached to a journal bearing and two or more converging-diverging orifices defined in a surface of at least one of the thrust gas bearing and the journal bearing. The converging-diverging orifices supply at least one pressurized gas to an interior of the bearing. Hydrodynamic lifting grooves are provided on the faces of the thrust gas bearing and the journal bearing and provide improved load capacity and sealing capabilities. Control over the ratios of the pressurized gases provides for additional sealing capabilities and reduced leakage. A metal mesh damper provides increased damping of the gas bearing.

Abstract: A fluid bearing for use in turbomachinery including at least one bearing pad configured to be arranged about a rotating member of the turbomachinery. Each bearing pad includes an internal cooling opening defined in the bearing pad and an internal channel network defined in the bearing pad with at least one channel node in fluid communication with the internal cooling opening and at least two passageways in fluid communication with and extending from the channel node through the bearing pad. At least one of the passageways extends to an exterior surface of the bearing pad to define at least one cooling discharge opening.

Abstract: A fluid bearing for use in turbomachinery including at least one bearing pad configured to be arranged about a rotating member of the turbomachinery. Each bearing pad includes an internal cooling opening defined in the bearing pad and an internal channel network defined in the bearing pad with at least one channel node in fluid communication with the internal cooling opening and at least two passageways in fluid communication with and extending from the channel node through the bearing pad. At least one of the passageways extends to an exterior surface of the bearing pad to define at least one cooling discharge opening.