Importance

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Abstract

A high capacity thrust bearing is disclosed for use in a tubular drilling string to support axial loads resulting from upward or downward jarring forces. The thrust bearing comprises an inner mandrel and an outer housing. A mandrel pressure chamber string and a housing pressure chamber string are journalled between the mandrel and the housing. The mandrel pressure chamber string and the housing chamber string are arranged to form a number of individual pressure chambers. Alternating pressure chambers contain high pressure fluid or low pressure fluid, thereby forming a repeating pressure differential between adjacent chambers. As loads are applied axially to the drill string, such as jarring loads, the pressure differential over the surface area of the pressure chambers provides a thrust bearing. The thrust bearing is rotatable by its connection to the drill string.

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First Claim