Refractory bearing

Abstract

At least one bearing insert is secured within a metallic housing to form a wear resistant bearing. In operation, the bearing insert engages a journal and provides a wear-resistant surface. The housing defines a cavity for receiving the bearing insert. The cavity preferably expands radially so that the bearing insert remains secured in the cavity. The bearing insert can comprise a refractory ceramic. The bearing insert is secured within the cavity by any suitable means, such as thermal shrink-fit. A thin layer of sacrificial metal protects the bearing insert during initial start-up. The sacrificial metal wears to expose the bearing insert. Further wear exposes a larger area of the refractory bearing insert. A second bearing insert can be disposed opposite to the first so that rotating the housing can expose the second bearing insert to the journal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.