Leading Edge Groove (LEG) Bearings

Kingsbury's patented Leading Edge Groove (LEG) thrust and journal bearings can significantly improve a machine's performance, reliability, and efficiency. Applications have proven that advanced design LEG bearings can, compared to already reliable standard Kingsbury bearings:

• Reliably operate with lower oil flow requirements.
  
• Substantially reduce bearing power losses.
  
• Significantly reduce operating temperatures.
  
• Dramatically increase load capacity.

Our LEG bearing design has been refined through exhaustive testing and represents the ultimate in directed lubrication technology.Yet the design is simple. The bearings are constructed so that cool inlet oil flows directly over the leading edge of the bearing shoe into the oil film which insulates the babbitt face from hot oil carryover.

Oil flow and power loss benefits are obtained by the efficient application of cool oil to the film. The LEG method of lubrication also allows operation in a non-flooded environment which eliminates parasitic (non-film) losses without risk of starving the oil film. Shoe temperature is lowered by protecting against the effects of hot oil carryover and by reducing parasitic losses between shoes that would add heat to the oil film. The lower shoe temperatures increase the bearing's load capacity.

Kingsbury has used LEG lubrication in field applications since 1985. The applications and data demonstrate that LEG technology is a cost effective and reliable method of lubrication that improves efficiency, lowers capital costs, and adds value to machinery.

Kingsbury, Inc., 10385 Drummond Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154. Tel: 215-824-4000; Fax: 215-824-4999.