Cryogenic ferrofluid sealed rotary union
US10704693B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF17C2270/0518
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A rotary union that includes a heated ferrofluid seal is disclosed. The rotary union includes an inner rotating shaft, an intermediate rotating shaft and an outer rotating shaft. The inner rotating shaft is hollow to allow the flow of cryogenic fluid in one direction. The inner rotating shaft and the intermediate shaft are spaced apart to create a channel for the return of the cryogenic fluid. The intermediate rotating shaft is separated from the outer rotating shaft by a gap so as to reduce thermal conductivity. In this way, the temperature of the outer rotating shaft is greater than the temperature of the cryogenic fluid. A heated ferrofluid seal is disposed between the outer rotating shaft and the housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.